Closed Loop or Vortechs?

[tangtang clown]

I bought a snapper today, should I try to get another? I was looking at one of a couple different Iwaki models, just used on RC.
I plan on using the larger pump for the CL and the other for the return. (3) .75" bulkheads for output of CL, and (2) 1.5" bulkheads for intake?????
Does this pose any issues?

 

[elijaher]

Anybody use OM?

 

[lancepender]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15635847#post15635847 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by elijaher
Anybody use OM?

Ya I do for customers tanks. I haven't added one to this tank because we would need to do a lot of re-plumbing. To much $$. But we have incorporated it in our upgrade tank.

 

[lancepender]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15634575#post15634575 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tangtang clown
I bought a snapper today, should I try to get another? I was looking at one of a couple different Iwaki models, just used on RC.
I plan on using the larger pump for the CL and the other for the return. (3) .75" bulkheads for output of CL, and (2) 1.5" bulkheads for intake?????
Does this pose any issues?

I would say yes, just because after a while. I think you will be kicking your self in the butt after the new tank syndrome settles down and working out the bugs, and I think you will not be happy with those pumps as a return. Just my opinion.

I would get, not so much the same pump but just make sure the same size inlet and outlet. so just incase later when a pump goes down somewhere. You always have a back up. Those little mag pumps are great for working with fug's and running chillers and such. But, me personally wouldn't use them as a return or a cl pump. Especially when I can get the same flow or more, running less watts, and could be getting the same size inlet and outlet for a possible backup pump (just for reassurance).

These are all just my opinions, so you need to do what you need to do.. Only you know what area you have to work with, cash to spend, flow you want, holes, and rock work that you have envisioned.

That goes for everyone....

 

[lancepender]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15634061#post15634061 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by biecacka
so i am thinking of selling my 220 tall and getting a 240 cube and running my first CL. it will be a softy only tank so im trying to figure out much flow i will need on it. i currently use an aquaeuro 55 as a return pump and would switch it out to the CL pump. its about 1200 gph. i would most likely use a dart as a return pump. if i go CL i want to do it right so i wont need to add powerheads in the tank later
corey

Think I answered your question a few comments back.. if not, please get back to me..

 

[tangtang clown]

Thanks Lance, I paid for one snapper from a guy who was selling two. I knew I should have bought both. I plan on drilling the holes in my DT tonight. I will try to get some pics up and maybe ask some more questions.

 

[lancepender]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15636255#post15636255 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tangtang clown
Thanks Lance, I paid for one snapper from a guy who was selling two. I knew I should have bought both. I plan on drilling the holes in my DT tonight. I will try to get some pics up and maybe ask some more questions.

Thats great... Please post some pics.. When you get it up and running (hope this thread is still going by then). I would like to hear what you think..

 

[lancepender]

tangtang clown,

BTW, I don't think I mentioned... with your return (or your inlet to your CL pump) from the tank to your CL pump. Make sure the bulkheads and screens are a min. 6" from the sand or the bottom of the tank. That also goes for the outlets/ returns from your pump. Make sure there 4-6" min from the surface of the water if you are going to plumb from the back.

Rules I follow when drilling Acrylic..

1" from any seam. Why: I feel better about it..

Use a corded drill. Why: don't want to get half way and find out the drill is dead.. Bad

Right when your pilot bit gets thru. The bit and drill will drop.. Be sure to hold the drill back some. Why: Just because its nice to know...ha

Drill your guide/pilot hole first. Then go at it with your hole saw with your pilot bit installed. Why: Because you don't want the pilot bit to drop through with your hole saw on.. It will make a bunch of marks on the acrylic.

3/8 or thinner drill a little faster. Why: It will start to melt and bind up.. Not good..

3/8 and up just drill it.. Why: because you can...

 

[biecacka]

i was thinking 4 holes on the bottom of the tank for the CL and 3 drains to the sump with 2 reutrn lines coming in the tank. want to do a coast to coast along the back of the cube. sizes for return pump and CL holes are open as i dont have the pump decided on yet. the aquaeuro i have now is a 1in outlet. but ive been looking for something bigger and a great deal on it as my new project is months out. so the aquaeuro is probably not a good choice huh? i know it wont work for a return pump if i have the sump in a basement, its only 1200 gph with no head. pump suggestions?? dart snapper??? would a hammerhead be too much as i will only have a softy tank?

