General audience board guys......

Glad I had second thoughts on adding my 2 cents here. :wink:

pump
 

I had this configuration with 1" return and two 1.5" drains. For pump I used Reeflo Barracuda and it provided enough flow for my np pellet reactor and main tank circulation. I put one of those accelerators on the output and it was the only water movement needed for my 165g lps/softie tank.
Pros-it kept the tank cool during the summers and the ambient noise of skimmer and other devices are minimized. I was also able to use the cabinet space under the tank for the kids to put their toyes or why. All ur equipment is out of sight, out of mind in the basement
U can go BIG with ur sump size!!! I had a 180 sump and a 165 display upstairs. Lots of room to put extra live rock, equipment, hospital tanks, isolate fish etc

Cons- electrical consumption of the pump was about 300-350watts and that runs 24/7/365 which dramatically increases hydro bills. Also the pumps humming noise radiates through the hoses in flooring and there's nothing u can do to minimize the humming noise from a big return pump.

Recommendatio: if u decide to herbie, put the gate valve closer to the overflow box upstairs probably under the tank. Its easier to control 3-4 feet of head vs 10-12 feet of head in the basement. Its also easier to control being able to visually see/hear the water level in the overflow than trying to run up and down the stairs to the gate valve in the basement.

Chin_Lee is this from experience? Why asking is just waiting for a valve then I'm planning a to convert to a Herbie with the reason being gurgling in the lines (display itself is quiet with the 2 - 2" Dursos) so was planning the valve just above the sump. Is having the gate valve in the basement doable?

hi mark
yes it is from experience. gate valve in the basement is doable but adjusting sucks. detritus will always accumulate causing a change in flow in the valve and the higher the head, the more sensitive it is to adjustments.

closed system
 

If the filters in the basement are totally closed of to the air "closed system" the need for any valve would be gone. The only control you would need is a valve on the return pump. This is a question not a statement .:question:

your thinking a sealed vessel in the basement, something like a giant canister filter?