Closed loop advice

[danny zubot]

There are many good points made above, thanks to everyone.

I have considered getting Tunze's with controllers or some other type of wave maker. I like the idea of being able to move them where ever they need to be in the tank. Closed loops offer some very cool options for wavemakers though.

I guess I'm just trying to figure out what is best for the tank right now. Do I rip it down and drill the tank full of holes or do I spring for the tunze's and be done with it? Do I risk damaging the balance my tank is starting to find? I'm not sure, but that is why I need peoples opinions. With the exception of some hair algae the tank is finally starting to thrive again after moving a few months ago.

LSM your numbers from the calculator seem a little more realistic to me. I've heard that sequence pumps are quite reasonable in the efficiency so if I go the closed loop direction I'll most likley buy one.

Does anyone run a closed loop with SQWD's? How are they? I can't seem to justify spending OM 4 prices for a 65 gallon tank.

Can anyone suggest a reasonable Tunze setup for a 65 gallon tank? Nano's or streams etc?

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Danny, I have an idea. Not sure if you'll like it, but.....I'll offer it up!

I think the Hydor Koralia 4 pump is controllable on a Seio controller. You could pick up a few of those bad boys ($80) and a controller? They're small, relatively unobtrusive, and they've gotten really good reviews.

[danny zubot]

Hmm, not a bad idea at all. Just read up on them, 1200 GPH isn't bad, just one is equivelent to all of my MJ1200 combined. The site I looked at said they can be controlled by a JBJ pulse controller, which adjusts from 10 seconds to 6 minutes....

[Der_Iron_Chef]

What I read is that these pumps chatter a bit on start-up, but that the Seio controllers only slow them down considerably instead of totally shutting them off, therefore eliminating that chatter. I don't know, maybe I'm out to lunch! I don't know much at all about the different controllers.

[Quinster]

Originally Posted by danny zubot

I guess I'm just trying to figure out what is best for the tank right now. Do I rip it down and drill the tank full of holes or do I spring for the tunze's and be done with it? Do I risk damaging the balance my tank is starting to find? I'm not sure, but that is why I need peoples opinions. With the exception of some hair algae the tank is finally starting to thrive again after moving a few months ago.

I did just this on my 180G thread...the center brace letting go helped the rebuild decision, but after 6+ years of a 180G full of powerheads, I decided to take the OM/Dart leap, and after @ 4 months I have no regrets. Re used 90% of the old sand and rock, and about 75% of the old water.

Originally Posted by danny zubot

Does anyone run a closed loop with SQWD's? How are they? I can't seem to justify spending OM 4 prices for a 65 gallon tank.

I ran 2 SQWD's on my returns from my sump on my 180G prior to the upgrade, and I have to say for the dollar amount they ran fine. After switching to the OM and Dart though, I have since ordered a custom Squirt to replace the SQWD running on my 75G. I will still use the SCWD's on my frag system, but I really like the design and extra flow you get through the OM.

HTH

Quinn

[danny zubot]

I will still use the SCWD's on my frag system, but I really like the design and extra flow you get through the OM.

I realize the OM is higher qualilty and can handle higher flow, which probably works very well on your 180. My 65 would only demand SQWD I think.