Closed Loop vs. Sump

[mflamb]

Why use a closed loop for circulation instead of run all the water through the sump? What are the advantages of using a closed loop system? Is there a disadvantage of running all water through the sump?

 

[Scuba_Dave]

My tank is viewable on 3 sides, so a closed loop was not a good solution. I run my drains to the basement where my sump is located, so I receive passive cooling in the summer
The pump noise is in the basement
I do all my water changes, top-off, testing, acclimation etc in the basement

I use Tunze instead, MUCH less power usage (electric), plus alternating current w/controller

 

[Fiziksgeek]

It is not recommended to run a large amount of flow through the sump for a couple of reasons. The first of which is micro-bubbles. High flow doesn't allow the bubbles to settle out. Secondly, you need to give your equipment time to work, in particular, your skimmer. I keep the flow through my sump less than the flow through my skimmer. I feel it processes the waste better.

There are people who run very high flow rates through the sump and have great success. So its not lik eyou can't do it, but IMO there is a better way. That is, run a closed loop, or use power heads (like tunze) for the main circulation.

 

[nyvp]

Scuba_Dave was cant you use a CL on a 3 way view? MY 560g has 4 - 1 1/2 inch bulkheads down the center of my tank on an om 4way run by a dart for now

 

[mflamb]

nyvp...how does the dart/om 4way combo work for you? I will be using 2 om 4ways and have considered using darts.

 

[sfsuphysics]

to add to what was already said, if you run all your flow through a sump that means whatever pump there is probably not as energy efficient as one plumbed via a closed loop which really has very little back pressure in comparison. Then again those who have really large tanks probably don't worry that much about energy usage

 

[Kennyboy1984]

This may sound newbyish but can you guys explain to me exactly what a closed loop is?

 

[rxinc]

This may sound newbyish but can you guys explain to me exactly what a closed loop is?


Closed loop means that a drain line from the tank and a return to the tank only go thru a pump, no filters/sumps/skimmers, i.e. no contact w/ air. It essentially just recirculates the water.
If you have several return openings you can use devices to alternate which outlets the water comes back into the tank, such as an oceans motion or a scwd.

 

[brian is cool]

they r good bacause u dont have to have so much flow going through ur sump. if u r planning on putting a refugium in ur sump u will have to much flow in the sump and all ur plants will keep getting pushed away

 

[Kennyboy1984]

AH thanks for the info

 

[dez_2121]

hay thanxs also...... i am planing to build a 220gl tank and was looking into plumbing my thoughts was i wanted a fug under the bottom and other things like skimmers, reactors and everthing else in small tanks aroud 10 to 20 gal on cabnets on the side
dez

 

[nyvp]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7846625#post7846625 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mflamb
nyvp...how does the dart/om 4way combo work for you? I will be using 2 om 4ways and have considered using darts.

I like them the best. use the # 3 drum

 

[NormanB]

Can some of you guys post some pics of your CL?

Thanks

 

[mflamb]

Why do you prefer the #3 drum? I think I will use 2 CL with OM 4ways/Darts. I started cutting the metal (1.5" square tubing .125 thick) for my stand/hood today. The welder will come over Saturday to build it. My electrician came by this evening to prepare his parts list. I'm having 4 circuits (20amp) added.

 

[nyvp]

Here is my steel stand 2x2x 5/16th

I like the #3 drum after speaking to the guy at Om about how to make the water in the tank Roll. My CL is throughout the bottom all pointed to the left. This makes the water on the bottom of tank all go in same direction. Then I have my Return from my sump on the top left aiming to the right on the surface. So if you can envision this it makes a rolling circle.