Questions about flow

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

[Pan]

If i were going to go with a closed loop system I would look at the Red Dragon II with the ocean simulator. Or at least a variable speed pump then you can do more with it.

[CRAP! Another Hobby]

OK....just my 2 cents here...

Nobody has yet to mention the safety issue of having ph's placed in the tank. Can be a "shocking" situation if something faults and you do not have the right protection in place (GFI outlet for example).

I am a "purist" as well when it comes to tank appearance. I would rather go with a cl and a sump than have a single ph or heater in my display tank (which is the way I am planning my 90 g).

As for current...does anyone here run a SCWD cl? Is it worth it?

What is SCWD?

[kwirky]

I agree with you: normal powerheads take up a lot of tank realestate. But I like my new vortech. I wanted a clean look in my tiny 45g tank and a single vortech did the job. If you ran one on each side it would look cleaner than the pipes sticking out from a closed loop and then you could have wavy looking action that'll make the polyps of your LPS and softies look cool.

It's hard to directly flow from a closed loop unless you start using locline and then you're starting to get clutter in the tank again. Vortechs pretty much don't need to be pointed.

[mark]

Locline isn't needed and it also restricts flow. Easy to direct the flow from CL bulkheads using street fittings (45-90) or even make up your own with TA and elbows.