How do i alternate two closed loop system DC pumps.

[skeeter_ca]

Hello.
Designing a new closed loop system for my new reef tank. What i want to do is have one DC flow pump on each side of my tank and alternate the pumps back and forth. One pump comes on for say 60 seconds then shuts off entirely, then the other pump comes on for 60 seconds then shuts down entirely, and so on and so on. I want something economically priced and stand only. I do not want to go full controller setups like Apex, Hydros, etc... Anyone have any ideas?

Darrell

 

[Grin Reefer]

This might do it for you,

https://www.amazon.com/Techbee-Countdown-Programmalbe-Electrical-Appliances/dp/B098WXZ783/ref=sr_1_6_sspa?crid=RO3ZRZLYEFV9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RkqDdFEUhoUnGDO7SoPB4I1TvVsR2uj9-MfNShCj-UbiNENAvU8Mta9mzCidVaf3qhh88hyWvLBi-V7yPsVDYfscjiRBZvpPF3-uo6b1Gf0_pvz7rKMoyr4dagAgAsQb0uo58k5liVlPtscMzcwW_xveE-AlMpfyb9sdYzoRVsr7XNhZ6eO-HyNEGg2gfaG3PJm4d5KIrt7rjvEDKU3PBqp_b0NvSm8e-pmcj0RArms.ufnPGZTf7GE8oR4Y6oFlPkcsZ5Ai-DE0YOr7TPb84dU&dib_tag=se&keywords=one%2Bminute%2Bon%2Boff%2Bprogrammable%2Bpower%2Bsupply&qid=1772472848&sprefix=one%2Bminute%2Bon%2Boff%2Bprogrammable%2Bpower%2Bsupply%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-6-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&th=1

 

[skeeter_ca]

Don't think that would work. I need something to switch both pumps so neither one is operating at the same time.

 

[griss]

Maybe just an old school wavemaker?

 

[Grin Reefer]

Watch the instruction video. You can set the start times a minute apart from each other. Worse case scenario, set the internal clocks to be one minute apart.

 

[skeeter_ca]

Maybe just an old school wavemaker?

Yes, but I can't find an old school wavemaker. I had the Natural Wave many years ago and it served me will, but cannot be found now.

 

[skeeter_ca]

And can a 3000gph dc pump sustain 1 minute on-off cycles long term?

 

[wvned]

2 Ecotech Vectra pumps in Mobius might do that.
Big bucks though for 3000gph
You should use a high and low setting alternating and not completely stop them each cycle.That would make it much easier on the equipment.

The Vectra's default is Constant mode which is ideal for most applications. That said, the Vectra line is capable of being run in Gyre, ReefCrest, and Lagoon mode. Keep in mind, this is only for Vectras installed in a closed-loop application and has been calibrated.

The gyre mode would be what you want to alternate them

 

[Cruzersmith]

Something like this is what you need. I have this set up on my two sump pumps as I live in a high water table area and the sump fills 24/7, 365 so the pumps can run fairly often and this doubles their life span. It’s not all that expensive but it requires some understanding of electrically how this relay operates. I was an electrician for decades so no issue for me but it’s not for a novice. Would be nice if you were buddies with an electrician who could walk you through or even set it up for you. Sorry I know this is not the best of help but maybe can get you going in the right direction.

 

[wvned]

You do not want to turn DC pumps off and on frequently. That is fine with AC pumps.
A simple device alternates AC power to 2 outlets the pumps are plugged into.

With DC pumps you need to leave them on and have the power levels alternate between the two.
So you need two pumps that can sync with each other like Jebao wave makers do or have another control Method like Mobius from Ecotech.
Every time you power a DC pump you risk one of the controllers or power supplies failing.

The third option is some pumps have control through a 0-10 volt connection used by controllers. Reef Octopus Varios pumps have this. Then you need a controller setup and the flow program is made in it.

 

[Cruzersmith]

Ok good to know. I learned something. I have been using the feed mode on my hydros controller to shut off my AI axis return pump for 5 minutes twice a day so food doesn’t get sucked into the filter. I’ll stop doing that.

 

[wvned]

They are a lot less fragile than they used to be but I just had a power supply fail for a return pump a few day ago when the power went out for a few seconds.