Running Dual Pumps on one Line

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Illusion

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 7, 2004
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I had a question.. I was running an External pcx40 on my tank as the main Circulation for the sump... But because the Sump was glass I didnt want to drill it and just ran the pipe up and over the side of the sump.. Well anyways to make a long story short the impeller was cavitating causing lots of Microbubbles... I then got the Idea as I had an extra genX 4100 submersible pump to feed that Directly from the sump into the PCX40 and I tried it and Low and behold no microbubbles whatsoever... It seems to work great... Does anyone see any long term issues Or even short term month or 2 with running the pumps this way until I can get a better sump.. Has anyone else ever done this..

TIA,
James
 
Its been done.. The problems I see is the submersible pump failing and causing problems for the main pump.. it would probly be a fluke for the second one to fail but it could happen...

Have you considered taking your sump down temporarily to like a rubbermaid container and having your glass sump drilled to slove your problems? Most glass shops will do it for like $5-$15.. just a though
 
Well If the one failed the external would still be able to pull water.. It would just create alot of microbubbles... It the External Failed then the 4100 would be driving the entire tank LOL not a problem there either... I have called some glass shops but cannot really find one that has a bit except 3/4" and 2" which I need preferrably 2 3/8" for a 1.5" bulkhead.. If I am going to have it drilled why not go overboard It can always be reduced.. LOL..

James
 
How much would your flow drop if the outside pump had to pull water through the submerged pump?

Twin pumps you may be on to something.. sorta like putting Twin Turbos on a car :)
 
I have no Idea... I am not really too worried about the flow as long as there is enough thru the chiller (500gph) The tank is only a 55g and I already have 2 Maxi 1200's and then whatever the pumps are pushing... Plenty enough for a 55g.. I like to overdue things.. I did manage to find only 1 place in town that would drill my sump... Only problem is the only bit they have that matches a bulkhead its for the 2" bulkhead LOL... Thats a bit Extreme LOL.. It would make a hell of an overflow If I ever wanted to use the tank again LOL.. I guess I will just keep checking around for an acrylic sump while I am running these dual pumps I guess :(

Anyone else have any issues with this..
James
 
How thick is the glass? If it is a smaller tank like a 20 or so you could drill it yourself easily w/ a dremel tool and a diamond bit.
 
The tank is a 29g I believe Allglass but I wasnt the original purchaser of the tank so who knows about the brand... Looking at the glass I would think maybe 1/4" glass at the most... Whatever the standard 29g tanks are... I have thought about the Dremel Idea on it but If I crack it I have nothing to fall back on...

James
 
If you go slow and keep it wet you should be able to cut your hole in about 40 minuits. Just be careful, and if you have to fall back onto a rubbermaid for 5 bux. Just some food for thought. The other option is to buy a glass drill bit, and drill it yourself. I have seen them for around 40 bux or so. I think the dremel is a better option
 
Well I was able to find a place to drill it for a 1" bulkhead... The only issue is that he is located an hour away so that means its not going to get done before I go out of town and will have to wait until I get back as I dont want to Empty the sump drive an hour wait for it to get drilled 5-10mins and drive an hour back to start plumbing everything back up... God I hate Glass... Never again will I buy any tank thats glass...

James
 
Have you tried turning off the submersible pump to see if you still get micro bubbles? The bubbles were probably either coming from air trapped in the line (which now should be gone) or a leak in the line.


Tom
 
Nah there is no leak in the line.. I already know that the pump is cavitating and that is causeing the issues... I have since found an Acrylic Sump WEEEE so I am hopefully going to pick it up in a little while... I figure I have access to 1.5" bulkheads so I will drill it for a 1.5" bulkhead and reduce it to 3/4" on the pump... Can anyone see an issue with this..

TIA,
James
 
Well My project for tomorrow is piping in this 60ish gal Acrylic sump... I had to patch a few holes and test it to make sure it was water tight... If this doesnt solve my problem Tank will be up for trade for a crotch rocket LOL..

James
 
I have a 55 Gallon Acrylic sump that I'd gladly trade for a Crotch rocket especailly a SV1000S or a Ducati almost any kinda.. though I could also be really happy with an SV650S.. Hell for the SV1000S in blue I'd trade my whole freakin 125 + 75 + Lighting fixture, and almost anything else...
 
iamjosh said:
I have a 55 Gallon Acrylic sump that I'd gladly trade for a Crotch rocket especailly a SV1000S or a Ducati almost any kinda.. though I could also be really happy with an SV650S.. Hell for the SV1000S in blue I'd trade my whole freakin 125 + 75 + Lighting fixture, and almost anything else...
Click to expand...

Keep dreamin, Maybe some has a spare Ninja 250 lying around :badgrin: .

Don
 
I have heard that they can be had for pretty cheep. (sv1000) take cash and twist that dealers arm. They can be worked pretty easily. I picked up a new bike in June and got a steal :D
 
Well I believe I got everything Bubble free Finally... It only took 3 rolls of Teflon tape, a couple pipe wrenches and a hole lot of Cussin LOL... I dont have everything back to where it should go as I still have to cut pipe and stuff but Its sitting in the living room and is throwing no bubbles back into the tank... I also too the time to replace the 1/2" sch40 returns with 3/4" sch20 returns... Hopefully when I get it all back into place everything will stay bubble free... My living room is a Complete disaster LOL... And my sister in law thought I would watch her kids with my house like this.. Electrical cords, power strips, knifes, drills, scissors just about everything you could imagine all strung out across the living room floor.. Not to mention the carpet having about 5g of water on it.. LOL Glad I am renting and Im on the bottom floor LOL hehehehe

James
 
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