The pumping columns only need to be dropped into the 1-1/4" water column to work.. Of course they each need air. It's that simple. The water in the column is from the last container in line. It refills as fast as it's pumped out..
Cool, i just bought 2 more pumping columns on ebay. I experimented with various pumps i have, but even dialed all the way down the control bucket would still fill faster then it would drain back out to the 1st bucket. This skinny 1/2 inch tubing doesn't allow the water to circulate fast enough so I hope with a few more pumping columns it should help but not be overkill.
Also, i hookedup a 1/10th hp chiller in line between the control bucket. The problem again is that the water in the control bucket is real cool (66 F), but the system circulates so darn slow, by the time the water makes it's loop and gets to my last bucket in the series, the water in that bucket is 10-15 degrees hotter
. The cool water can't be dispersed quick enough by the pull of the single pumping column. And with a pump hookedup pulling water into the res from the last bucket in series, the control bucket fills faster then it can flow back out to the 1st bucket!!
Is anybody else out there successfully running an inline chiller with an 8 pack? The only thing the chiller is cooling right now is the control bucket!! The way i have mine hookedup right now is the usual way with a submersible pump in the res matched to the chiller, which is pumping out to the chiller, then it is being luffed back into the control bucket, and then dispersed like a waterfall with a 3/4th inch T. The problem is the cool water can't get to the buckets fast enough to keep bucket temps down under the 2 1000's i have going. Anybody have any solution besides gutting the whole damn thing and modding it with either 3/4th or 1 inch tubing? (this isn't something i can't do now because I'm already in veg.