Double pumps incase of failure.

So I thought I was being clever, and I set up an areoponic system (stinkbuds oregon special) I was planning to use 2x265GPH pumps connected via a 3way T connector. Only problem is if one pump shuts down it'll just push all the water through the failed pump rather than through the sprayer assembly.

Has anyone done a set up like this before and is there a better (working) way to do do it?

joespit said:

So I thought I was being clever, and I set up an areoponic system (stinkbuds oregon special) I was planning to use 2x265GPH pumps connected via a 3way T connector. Only problem is if one pump shuts down it'll just push all the water through the failed pump rather than through the sprayer assembly.

Has anyone done a set up like this before and is there a better (working) way to do do it?

Click to expand...

To solve your problem use "check valves"------lets water (nutes} flow in one direction only. Very common part at most plumbing supply stores.

A~~~

exactly right. a check valve at the output of each pump would shut in case of failure.

Make sure you get your flow rates right for the plumbing. I was going to do 2, 400gph pumps in a single res feeding 4 rails in the flowering system. After doing some flow calculations i was going to have to build a 1" pvc manifold that fed out to 4, separate 1/2" pvc rails. If i tried going any smaller the pumps would have had too much resistance and been fighting each other, i wouldn't have got the flow needed for all my sprayers (28-30 in total) and i would have had more heat and pumps burn out faster.

The big box hardware stores (HD, Lowes) both carry inexpensive check valves, look around plumbing..or by the heating/boiler stuff.

also often by sump pumps and RV hook ups

joespit said:

So I thought I was being clever, and I set up an areoponic system (stinkbuds oregon special) I was planning to use 2x265GPH pumps connected via a 3way T connector. Only problem is if one pump shuts down it'll just push all the water through the failed pump rather than through the sprayer assembly.

Has anyone done a set up like this before and is there a better (working) way to do do it?

Click to expand...

Look into checkballs. It's a one way valve; water flows the right way, ball comes off the seat and floats in a lil cage. If flow reverses, the ball settles back on the seat, effectively shutting off the backflow.

Edit; such a great idea, apparently everyone else had it first!