Closed Loop System

[strout]

I am watching Lightsluvr's 340g tank build, as are alot of people lol. Anyway he is using a closed loop system on his tank. Can someone explain what this is to me. I didn't want to ask him, he has enough to do, lol.

 

[108reefer]

very simply stated - an external pump that does not run through your sump. there are endless ways to plum it - over the back with no holes is my way (less holes in the tank = less leakage) so - a suction from the tank, typically a submerged pipe with holes drilled, or some sort of cage or mess so you dont get snails or fish sucked in, and then returns to the tank - here is the endless part - how you choose to place the returns i.e. on the top, on the bottom, behind the rock.... great flow - little hassle. I use a dolphin 3600 with an OM 4 way

 

[strout]

So the reason for this type of system is to increase flow in the tank?

 

[WhoDey64]

108Reefer, do you have any pictures of your system that runs over the back? I have always seen drilled closed loops but it just never occurred to me to do it over the back with PVC.

 

[WhoDey64]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15328835#post15328835 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by strout
So the reason for this type of system is to increase flow in the tank?

Increase flow, remove obstruction from the tank (powerheads), reduce electric consumption, reduce heat, and produce random flow with a device such as a SCWD squid:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~wavemakers_scwd_squid.html

 

[Steve175]

Closed loop usually cheaper for a given amount of flow than powerheads and result in a much less artificial look IMO.

 

[strout]

I didn't think about not needing any power heads, that would be nice.

 

[goochesfish]

mine will have an oceans motions OM4 the pump is a dart. Won't have any other power heads.

 

[dzhuo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15332239#post15332239 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Steve175
Closed loop usually cheaper for a given amount of flow than powerheads

How?

 

[Steve175]

You can get even high-end external pumps (like sequence hammerhead for instance) with up to 5000-6000gph new for ~ $300. Cheaper pumps are available. Flow in a CL will not be far off of this if you minimize head (have pump at level of tank if possible) and maximize outflow diameter (split return into 2-4 of equal diameter as pump outflow). I challenge you to find 5000-6000gph of flow via powerheads for this price (before you waste your time, both Tunze and Vortech will run you quite a bit more $$$). HTH.

 

[dzhuo]

Where do you find a Hammerhead for $300? Everywhere I look it's close to $400.

A Tunze 6205 produces +5800GPH and is priced at $514. Besides, a Hammerhead runs +300w where a Tunze runs at 55w max.

 

[scottwhitson]

You will not have any head loss on a closed loop system.

 

[Steve175]

DZHUO: Purely from a cost perspective I'd agree that the Tunze is the way to go - have to also factor in all the $$ that you'll save in salt and RODI filters with the Tunze because half of your tank will be filled with the 6205; why not just add a Tunze wavemaker and then you also save the added expense for any fish or coral.

 

[noboddi]

There are animals that don't do well with powerheads and other pumps in the tank. Anemones and seahorses come to mind. Anemones can get sucked into the pump intake, seahorses can get their tails snapped off by an impeller. Both of these can be addressed by a closed loop.

 

[BuddhaKiss]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15358969#post15358969 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Steve175
I challenge you to find 5000-6000gph of flow via powerheads for this price (before you waste your time, both Tunze and Vortech will run you quite a bit more $$$). HTH.

How about a pair Koralia Magnum 8s?

 

[kjord97]

I bought my Korolia Magnum 8's at MACNA last year in Atlanta for half price. I use them on reef keeper controller and running them seperatly for 15 mins each on and off.


You cant beat 3250 gph from each unit at only 19watts

Currently they are on sale for $135 online.

 

[Klaus777]

Just wanted to add this:

http://samsreef.com/content/view/18/2/

Don't get me wrong, I drool over CL's wishing I could have one too but in the end the hydro company wants their share too. You have to choose between what is affordable and what it functional.