Anyone use two return pumps?

I may be upgrading my tank and now will need a return pump with more power. My other thought was just to add another return pump to the mix. Does anyone use two return pumps from their sump to the DT? Advantages? Disadvantages?

 

If you can plug them into different circuits in your house it adds a great level of redundancy in case a fuze gets blown. The down side is it increases heat and power consumption.

 

I can't think of any advabtages

 

Well, I currently have a Eheim 1250. I really love the Eheim, but the next size up is the 1260 which essentially doubles everything (gph, wattage). I was pondering just picking up another 1250, and running another return line in the opposite corner of the tank.

 

Why do you think you need more? 3-5x you display volume is typically plenty. Some people run less. I'm not aware of any benefit to running higher turnover rates. That said, if you do need more, or just want more, a larger pump usually isn't much more expensive than a smaller pump. Also, most tanks are only plumbed for one. You could if you want to though I guess...

 

I usually aim for 2-4x turnover--that being said, by the time I account for head loss the newly upgraded DT plus the sump water would only be turned over 1.5x with my current Eheim pump. If I double the return pump I have now, then I'm at 3x, which would be perfect.

 

Also provides redundancy for one pump dying.

 

That sounds reasonable. You'll need a seperate return for each pump, but as long as plumbing isn't an issue I don't see a problem.