Questions about flow

Besides noise, are there any downsides to a closed loop?

[mr_alberta]

Besides noise, there is extra plumbing and higher possibility of leaks.

Alternatively, you can try external waveboxes for flow like this person's tank:

[fkshiu]

Originally Posted by Rene

Besides noise, are there any downsides to a closed loop?

It's kinda hard to move the holes once they're drilled and because of this you have to arrange your rockwork around them. You can snake some locline around to rearrange some flow, but then it gets tricky keeping everything hidden (which is the whole point of a closed-loop over powerheads in any event).

Holes cost money to drill and it may make the tank harder to sell in the future as the majority of people looking for a used aquarium just want a glass box.

A big closed-loop pump will use more power than a few well placed powerheads like Tunzes.

Lastly, many people underestimate both the cost and amount of work involved in hooking up a closed-loop especially if you get an oceansmotions-type device. PVC parts can get expensive very quickly especially if you're incorporating various shut-off valves for ease of maintenance.

[mark]

Might be bias as having CL myself but I believe having the 4 returns and 1 supply drilled for a CL is the way to go. On mine had selected a Dart prior to build so had drilled for a 2" supply and 4-1" returns.

CL negatives
- noise only if going too wild a pump (or placing a monster pump immediately below tank)
- look of fittings in tank, but can be hidden with rockwood
- placing outlets on floor of tank might be an issue with a sand bottom
- positions are fixed, thought with fittings can adjust direct

Again look on the OM site, with planning all the negatives can be addressed.

Is there any way to make the powerheads less intrusive? Can they be somhow hidden? Or at least can the cords be somehow hidden?

[fkshiu]

Originally Posted by Rene

Is there any way to make the powerheads less intrusive? Can they be somhow hidden? Or at least can the cords be somehow hidden?

Just like with a closed-loop, it all comes down to planning. These guys all have Tunze streams as part of their setups (including both superfudge and fastfish) - do they look intrusive to you?

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php

[mark]

Tunze has a rock you put their PH into,scroll the bottom here, can also do a DIY

[Okguy]

Check out some of this guys builds. He has some very cool ideas on hiding CLs and power heads.

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/forums/fo...play.php?f=140

you can also use something like this

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s..._ID=tz-ztsrock

just remember that the power cord will probably be visible when it leaves the tank.

HTH

Kevin

Those fake rock ph covers look great. Any ideas on how to hide the cord?

[Darth Wader]

I think another issue with a closed loop system compared to ph’s is the way the flow is distributed into the tank. Ph’s provide you with Tubular flow as apposed to a pump that will only provide you with laminar flow (flow in different directions apposed to straight flow). The flow that comes out of a ph will be way more comparable to the flow in the ocean. Not as big of an issue in a softy/lps tank but sill beneficial and will spread the flow way better in the tank. If I were you I would just buy a Vortech ph. That will give you enough flow combined with your return pumps, not have a cord in the tank and sill supply you with nice water movement, then if you decide to go towards an sps tank which is a likely step you will have the added benefit of a great ph. Plus cost wise, it would be comparable if not less then to drilling your tank plumbing the closed loop and adding a pump, not to mention way more power efficient.
That’s what I would recommend.
Check out the Vortech ph.
http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s..._ID=wp-vortech