Closed loop ideas

[Lightsluvr]

I am planning a closed loop for my new 340G tank.

The tank is an AGE hybrid with PVC bottom. The bootom is drilled for closed loop, but I am confused by the hole placements.

Here is a photo of the tank. Note there are (2) 2" and (5) 1" holes drilled in the base. In addition, there are (2) holes drilled through the eurobracing in the rear corners.

Here is a rough diagram of the hole placement in the 96x36x24 tank:

Here are some photos of the plumbing that was roughed in when I bought the tank and stand:

This photo shows the 2" feed which "T's" to the suction side of the closed loop. The feeds go to the intake of a Barracuda Gold pump.

This photo is tanked from the right side of the tank, showing the feed plumbing and 4 of the five returns.

This photo shows one side of the feed and one of the returns:

This photo shoes the other feed and another return:

I am considering just placing the nozzles strategically to get the tank to swirl in one direction. I can also put Sea swirls or similar devices through the eurobracing holes to cover the rear corners...

I can also put the loop on a controller to allow a pair of Vortech MP40W pumps to flow in opposing direction.

Would this cause the tank to experience good "flushing" with a change of directions several times a day?

Any thoughts with this type of configuation? I would love to see your photos or links to large tank threads utilizing bottom closed loops.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

LL

 

[SeanT]

Here are a few random pics of mine.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Ocean's Motion

Ocean's Motion

Thanks Sean,

I gave considerable thought to an Ocean's Motion 4-way or 8-way, but I just couldn't see the benefit of only pumping all that flow to just one or two ports at a time... Maybe you can help me with that...

Since I have two 2" intake ports, I did consider using two separate alternating pumps with the flow in opposite direction. This would appear to result in stirring up significant solids, detritus, etc., to get it moving around in the water column for filtration through the overflows... I could have the pumps on a timer to switch them over hour or two... Just thinking out loud.

Anybody else have closed loop ideas with similar large tanks?

LL

 

[Lightsluvr]

Ideas, ideas...

Ideas, ideas...

After receiving much advice, I decided to go with a CL that pumps water to all ports, rather then "spurts" of water from a few ports at a time...

My CL ports will be directed counter-clockwise, in opposition to the flow from a pair of Vortech MP40W that will flow clockwise.

Here is another diagram - the arrows reflect locline nozzles directing the flow pattern. In addition to the five returns on the tank bottom, there will be returns in the back corners to provide the same motion higher in the tank.

Any suggestions? Questions?

No, I don't think I can draw...

LL

 

[Oldude]

Looks good, just don't make the same mistake I did by putting the feed inside the external overflow.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Nope...

Nope...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15096135#post15096135 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Oldude
Looks good, just don't make the same mistake I did by putting the feed inside the external overflow.

Nope, I won't do that, because there are (2) two inch feeds drilled in the bottom. Those feeds will return to a totla of seven outlets; five on the bottom, and those two I have to plumb in the rear corners.

I need to figure out how to plumb those seven returns. Someone suggested a complete closed rectangle with T's where the returns are located... apparently a closed return plumbing manifold keeps pressure equal at all outlets. (?)

LL

 

[SeanT]

Per request.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Thanks!

Thanks!

Sean,

Are there any secrets to successful use of the flexible PVC? Special glue and/or primer? Can they be used with standard schedule 80 connectors?

Thanks.

LL

 

[SeanT]

Hey George.
http://flexpvc.com/ sells flex pvc glue and primer.
Also, you can place sections of the flex pvc in the over at 175-200 degrees for 5-10 minutes.
This makes it much easier to work with.
Wear gloves, or use a towel, when taking it out though.
Gets hot.
Sean

 

[Untamed12]

Twin OM-4ways off Darts delivering water out 4 outlets in tank bottom and 4 outlets on back wall.

Timing is such that all 4 back wall outlets flow, followed by all 4 bottom outlets. This causes the water to "roll" from back to front, then bottom to top to overflows.

...and get rid of those tiny little strainers. Too much suction on the surface. Find these ones instead.

Use the two holes in your Eurobracing for the water coming back from the sump.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Strainers

Strainers

Do you recall where you found the larger strainers?

LL

 

[SeanT]

I have the same.
They are at aquatic ecosystems.

 

[Lightsluvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15100393#post15100393 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SeanT
I have the same.
They are at aquatic ecosystems.

Excellent - thanks.

LL