Return Pump and Feeding

layer3switchguy · 01/05/2007, 09:53 AM

Folks,

Curious how many of you turn off your return pump to feed your fish and corals? Is it safe to turn the pump off each day for 15-30 minutes to feed? I've noticed that with the pump on, most of the food gets sucked into the return very quickly...

My sump is in the basement, and was thinking about putting an X10 module on it to control it from upstairs where my tank is.

Good idea, or will I wreck my pump?

Thanks,
L3

rick s · 01/05/2007, 10:55 AM

I turn mine off every day when I feed for 15-30 minutes. I've had it off for an hour many times with no ill effects. It never made sense to me either to let food go into the overflow and sump and rot there.

I use a mechanical, in-wall, intermatic timer to turn my pump off. Turn the dial and forget about it. It will turn the pump back on for me. One less thing to worry about, "Did I turn the pump back on???"

If you want to do this make sure you get a timer that has "Reverse Action" contacts.

rreddick · 01/05/2007, 11:18 AM

I turn off for about 30 minutes, when I feed Phyto or Zoo I leave the return off for several hours to give the filter feeders a fair chance

Ron

layer3switchguy · 01/05/2007, 11:34 AM

Great! Thanks guys...

01/05/2007, 09:53 AM	#1
layer3switchguy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 843	Return Pump and Feeding Folks, Curious how many of you turn off your return pump to feed your fish and corals? Is it safe to turn the pump off each day for 15-30 minutes to feed? I've noticed that with the pump on, most of the food gets sucked into the return very quickly... My sump is in the basement, and was thinking about putting an X10 module on it to control it from upstairs where my tank is. Good idea, or will I wreck my pump? Thanks, L3 __________________ 120g Oceanic Tech (48x24x24) 90lbs of Live Rock ATB Small Cone ATI 8 Bulb Powermodule (T5) 2 Vortech MP40W Prodibio Profilux P3ex Controlled Current Tank Info: 120g Oceanic Tech

01/05/2007, 10:55 AM	#2
rick s Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 2,993	I turn mine off every day when I feed for 15-30 minutes. I've had it off for an hour many times with no ill effects. It never made sense to me either to let food go into the overflow and sump and rot there. I use a mechanical, in-wall, intermatic timer to turn my pump off. Turn the dial and forget about it. It will turn the pump back on for me. One less thing to worry about, "Did I turn the pump back on???" If you want to do this make sure you get a timer that has "Reverse Action" contacts. __________________ Rick Current Tank Info: Reefer Emeritus

01/05/2007, 11:34 AM	#4
layer3switchguy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 843	Great! Thanks guys... __________________ 120g Oceanic Tech (48x24x24) 90lbs of Live Rock ATB Small Cone ATI 8 Bulb Powermodule (T5) 2 Vortech MP40W Prodibio Profilux P3ex Controlled Current Tank Info: 120g Oceanic Tech

01/05/2007, 11:18 AM	#3
rreddick Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Brewster, MA Posts: 224	I turn off for about 30 minutes, when I feed Phyto or Zoo I leave the return off for several hours to give the filter feeders a fair chance Ron