closed loop trouble

[jski711]

okay so im switching from my 12g nano to a 24g and wanted to have a maxi 1200 cl for more flow.

my problems are....

1. the tubing i bought was to big for the exit of the pump and to small for the u tube return that i bought.

well i guess thats kinda the only problem but if there is an easier way to achieve a closed loop in a nano feel free to give me some pointers. oh ya, pics are always helpful too. thanks a bunch everyone.

jake

 

[murfman]

why not drill it and get rid of the U tube?

 

[jski711]

can't find the stuff to use. can't get sizes of tubing and stuff to match. any ideas??

 

[jski711]

bump

 

[drjuice28]

If you're just trying to put the maxijet in the back chamber somewhere, and not connect it to the stock flare nozzle, I'd just drill it like murfman said.

The nozzle is 2 pieces, so you just disconnect them, drill the hole for the smaller of the 2 to slide through, then reconnect it on the other side:

 

[jski711]

yeah but that wouldn't be a closed loop. im not sure if the tiny overflow is going to handle 2-mj 1200's ???

 

[drjuice28]

Hmmm...I'm not sure if it would with the stock sponge filters in place. But those turn into nitrate traps anyways, and a lot of people just throw them out. With unobstructed flow back there, you'll keep up, no problem. I've got 2x1200's back there, could handle 2 more without any issues for sure.

 

[jski711]

really, i was just worried about the flow being to much for that small overflow to handle. ya i don't use any sponge filters, im transfering all my stuff from my 12 to the 24 but thanks for the info.

jake

 

[arthurlo]

You could ziptie the tubing onto the output of the MJ1200 - that typically works with 1/2" ID tubing. You may want to use some pliers to pull the ziptie tight.

As for the u-tube return, heat up the 1/2" ID tubing with hot water and force it on. The vinyl will get soft enough to stretch around it.

 

[jski711]

thanks, i didn't even think about heating it up.

 

[PSam]

I run 2 mj1200's in the back of my 24. Sure, the water level rises a bit, but I also drilled an extra 3/4" hole from display to the 2nd compartment to offset the water level. I get much better flow back there now, in case I need to add a bag of some media from time to time.

 

[jski711]

hey psam, did u just use a small bulkhead with a strainer???

 

[PSam]

For which part? For the additional overflow? Yes. Works like a charm.

Keeping the water level down is important too if you're running with the top - if it rises, it heats up too fast IME.

 

[WillWorkForFish]

I'm actually going to be putting a closed loop in my aquapod24 either today or tomorrow.. I'll post pics when I get started..

 

[jski711]

cool thanks, you can post em on this thread if you want. thanks though, haven't had a chance to work on my tank yet so perfect timing.