Closed Loop/flow through sump question.

[RG21]

I am wondering if I have a closed loop system providing a sufficient amount of flow, do i need a full 5-10x flow through my sump, or can it be cycled through a bit slower?

thanks,

RG

 

[RG21]

Bump

 

[Toddrtrex]

Even if you didn't have a close loop, I would slow down the flow through the sump -- I like to stick with 3-5 times -- allows for longer contact time

 

[The Punisher]

You don't have to push that much through a sump at all. If you have a sump designed for the high flow it won't hurt anything but it's not a necessity by any means.

 

[Gold Stripe]

If your closed loop is going through your sump then its not a closed loop. Its just a simple return.

Closed loop is when water leaves the display and returns to the display without ever being exposed to air. Thus the loop is "closed".

As for flow through your sump. Alot of people use their return as their primary source of flow but in my experience Todd is right. 3 to 5 times turnover through your sump is best. That gives your skimmer/heater/etc sufficient contact time with the water flowing through.

 

[The Punisher]

I think the OP was asking if he had a closed loop added to his tank would he need to have a bunch of flow through his sump and back through his return for additional flow. Not that the sump/return was his closed loop. In which case the answer is definitely not. That's how I understood it but I've been wrong before.

 

[Gold Stripe]

Gotcha. Long day at work.

 

[RG21]

yes punisher that is correct. thank you my original plan was about 4x, so i think ill stick with that. what is a good size sump for a 75? i cant decide between a 24, 28, or 30 gal....

 

[nemosworld]

wheter you have a closed loop or not slow and steady through the sump is the way i like it. trying to use your return as flow, is not a good thing. as additional flow is diff. plus too much flow in a sump not designed for it will result in what i call the waterfall effect.

 

[The Punisher]

As far as size, go with the biggest you can comfortably fit. You want to be able to reach stuff in the sump and have easy access to all your equipment so don't go so big that you're having to squeeze things in and out.