closed loop versus powerheads

[Fig70g]

Great thread, I wanted to find out if doing a CL would be worth it on my 70g. It is 36x18x24, it will be setup as a (small) penninsula. I was planning on the intake being on the back 18"w wall. For the returns, having 2 rock pillars each supported by a vertical PVC pipe that would have holes cut in it(spraybar-ish). I would have one of those SCWD to rotate which one is pushing water.
I am already drilling the tank for an overflow, but am I crazy for trying this on this size tank? or worth my time? Thanks!

 

[Fig70g]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13553778#post13553778 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
I'm planning on using both on my current tank.

CL ran by a Barracuda hooked to an OM 4-way, and 2 large Tunze stream pumps.

Forgot to ask, what does the "OM" stand for? Thanks

 

[PaulieWalnuts]

ocean motion...a product used to change up water and such...Google ocean motions.

 

[Fig70g]

Gotcha, I figured it was similar to the SCWD. Thank you!

 

[bnmir]

No votes for wavebox?

 

[shivvy]

Do anyone use the OM omniflex nozzles on their returns?

I plan to use a Dart, OM-4way and the Omniflex. I have never seen the omniflex in person so I wasn't sure how they perform opposed to use locline split into different directions.

 

[tcmfish]

On the closed loop, with these big pumps, do you guys split up the intake? I would think that would be a lot of water flowing into one hole. Do fish ever get stuck or inverts?

 

[PaulieWalnuts]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13554404#post13554404 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tcmfish
On the closed loop, with these big pumps, do you guys split up the intake? I would think that would be a lot of water flowing into one hole. Do fish ever get stuck or inverts?

good question i think i am going to when i set mine up.

 

[dagda]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13554404#post13554404 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tcmfish
On the closed loop, with these big pumps, do you guys split up the intake? I would think that would be a lot of water flowing into one hole. Do fish ever get stuck or inverts?

I use two 1.5" intakes for my Dart. It's not a problem for the fish, but I do get the occasional snails stuck on the intake.

I have mixed feelings about my closed loop. It is great hidden flow, but it was tough to plumb and is pretty much permanent. I love the lack of cords in the tank.

I think the newer propeller type powerheads are extremely compelling. Tunze were the only choice when I setup my tank. If are not really certain about your plumbing, I would go with the powerheads.

 

[PaulieWalnuts]

i thought you had to have a 2inch intake hole for a dart?

 

[jbuckner]

I recently drilled my 120 for a closed loop with a Dart. I like the look of not having powerheads in the aquarium and the Dart moves a serious amount of water, but I am a bit concerned about the leaking in the long run.

Pros: little heat transfer, no wires in the aquarium, moves a lot of water

Cons: requires a decent amount of planning and work initially, long term leaking concerns

I haven't had any problems yet, but I think for future aquariums (haven't even finished this one yet), I might be looking at the Vortechs.

Good luck!

 

[PaulieWalnuts]

jbuckner i am building a 110 and am going to be running a dart to 4 holes and a vortech for the mixed up flow...so might be like yours would be interested in seeing yours and most other peoples build pages.

 

[tcmfish]

So you guys who just mentioned your closed loops what type of intake are you using? I am still baffled by the fact that snails don't get destroyed by the intakes.

I have never used a closed loop this is why I don't know, but I would like to know for future reference.

 

[PaulieWalnuts]

I have yet to set mine up but i have seen my snails on maxi jet 1200 intakes and i know that is smaller but with 2 2inch holes i thinking the suction from a dart would not be to bad, at least i hope, i am still un sure about if i will drill 2 holes or just make a t come out of one.

 

[THE GIMP]

Think about a Penductor or an eductor.

 

[dead beat reef]

I set up a C.L. a Dart (fine product) one intake with four
outlets. It was great not to see cords or power heads
in the tank. Just that after you factor in the cost,
time, effort, its not worth it. I have better flow with
2 H.K.s than I ever got with the C.L. If want to plumb.
and play great. I removed the C.L. Easy, lazy? just me.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

I drilled two 1.5" holes on the back. They come together at a 2" T then down to the Dart. I'm going to use omni flex nozzles. I like them a lot so far. Kinda pricy though.

<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/?action=view&current=puffer025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/thechad21_2006/puffer025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I used a ton of clear pvc cement and schedule 80 single union ball valves. I'm not concerned about leaks.

That being said, this was a lot of work. When you add the cost of the plumbing parts, omniflex nozzles, Dart, OM 4-way, countless trips to Lowes, and an entire weekend putting it together. I could've bought several Vortechs and saved a lot of time and energy.

I'm still quite fond of my closed loop though. If you enjoy tinkering, planning and putting things together, you'll enjoy your closed loop too. It's hard to put a quantitive value on the clean look of a closed loop. You can't really say one is better than the other.

If you don't mind spending a little extra on your electric bill, or the initial planning and labor involved, and if you hate the look of cords in your tank, then build a closed loop. Or just buy a couple Vortechs and call it a day lol.

It's different for everyone. Personally I hate the look of ANY equipment in a tank. I'm really glad that I'll have both a closed loop and a Vortech (which I hope to hide between the rock).

 

[silverwolf72]

I really enjoyed working on doing my CL. Sounds like we all did almost the same setups; Dart with 2 1.5" bulkheads to a 2"Y connected to a OM 4 way Super Squirt with 4x 3/4 output at the 4 corners of the tank and a 1" bypass that runs across the back.

Not seeing all those pumps I think is worth it.

 

[Fishingpcola]

Thanks to all. This has been very educational.

 

[psyrob]

Hope its not to late to chime in, but I just made a borneman surge device, cost less than 20 bucks and it does more for random movement than any power head set up I ever had. I'm gonna make a second and put it at the opposite end of the tank. THere are bubbles that burst and spray my tank cover, but I just clean it every couple of days and the surge looks so cool that I don't mind (yet)