I'm looking to add a system to automatically do water changes. The problem that I am faced with is that my whole system is confined to a single wall. I have other real-estate up for grabs in the room but there is a doorway on each side of the system. My RODI is on the other side of the room in a closet at one corner. To get to this area without making it too ugly, I would have to cross over the door frame with my hoses tucked against the trim and then back down to the moulding at the floor. Going through the ceiling in this situation is not an option for me due to the way that everything is configured, it would require drywall work which I don't wish to do.
Near the RODI closet, I have a space where I could easily keep a free-standing 50+ gallon drum for new saltwater. I also have a drain into the home's plumbing.
My questions:
How far can I expect to reasonably run 1/4" RODI tubing before the restriction start to cause problems with a peristaltic pump? I know that head heigh makes no difference but back-pressure could wear out the tubing or the motor faster. Would I be better off using some master flex heads and rigging them to a reliable low-RPM, high-torque motor?
Will minuscule difference in head height cause slight differences in water transfer when using two of the same pump due to a slight difference in load? Would I be better off using a single motor with dual heads?
Will my salt water need to be circulated 24/7, occasionally, once a day, etc.. if it is sitting in a semi-sealed container for a month? I'm not worried about keeping it aerated as the water changes will be small. I'm more worried about bacteria build-up.
Thanks guys