external pump w/o a sump for flow?

[FOREIGNER]

hey everyone! I have been thinking of ways to increase the circulation and flow in my 55 gal since i done have a sump. i have 2 power heads and 2 koralias #3 in addition to the aquaclear 500 power filter. My question is, could I use an external pump for the sole purpose of moving the water out thru an overflow or strainer and then use a T valve w/ 2 hoses and split the return to the tank to get rid of the 2 power heads? I am thinking this might increase the flow GPH and also less clutter inside the tank?
i would appreciate your input

 

[hmello@bermexin]

Do you plan on just pumping air in?

 

[Chrsnwk]

what you are describing is commonly know to reef hobbyists as a "Closed Loop" it works well if properly laid out.

 

[hmello@bermexin]

Oh sorry I did not read the original post correctly. I see now that you want to move water from the tank through it.

What Chrsnwk said................

 

[FOREIGNER]

ok does anyone have a diagram on how to set up? what kind of pump overflow hosing all the equipment that i would basically need?

 

[Chrsnwk]

there are lots of diagrams, do a search for them. the preferred way of doing it it drilling the tank as it yields the cleanest look. If drilling isn't an option, you can run a U tube over the back wall to feed the pump, but plan on using 1-1/2" PVC minimum, and then from the pump run your return(s) back over the wall wherever you want it (them). Another popular thing to do is to incorporate an Ocean Motion diverter, or a SWCD into your return lines and get some "random" flow coming from differen directions at different times. Tinker. Experiment. Have fun.

then let us all know how it turned out.

Good Luck!!

 

[FOREIGNER]

great thanks