Closed Loops (New design)

JDigital · #1 03-20-2009, 12:29 AM

I'd run the PS3 as your CL pump... drill a 1 or 1.5" hole in the center of the back of the tank, then run whatever size pipe comes off the CL pump all the way back to your returns, which I would make 2 x 3/4", but don't reduce until back at the tank.

I guess it's your choice whether you want to drill for the CL returns, or just run them over the edge of the tank. Then again if its not tempered you could drill those 2 returns through the floor of the tank. I find it really helps in my 75G to suspend detritus as it is an upward flow.

Canadian · #2 03-20-2009, 12:34 AM

I'd go with a Vortech MP40 instead of the closed loop. It won't take up much space, won't add any heat, and uses way less hydro.

golf nut · #3 03-20-2009, 12:39 AM

running a closed loop will get the crap off the bottom and into the water column, then if you need some mre flow add the vortech to change things up a bit.

Myka · #4 03-20-2009, 12:43 AM

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I'm not looking into putting $500 into a Vortech anytime soon. I want to work with what I have. I have lots of powerheads I can use if need be. *grumble*

How many 1/2" outputs do you think I could put on the CL with the PS3 and still have decent flow (like MJ1200 type flow minimum) coming through them? Just 1? 2? 3?

JDigital, the PS3 has 3/4" fittings on it...so do you mean I should run 3/4" piping all the way to the 3/4" bulkheads then reduce it and run 1/2" Loc-Line?

golf nut · #5 03-20-2009, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I'm not looking into putting $500 into a Vortech anytime soon. I want to work with what I have. I have lots of powerheads I can use if need be. *grumble*

How many 1/2" outputs do you think I could put on the CL with the PS3 and still have decent flow (like MJ1200 type flow minimum) coming through them? Just 1? 2? 3?

JDigital, the PS3 has 3/4" fittings on it...so do you mean I should run 3/4" piping all the way to the 3/4" bulkheads then reduce it and run 1/2" Loc-Line?

Depends on the outlet of the pump you use, if it's 3/4 then you can run two 1/2 outlets

Myka · #6 03-20-2009, 12:51 AM

I think what I will do is rig something up to the PS3 to give me 3 outlets, put it in a bucket, and see how much flow is coming out. I'm worried that I may put too many outlets on it, and make the closed loop a moot point.

sphelps · #7 03-20-2009, 12:51 AM

I'd skip the closed loop and just go with 400-500gph through the sump, a 10x turnover is more than enough for lps. That closed loop will only complicate things and give little benefit. Keep it simple stupid

banditpowdercoat · #8 03-20-2009, 05:19 PM

Myka, in my 45g, I built a closed loop and hid the pump inside the overflow. That way, no external drilling was required. My CL pump is a Pentair Quietone 3000. It works great that way. I made a PVC pipe "ring" around the top of the tank for the Loc-Line nozzles. But, I needed more flow. I too had alot of detritus settling. Added a Koralia 2 and all is great now. So, in my 45g I have a Mag 3.5 Sump return, Quietone 3000 Closed loop and K2 powerhead.

Myka · #9 05-06-2009, 04:18 PM

Ok, so I sold the 40 and the 75 in BC, and bought a 90 out here in Saskatchewan. So, I'm thinking I will do a small 2-way closed loop on this tank for three reasons:

~ So I can hopefully eliminate most if not all powerheads.

~ T the pump outlet for an easy water change system like superduperwesman did in his nano contest tank. It won't work in the sump because there will only be about 3-5 gallons of water in with the pump. Will a ball valve seal well enough to have no leaks on the bare end when not doing a water change?

~ To get random flow/waves. So I can get away with probably just using one VorTech (later on down the road when I feel rich again) and not have to use two to get a wave action, or maybe I will be happy just using a couple Koralia 4's or some such thing.

So...any input on how many gph I should run my closed loop? Remember I keep LPS only, although I will add a few SPS to the 90 (I think). Pump recommendations? The OM 2-way wants to use a bypass unit if more than 1000 gph is going through it, which from my understanding pretty much defeats the purpose of using a pump with more than 1000 gph. Or should I use a SCWD which will deplete the gph by about 30%?

hillegom · #10 05-06-2009, 05:19 PM

myka: I was thinking of buying a SCWD You say that it takes 30% of the total gph?
Thats not very good.