I'm busted! Hehehe. Yes, I have 2 identical 500GPH pumps that I was going to use in a water feature quite a while ago. They never got used, though, so they have been sitting on a shelf for a few years. They're mag-drive pumps and weren't exactly cheap, so if I can get use out of them now, I'd finally be happy. :D
Anyway, I only need about 700GPH at head, and both of these pumps together would be able to achieve what I need. I never thought about the extra heat and power usage, so that will be something I have to consider. I'll have to look up the specs and try and figure out the increase.
Would you care to elaborate why you wouldn't join into one return? I currently have my two canister filters plumbed in to the same return and it's been working great for years, but I know that two stand alone pumps is a lot different than two canister filters.
Thanks!