 

[lancepender]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15638556#post15638556 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by biecacka
i was thinking 4 holes on the bottom of the tank for the CL and 3 drains to the sump with 2 reutrn lines coming in the tank. want to do a coast to coast along the back of the cube. sizes for return pump and CL holes are open as i dont have the pump decided on yet. the aquaeuro i have now is a 1in outlet. but ive been looking for something bigger and a great deal on it as my new project is months out. so the aquaeuro is probably not a good choice huh? i know it wont work for a return pump if i have the sump in a basement, its only 1200 gph with no head. pump suggestions?? dart snapper??? would a hammerhead be too much as i will only have a softy tank?

Ok, Lets see if I can help...

I just made a 48" x 48" x 24" tall tank with a 6" wide overflow. Should give you a good idea of how I would plumb it. Depending on how your rock work will go..

All the holes are 11/2".

Three blue holes are drains to sump.

Back wall, 2 ins from sump. Again depending on your rock work.. I think the green ones would be better..

two different set up's for the bottom of the tank... Again depending on your rocks..

It would be easier to plumb if it was an external overflow and go 12" tall overflow.. then run your inlets just under the bottom of the overflow.. I've done this.. Its great..


As far as pumps.. I would run a barracuda or hammerhead. for both, CL and Main pump. But, I'm a sps's guy. So that might be too much for you. But, again if you just valve the pump down.. your golden....

It would also depend on the sump.. If it can handle this flow without getting micro bubbles...

If you run a barracuda for your CL, and run say a dart or something bigger for your main. You will only need 2 of the 3 drains..

Hope this helps.. Anymore.. just ask..

 

[tangtang clown]

What program are you using Lance?

 

[lancepender]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15639152#post15639152 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tangtang clown
What program are you using Lance?

Google Sketchup..

 

[biecacka]

thanks lance! i like the program. i too would like an external overflow but if they cant make me one i dont want it from top to bottom. id prefer the drains on the back glass.........i think. not sure so im asking question

 

[tangtang clown]

Google Sketchup

Google Sketchup

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15639184#post15639184 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lancepender
Google Sketchup..

I am still using my "8 hour free trial" and I haven't figured out how to get anything like you posted. What vers etc... are you using?

 

[lancepender]

Re: Google Sketchup

Re: Google Sketchup

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15640584#post15640584 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tangtang clown
I am still using my "8 hour free trial" and I haven't figured out how to get anything like you posted. What vers etc... are you using?

SketchUp6.. Takes alittle while to get the program down.. But I use it so much.. I can pretty much do a whole tank stand and canopy with holes and filtration in a hour or two.

It took me maybe five to ten min. to do that hole location one..

 

[lancepender]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15640572#post15640572 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by biecacka
thanks lance! i like the program. i too would like an external overflow but if they cant make me one i dont want it from top to bottom. id prefer the drains on the back glass.........i think. not sure so im asking question

ya, there are two different setups on the back wall. The black and the green. I would do the green personally. Then you would get a good swirl going.

I still would use a barracuda or a hammerhead for the main, and the same for the CL. You'll be happy to see what these two pumps can do for you..

 

[tangtang clown]

Thanks Lance. I will try sketchup6 this evening.

 

[ryddo]

So I have read this thread and have decided on the closed loop. What I have is a 265 (84'x24'x30") that I am going to setup as a mixed reef. I am planning on having all of my plumbing in the basement besides the dart that I am going to use for my CL. I am planning on leaving the dart under the aquarium. Here is my issue. I am using this aquarium as a room divider between my eat in kitchen area and my living room. With only the sides of the aquarium hidden should I use them as a feed to the dart or drill holes in the bottom of the aquarium? Also, where would you put the returns from the OM 4way for the best results? I am going to try for minimal LR in the display tank.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Ryan

 

[tangtang clown]

Is the bottom of your tank tempered? How many holes are you wanting?

 

[ryddo]

I am unsure, I am going to check tonight. They say you use a pair of polarized glasses to see if the glass is tempered or not. I am not set on a number of holes. I do not want to many to not have enough current but not to little at the same time. I was thinking about 4 return holes, 2 drains and then maybe something over the top of the tank.