Redundancy is Your Friend!

ca1ore · 05/27/2017, 09:17 PM

Redundancy is your friend!

Any mechanical device can fail, and if you wait long enough they all will. I have a number of float switches in my sump, including two for my ATO, one for my backup ATO, one for high sump warning (1" above normal) and one for very high sump warning (3" above normal). Been getting the high sump triggering and couldn't figure out why. Turns out the switch for the backup ATO had failed closed and the high sump switch was catching it.

I learned a long time ago to not rely on a singles switch.

hogfanreefer · 05/27/2017, 09:42 PM

Agreed. I wish I had as many layers of it as you do.

bif24701 · 05/27/2017, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogfanreefer

Agreed. I wish I had as many layers of it as you do.

Like you can't have enough

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ron Reefman · 05/28/2017, 05:27 AM

Some of it set up in the system and ready for use is good. But at the very least, have a back up on the shelf ready to install as a replacement for anything that fails and is needed to keep the tank going.

jkapit · 05/28/2017, 06:12 AM

Totally agree, I run two float switches, the high shuts off ATO, the very high shuts off the ATO and automatic water change module as well. Also have two heaters and two temperature control modules. Also keep an extra return pump on hand just in case.

quantumfuzz · 05/28/2017, 06:57 PM

It seems I have at least double of everything these days as well.

Apotack · 05/29/2017, 08:52 AM

I run two return pumps for that reason.

ca1ore · 05/29/2017, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apotack

I run two return pumps for that reason.

I have toyed with doing that, but ultimately never have. I've historically run Iwaki or PanWorld externals that are borderline bulletproof; though of course failure is always possible (and preceded by plenty of warning signals) If I were running Chinese-made DC pumps, I'd certainly make different choices.

jda · 05/29/2017, 10:36 AM

If you have a heater in your tank, that and the flow pumps when on a different circuit can keep stuff warm and aerated until you can change a return pump.

How stupid and I? I still turn a ball valve above my sump, wait 10 seconds and turn it off. I still don't trust an ATO.

ericarenee · 05/29/2017, 07:55 PM

Back up Generator ..
Two plumbed in return pumps.
4 heaters 2 each on two controllers .
I have a 150 gallon stock tank with all the plumbing ready to fill and connect to pump and sump in case of the DREADED Tank leaking issue... (This will happen to us all at least once )
I have a extra light and spare heaters , keep enough salt on hand to mix at least 600 gallons.. Right now 5 boxes so that is prob 800 or so gallons.

Also Keep 150 gallons of ro/di water 50 to 100 of it is mixed salt water depending on where i am with water changes at that time..

I also have a From before the Generator. 4 Marine batteries (for our boat actually) dc powered pump (Also boat equipment ) and a Very nice Invert-er.

We were without power for over a week several years back due to a ice storm.. I will NEVER Not be Prepared again..We were shuffling power back and forwards between furnace fridge and tank the whole time and running cans in the icy cold conditions to keep the Way to small generator going .

My opinion with large tanks . Planing for Emergency and disaster should be the First step.. Its a lot of money down the Drain with a Tiny unprepared event sometimes.

ca1ore · 05/29/2017, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericarenee

My opinion with large tanks . Planing for Emergency and disaster should be the First step.. Its a lot of money down the Drain with a Tiny unprepared event sometimes.

I wholeheartedly agree. In fact my loss-of-power plan is almost perfect. The only flaw is if I am out of town and unable to implement said plan

, then it's crap.

05/27/2017, 09:17 PM	#1
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Redundancy is Your Friend! Redundancy is your friend! Any mechanical device can fail, and if you wait long enough they all will. I have a number of float switches in my sump, including two for my ATO, one for my backup ATO, one for high sump warning (1" above normal) and one for very high sump warning (3" above normal). Been getting the high sump triggering and couldn't figure out why. Turns out the switch for the backup ATO had failed closed and the high sump switch was catching it. I learned a long time ago to not rely on a singles switch. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

05/27/2017, 09:42 PM	#2
hogfanreefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Conway, AR Posts: 2,117	Agreed. I wish I had as many layers of it as you do. __________________ DSA 155,Custom Trigger 42" sump/refugium, MP40 X2, MP 10 X 2, AI Hydra 52 X3, Apex controller, Tunze ATO Current Tank Info: DSA 155 gallon, mixed reef, SPS and wrasse dominant

05/28/2017, 05:27 AM	#4
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	Some of it set up in the system and ready for use is good. But at the very least, have a back up on the shelf ready to install as a replacement for anything that fails and is needed to keep the tank going. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

05/29/2017, 08:52 AM	#7
Apotack Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New York Posts: 297	I run two return pumps for that reason. __________________ Adam Current Tank Info: 125gal

05/29/2017, 07:55 PM	#10
ericarenee Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Louisville Kentucky Posts: 3,110	Back up Generator .. Two plumbed in return pumps. 4 heaters 2 each on two controllers . I have a 150 gallon stock tank with all the plumbing ready to fill and connect to pump and sump in case of the DREADED Tank leaking issue... (This will happen to us all at least once ) I have a extra light and spare heaters , keep enough salt on hand to mix at least 600 gallons.. Right now 5 boxes so that is prob 800 or so gallons. Also Keep 150 gallons of ro/di water 50 to 100 of it is mixed salt water depending on where i am with water changes at that time.. I also have a From before the Generator. 4 Marine batteries (for our boat actually) dc powered pump (Also boat equipment ) and a Very nice Invert-er. We were without power for over a week several years back due to a ice storm.. I will NEVER Not be Prepared again..We were shuffling power back and forwards between furnace fridge and tank the whole time and running cans in the icy cold conditions to keep the Way to small generator going . My opinion with large tanks . Planing for Emergency and disaster should be the First step.. Its a lot of money down the Drain with a Tiny unprepared event sometimes. __________________ 240+G Mixed BB Reef tank.. 350 G Marine Pond. And the expensive stuff that runs it. Chic's are for Chic's You silly men Go Fishing or something... Current Tank Info: 240= gal Reef /550 Gallon Saltwater pond 72 G Bay front Tropical aquarium

05/28/2017, 06:12 AM	#5
jkapit Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central, NJ Posts: 333	Totally agree, I run two float switches, the high shuts off ATO, the very high shuts off the ATO and automatic water change module as well. Also have two heaters and two temperature control modules. Also keep an extra return pump on hand just in case.

05/28/2017, 06:57 PM	#6
quantumfuzz Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Posts: 39	It seems I have at least double of everything these days as well.

05/29/2017, 10:36 AM	#9
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	If you have a heater in your tank, that and the flow pumps when on a different circuit can keep stuff warm and aerated until you can change a return pump. How stupid and I? I still turn a ball valve above my sump, wait 10 seconds and turn it off. I still don't trust an ATO.