Pumps and # of pumps

[eddie]

I have a simple question. Would it be better to have 2-4 powerheads or 1 or 2 large ones? I currently run a tunze and 2 maxijets but I am thinking about adding 2-3 more powerheads. Just seeing what people are doing on their tanks.

[Texreefer]

i run two independent returns for circulation 800gph each max.. one runs through a SCWD and i have 4-mj900's. 2 on each end of tank. i also have 1 rio 2100 hidden behind rock that comes on for 15 mins every morning just before lights come on to blow out and keep detritus from building up

[Instar]

If you have one and it goes out, your tank is in trouble. If you have redundancy and one goes out, your tank is still running, although maybe compromised. If you have 4 and one goes out... by now you get the idea. Same idea applies to heaters to protect on cold winter nights and skimmers. If you have space, the tank size, etc., redundancy is always better than one and you can produce more wave cycles and surges with more pumps.

[eddie]

You have a good point. I run several heaters during winter. I am just thinking about the pumps and making sure my circulation is enough.