Closed loop in an overflow box?

[petedoc]

I am setting up my new 270 gal reef and it has two built in overflow boxes, 6X12". I will use one for the sump/refugium system. I am planning to use the other box for a closed loop system. Has anyone tried this? I am able to drop a mag 9.5 or 12 down the overflow and connect it to a pair of outlets. May need to add openings at the bottom of the box, for circulation. The main advantage that I can see in this system is no flow outside the tank, no risk of leakage in the closed loop system. Any ideas?

 

[mfinn]

Sounds like a interesting idea. Don't believe I've seen that before. One thing that may be a problem, if there is any turbulance/ water bubbles in the overflow box, you will be spraying them out as micro bubbles into the tank throught the return outlets.

 

[petedoc]

Good point about the micro bubbles. I think that adding bottom intake slilts in the overflow box might decrease the problem. The overflow box becomes large intake screen this way.

 

[mfinn]

If the overflow box(with the pump) was a little lower than the main overflow box, maybe there wouldn't be as much turbulance.

just a thought.

 

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8719299#post8719299 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by petedoc
Good point about the micro bubbles. I think that adding bottom intake slilts in the overflow box might decrease the problem. The overflow box becomes large intake screen this way.

That might just work too.:smokin:

 

[petedoc]

Good idea, any one out there try this yet?

 

[petedoc]

I should also explain, the overflow box that I am using for the closed loop is not drilled yet, so no concerns about leakage from the system. If I ever decide to use it as a drain and return from the sump it could be a problem. The other overflow will have 2 X 1.5" drains and 1" return.

 

[petedoc]

Also head loss would be minimized with this system.

 

[nyvp]

why go through the trouble? just drill the holes.

 

[petedoc]

There are several advantages of having the pump in the overflow box- virtually no head loss, sound insulation-quiet, decreased flow/sucking noise, no chance of leakage. Disadvantages? It may be a little difficult for maintenance and more direct heat transfer to the system.