Anyone using OM 4way for return or only closed loop
- Thread starter billybl
- Start date
There's no reason you can't do this. Keep in mind most people like their sump to run calmly, (2x-5x) flow. If your pushing only 2-5x through a 4Way you will only really be providing a trickle to each of the 4 ends at any time.
If you intend to use the 4Way for random SPS required flow, then you'll want to pump 15-30x through the 4Way. If this flow is provided by your return pump, then that means you're pushing 15-30x through your sump.
1) Make sure your overflow box and drain can handle that, and
2) Make sure you want a sump flowing that fast, (most people don't).
If you supply the 4Way from your return, and your return is sized for 2-5x flow, then make sure you supplement with powerheads, because the trickle coming from each of the ends of the 4Way isn't going to be enough flow. 2-5x is 2-5x whether through a 4Way or not.
So here are your options as I see it
1) 2-5x return + (dedicated CL(4Way) -or- PwrHds)
2) 2-5x return to a 4Way + (dedicated CL -or- PwrHds)
3) 15-30x return to a 4Way
Even if your drain could handle it, #3 would be a very fast/loud option.
Cheers
Josh
If you intend to use the 4Way for random SPS required flow, then you'll want to pump 15-30x through the 4Way. If this flow is provided by your return pump, then that means you're pushing 15-30x through your sump.
1) Make sure your overflow box and drain can handle that, and
2) Make sure you want a sump flowing that fast, (most people don't).
If you supply the 4Way from your return, and your return is sized for 2-5x flow, then make sure you supplement with powerheads, because the trickle coming from each of the ends of the 4Way isn't going to be enough flow. 2-5x is 2-5x whether through a 4Way or not.
So here are your options as I see it
1) 2-5x return + (dedicated CL(4Way) -or- PwrHds)
2) 2-5x return to a 4Way + (dedicated CL -or- PwrHds)
3) 15-30x return to a 4Way
Even if your drain could handle it, #3 would be a very fast/loud option.
Cheers
Josh
The tank is a new acrylic 180 6ftx2ftx2ft. It will be mainly a softy lps dominated tank. The tank has not been drilled so I can do just about anything I want at this point. I don't want crazy flow more of a gentle wave motion in the tank. So should i just go with the super squirt then? Since it is easier on the pocket and will handle the amount of flow i want i just figured I should just get the 4way in case i want to go sps in the futuere and have the capability. I dont want any power heads in the tank, I want it as clean as possible. Thank you for your input Josh.
I'm kind of stupid about this stuff, and I base my comments on things I've read from other people who may themselves be stupid.
Warnings aside,
if you don't want powerheads, (and I hate them as much as the next person), a closed loop with a 4 way may be the best route. I just think it's a better solution than trying to cram 10-15x flow through your sump.
NOW, the powerhead vs. CL debate has some important considerations. When going with a CL you give in to requiring quite a bit of extra plumbing behind or under the tank. Sure a powerhead looks ungly in the display, but it's lower power consumption make it attractive and you don't need any of that messy plumbing.
I have anew 90 cube to set up and am currently struggling with the same decisions. PH or CL. Ultimately I think the CL provides the most evenly distributed flow. PHs can be hard to place. So I want to go with a CL. but all the extra plumbing and associated headaches have me second guessing myself.
I honestly think that well positioned medium flow is better than poorly positioned high flow. I've spent the better part of a year trying to find the best spot in my 120g to put my Tunze PH so that all corals get flow. It's a pain. With a closed loop split 4 ways into each corner I could really make sure every part of the tank gets flow.
Between PH or CL it's a tough decision. As far as return, that's easy; only put 2-5x through your return.
my 2 cents
Josh
Warnings aside,
if you don't want powerheads, (and I hate them as much as the next person), a closed loop with a 4 way may be the best route. I just think it's a better solution than trying to cram 10-15x flow through your sump.
NOW, the powerhead vs. CL debate has some important considerations. When going with a CL you give in to requiring quite a bit of extra plumbing behind or under the tank. Sure a powerhead looks ungly in the display, but it's lower power consumption make it attractive and you don't need any of that messy plumbing.
I have anew 90 cube to set up and am currently struggling with the same decisions. PH or CL. Ultimately I think the CL provides the most evenly distributed flow. PHs can be hard to place. So I want to go with a CL. but all the extra plumbing and associated headaches have me second guessing myself.
I honestly think that well positioned medium flow is better than poorly positioned high flow. I've spent the better part of a year trying to find the best spot in my 120g to put my Tunze PH so that all corals get flow. It's a pain. With a closed loop split 4 ways into each corner I could really make sure every part of the tank gets flow.
Between PH or CL it's a tough decision. As far as return, that's easy; only put 2-5x through your return.
my 2 cents
Josh
As Josh stated, it all depends on how much flow you want thru your sump.
For my set up, a 400 g tank, I'm flowing about 5000 GPH thru my sump and will be installing a OM 4 way on the return. I have a 30G and 90G sumps on my system. I, like you, do not like the look of PH in my tank. I also have another 5000 GPH pump on a closed loop for a total of 10K GPH on a 500 G system working volume, 20X turn over rate. I will also be adding some eductors on my C/L to increase my flow.
Before I tore down the tank to move it into it's final room, I had 10K GPH flowing in the tank between the return and C/L. Even at 400G tank size, 10K GPH is not a lot when you view the tank. I have a little of everything in the tank, from softies to SPS, small to extra large fish. None of them had any problems with the flow.
For my set up, a 400 g tank, I'm flowing about 5000 GPH thru my sump and will be installing a OM 4 way on the return. I have a 30G and 90G sumps on my system. I, like you, do not like the look of PH in my tank. I also have another 5000 GPH pump on a closed loop for a total of 10K GPH on a 500 G system working volume, 20X turn over rate. I will also be adding some eductors on my C/L to increase my flow.
Before I tore down the tank to move it into it's final room, I had 10K GPH flowing in the tank between the return and C/L. Even at 400G tank size, 10K GPH is not a lot when you view the tank. I have a little of everything in the tank, from softies to SPS, small to extra large fish. None of them had any problems with the flow.
There are just too many options so many different ways of setting up the tank while it is going to be so wonderful its a lil overwhelming at the same time. This will be my first plumbed tank and I am doing it all myself which is why I would like as much info as possible I have been reading on RC for a a few yrs now. I feel I have learned quite a bit just from the website, not including any other prior knowledge. None the less I have a big task ahead of me.
To drain 900 GPH (5x). You will want a minimum 1.5" drain with no restrictions on the subsequent plumbing down into your sump. You will also need about 16" of overflow weir. This config would suit 2-3x flow very well also
If you want the freedom to drain more than 900 GPH I would recommend a 2" drain and at least 24" of overflow weir.
Now, if you have more than one overflow box, you will probably want to put a drain in each. remembering geometry and how the area of circles works, (2) 1" pipes do not equal the same area as (1) 2" pipes. SO if you are going to use (2) drain pipes, (2) .75" will not equal (1) 1.5" pipe. Because of this I would make each drain pipe 1.5".
1" and smaller drain pipes scare me in general. Even on smaller tanks I normally don't go less than 1.5" for return. Pipes can get gunk in them and there are a whole lot of other factors.
So for a 180gallon I'd say use a single 2" drain or (2) 1.5" drains. Then you have the flexibility to drain more than 5x if you ever wanted.
And of course use a stand pipe of some type. I use Durso stand pipes and they are pretty quiet. Just make sure they get enough air through a hole in the top. And make sure your drain plumbing doesn't have any elbows in it. Flex PVC or spa flex just below the sump's water level work well.
My 2 cents
Josh
