Closed Loop Suggestions (plans included)
- Thread starter Zoos
- Start date
javajaws
Premium Member
Have you thought about 1" returns? For comparison, I run 4 1" returns on an OM 4-way (2-ports active at a time). My CL intake is dual 1.5" (for various reasons not really important here).
Also, are you sure you want those holes in the bottom of the tank? I would think that would hinder future aquascaping plans. Why not put them on the back wall? Having said that, there are people who have certainly done it that way...
Also, are you sure you want those holes in the bottom of the tank? I would think that would hinder future aquascaping plans. Why not put them on the back wall? Having said that, there are people who have certainly done it that way...
well the dart has a 2 inch intake and 1.5 inch return I did not want to restrict it, I was under the impression that I wasn't supposed to. and I'm not to worried about the holes, as I plan to cover them with the aquascaping, but you're right I'll think about it twice now, reason being it is a BB tank and I do not want detritus to settle.
what pump are you using with your 4-way?
what pump are you using with your 4-way?
moonpod
Premium Member
What I would comment on....use more than one intake. It disperses the intake pressure more. You'd be surprised what can get stuck in the intakes.
1" or 1.5" whatever on the returns. I like either option.
Personally for my closed loop I had it setup to flush the back walls and the front corners where I dont' otherwise get much flow.
1" or 1.5" whatever on the returns. I like either option.
Personally for my closed loop I had it setup to flush the back walls and the front corners where I dont' otherwise get much flow.
well as far as the drain i was planing on using these strainers that almost triple your surface area to do exactly what you are saying. here's the link
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8566/cid/2098
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8566/cid/2098
oops, and as far as the returns I was thinking about regular bulkheads on the floors with elbows to keep the floor clear of detritus, and some of these in the back wall http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/subsubcategorypage.asp?subcatindexid=pf-tj-t2
has anyone used these jet bulkheads, (Jacuzzi style) if so how do you like them?
has anyone used these jet bulkheads, (Jacuzzi style) if so how do you like them?
melev
Well-known member
I don't really like holes in the base of the tank, because it just seems like a risk of draining the entire tank to the very last 1" of water. But that is me and you are you - and you will do whatever you desire.
For me, I'd rather keep all those holes in the upper third of the tank, except for the stuff in the overflow area. That is protected by the overflow box.
The Sequence Dart does have a 2" intake, but it only needs 1.5". I've been told that by Premium Aquatics, I think. It seems they built these pumps with the 2" intake because that is what they had on hand, and later pumps came with 1.5" intakes. My own Dart came with a 1.5" bushing just to get it down to that size, packed in the box. So 2" will work and should reduce the suction factor that has been mentioned thus far.
4" returns should equal the 1.5" output quite easily without restriction. And if you do get the OM device, it can pump all the flow out of 1.5 to 2 outlets at a time, based on your own preference. It should work out pretty nicely.
For me, I'd rather keep all those holes in the upper third of the tank, except for the stuff in the overflow area. That is protected by the overflow box.
The Sequence Dart does have a 2" intake, but it only needs 1.5". I've been told that by Premium Aquatics, I think. It seems they built these pumps with the 2" intake because that is what they had on hand, and later pumps came with 1.5" intakes. My own Dart came with a 1.5" bushing just to get it down to that size, packed in the box. So 2" will work and should reduce the suction factor that has been mentioned thus far.
4" returns should equal the 1.5" output quite easily without restriction. And if you do get the OM device, it can pump all the flow out of 1.5 to 2 outlets at a time, based on your own preference. It should work out pretty nicely.
moonpod
Premium Member
The 2" vs 1.5" has to do with the effect on the pump intake. I'm saying, disperse the number of intakes so there's less suction from a given intake. You'd be surprised at what fish can get stuck on even those big suction grates--I've got several "survivors" now.
As for holes on the bottom or whereever the thing with holes on the bottom: make sure that your bulkheads are threaded on the inside so you can cap 'em. Leak test 'em thoroughly prior to making plumbing that you can't go backwards from. You have to have a lot of ballvalves and unions so that if you need to change something the loop is "shutoffable".
On the return side, for sure 4 1" is plenty. Use an OM that keeps 3 ports open at a time and you're golden. 1" plumbing is MUCH easier to deal with than 1.5 so it's a good idea to size the return plumbing down.
As for holes on the bottom or whereever the thing with holes on the bottom: make sure that your bulkheads are threaded on the inside so you can cap 'em. Leak test 'em thoroughly prior to making plumbing that you can't go backwards from. You have to have a lot of ballvalves and unions so that if you need to change something the loop is "shutoffable".
On the return side, for sure 4 1" is plenty. Use an OM that keeps 3 ports open at a time and you're golden. 1" plumbing is MUCH easier to deal with than 1.5 so it's a good idea to size the return plumbing down.
melev
Well-known member
Please keep in mind that any plumbing connected to a closed loop via the base of the tank is a risk as well. If the pipe breaks, cracks, shatters or is hit, kicked, or damaged, your tank will drain completely unless you are there and can close ballvalves immediately.
Yes, I'm paranoid. Murphy has taught me a lot over the years. That guy's so well known, they made a Law about him.
Yes, I'm paranoid. Murphy has taught me a lot over the years. That guy's so well known, they made a Law about him.
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