125 Closed Loop Flow Opinions

[MMM33732]

For my 125, the plans for the closed loop will be a Dart pump with the 1" SCWD alternating flow in a circular motion. The plan is 6 outlets per side. Major Branches of the plumbing will be 1.25" branching down to 3/4" at the outlets. The pump should push approx 3600gph I believe before any friction loss, so that would be around 500gph (give or take) each after an estimated 600 or so drop from friction loss. Thats just a guess though. Sound adequate to create a swirling motion (gyre)? The only other planned flow would be from an approx 1500gph from the return pump split up into about 5 outlets in various areas. The tank will primarily hold LPS and softies. No SPS is planned yet, but is a slight possibility in the future.

Any thoughts or improvements, let me know.

 

[MMM33732]

Actually I noticed the outlet of the dart is 1.5", so I'll at least use that for the main plumbing (except where it must go down to 1" for the SCWD. I may up making the main branches of plumbing up to 2" to help further stop friction loss. Not sure if that'll be needed or not though.

 

[Hop]

The dart and the SCWD is probably not the best choice. I think you would be totally dissapointed.

A dart and an OM 4-way would be great!

 

[MMM33732]

I agree, but $100 vs. $400+ seems to be persuading me. I heard the new 1" version flows much better than the old 3/4". I'm curious as to how much flow is actually lost to it, but I can't find any figures for the 1" other than input flow and switching rate.

 

[k9asia]

I dont think the squid can handle the amount of flow the dart will put out

 

[suasponte2/75]

Here's the specs from Marine Depot on this new 1" model:

1" SCWD, Standard Drive
Swtiching Rate GPH
30 seconds 3500
55 seconds 1800
80 seconds 1200
120 seconds 900
155 seconds 720

It looks like it should be able to handle it but one review complained about the noise. I'd look further into this since it seems rather new. I'd hate to have my tank become "louder" than it already is with another gizmo! It is a pretty attractive price tag however compared to the other solutions. Although, it could become a $100 door stop soon enough

 

[PaulieWalnuts]

if you did not buy the dart yet...i am about to get one for my 75 i think...it is here for a great price with free shipping 240 total. let me know if you can find it cheaper.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_showCart.aspx?scType=add

 

[k9asia]

If ran two returns w a squid each i think you would be happier w/ the flow. 4 outlets would be nice and random as well as get down on the frequency of the switch on the squid ie less noise as well.

 

[flyyyguy]

i wouldnt use a scwd or a dart with or without each other on that size tank no matter what ypou plan on keeping.

OM 4 way or 8 way if you choose to afford it and a barracuda or hammerhead. If you dont choose to afford the wavemaker that can handle enough flow that that tank requires, I would still opt for one of the pumps I mentioned and straight plumbing. You will have enough flow to get them to cross and make decent random motion and if you use large piping and outlets (1" minimum....1.5" better"you will be able to use a lot more flow than you think as it is usable good flow....not high velocity low flow that comes out of smaller pipe

many people fool themselves into thinking they have lots of flow with velocity not undersstanding that you can use a whole lot more flow than you think if you use teh right piping. Darts on close loops are poretty ineffective on tanks any bigger than 75 gallons IMO if they are intended to be used as the sole flow provider. There is also no point in using adequate sized piping if you are going to restrict it at the outlets down to 3/4". You are back to the low flow high velocity very much not ideal flow. 1' minimum outlet on any closed loop