Closed Loops (New design)

JDigital · #1 03-20-2009, 02:34 AM

The MP20's aren't too badly priced, and would be PLENTY of flow to keep detritus suspended.. I think.

Myka · #2 03-20-2009, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDigital

The MP20's aren't too badly priced, and would be PLENTY of flow to keep detritus suspended.. I think.

I'm just worried that it won't get all the corners of the tank because it's all coming from one source. Essentially it's just a powerhead on a wavemaker.

golf nut · #3 03-20-2009, 02:39 AM

Vortechs do a great job higher in the tank, they suck and blow from the same location so it's tough to get them low without sucking in sand, and you need to get low to get the crap off the bottom.

Myka · #4 03-20-2009, 02:44 AM

Upon thinking further...I think I will do a similar idea to Melev's in that I won't drill the tank for the closed loop just in case I don't like it or if it creates too much heat.

Is it true that I have to use piping that is twice the diameter of the fittings on the pump? That I should use 1 1/2" piping for the PS3 which has 3/4" fittings?

brizzo · #5 03-20-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

Upon thinking further...I think I will do a similar idea to Melev's in that I won't drill the tank for the closed loop just in case I don't like it or if it creates too much heat.

Is it true that I have to use piping that is twice the diameter of the fittings on the pump? That I should use 1 1/2" piping for the PS3 which has 3/4" fittings?

I'd use 1" personally.

Okguy · #6 03-20-2009, 04:55 PM

Hey Myka, one thing to consider is the heat generated by the PS3. I have one as a return pump, I love it by the way as it's supper quiet, but it does create a large amount of heat. I'm pretty sure my heater hasn't come on in 3 years. Even in the winter I'm constantly battleing over-heating issues.

Have you considered a spray bar to eliminate the deadspots? A little old school I know but I put one in awhile back when I was on a DIY kick and I've been very happy with it. If setup right it can be hidden quite well... Just my 2 cents...

Mark told me your leaving for Saskatchewan

... When are you going?

sphelps · #7 03-20-2009, 05:07 PM

I still don't get it, I have a 50 gallon tank with a single 1/2" return pushing around 300-400gph and all my LPS and soft corals have done very well. Recently put 6 clams in there as well which are all doing just fine. Tanks been running for almost 3 years which no problems. You're still going to get dead spots with a closed loop, but dead spots aren't going to kill your reef. LPS corals don't like lots of flow, you're going to do more harm and good. Plus extra heat, noise, potential leaks, clutter, maintenance, and less space in the stand.

Myka · #8 03-20-2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Okguy

Hey Myka, one thing to consider is the heat generated by the PS3.

Mark told me your leaving for Saskatchewan

... When are you going?

I am very worried about the heat created by the PS3. I have heard they are horrible for that. The tank is also going to have 2x 250w MH over it and 2 x39w T5s for actinics. I'm worried about the lighting being a bit too intense for my LPS, but they are mogul run on electronic ballasts so shouldn't have too high of a PAR reading and if all else fails I can pick bulbs with lower PAR rating, just a waste of electricity.

I'm not sure what to do about the tank...I would really like to try out a closed loop. I know the Little Giant pump I have isn't supposed to leak much heat at all because of it's bypass type design. Maybe I should sell the PS3, and buy a more appropriate pump for my tank. I originally bought the PS3 for my 75g return, but plans have changed for that tank.

Yes, I'm moving to Saskatoon next Friday. =] I will have to come back for the tanks though.