Closed Loops (New design)

mseepman · #1 03-20-2009, 12:03 AM

Myka, given how nice your current corals look, I trhink a good question would be what powerheads you currently use and how much turnover you have now. Repeating that would be what I aim for.

My guess is that you have more than these two can provide and in the end you will either have to up-size the pumps or still use one powerhead.

Myka · #2 03-20-2009, 12:18 AM

I have a lot of detritus settling in my tank. I just have a MJ1200 and a Koralia 2 in there now, and it's a mess. No maintenance since Christmas doesn't help though!!

I'm gonna add a second MJ1200 here as soon as it's done mixing up my salt buckets.

JDigital · #3 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 · #4 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 · #5 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 · #6 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 · #7 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

sphelps · #8 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

JDigital · #9 03-20-2009, 12:52 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?

Yea, that would probably work.. or use a 3/4" Y splitter locline to 2x 1/2" locline jets. You might loose to much head splitting a 3/4" line between 2 3/4" bulkheads. I'd run it to 1 bulkhead and use the Y splitter inside the tank.

mike31154 · #10 03-20-2009, 01:38 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?

Closed loop does seem overly complex for a tank that size. Just my opinion, since I know little about closed loops either. But I've read that they can be power hogs and seems like there's plenty that can go wrong with more holes drilled, connections etc. Clean looking tank yes, but a nightmare outside the tank. Anyhow, I swear by my VorTech MP40W. Yes, very expensive. You might be able to get away with an MP20 which costs less and may be upgraded to 40W later if you wish. Spread the cost over time that way as well. No electrical cord in the tank and the wet side has a low profile, just under 3 inches.