heavy flow ideas

[exoticaquatix]

hey guys, im in the planning stages of my new 120 and i need some recommendations for a good pump. id like to eliminate as many internal pumps as possible and avoid drilling my tank if possible.
ill be starting with an AGA 120 RR with 2 overflows and would like to get as much flow as possible with out making the tank too noisy. are there designs for a closed loop system out there that would use one of the drains already drilled in the tank? also, how well do "over the top" style CL returns work compared to drilled returns? im guessing ill lose some flow to the extra head pressure but im willing get creative.
my main concern with drilling is that the tank will most likely be moved in the next 2 years and i think a bunch of bulk heads and plumbing might make that ALOT harder. plus id like to avoid spending as much on unions as i do the tank

any good pump recommendations? id like a powerful, quiet, and efficient pump. a good value is also a big plus. id need a return and a CL pump.
any input is appreciated, even if its telling me im on the wrong track. thanks.
-nick

 

[Philwd]

The Vortechs qualify. I think with the recent improvements you will find them a nice addition.

 

[PrangeWay]

Sounds like your looking for a manifold.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2003/short.htm

CL look at either the big GRI pumsp at MD, or a ReefFlo.

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8043018#post8043018 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Philwd
The Vortechs qualify. I think with the recent improvements you will find them a nice addition.

Phil, it still seems like there are a LOT of issues with the vortechs. Coupled with the need to frequently replace bushings, and the current lack of a controller, they seem like an inferior product to the Tunzes to me.

That being said, he doesnt want powerheads, he wants a closed loop.


Honestly, OP, I think a HOB style closed loop is going to take up a ton of space, and look much worse than a couple of stream style pumps. It will also cost about the same in the short run, and a lot more in the long run.

 

[Philwd]

I understood he wanted a CL and I agree a couple good PH may very well be cheaper and cooler than a CL.

On the Vortechs they have fixed issues I personally never saw. I agree lack of a controller is a negative. But I am running on a AC jr wavemaker and doing just fine in the interim. Having run both Tunzes and Vortechs I like the flow from the Vortechs much better. But I can certainly appreciate the opinion until a proven controller comes out the Vortech won't compare. It is really a personal case by case basis if it makes sense now. I'm just throwing it out as a good alternative to a big CL.

 

[kpk]

There are a lot of options for a closed loop. I have a sequence barracuda on a 6 1/2" manifold, but if I had to do it again I would do other things.

I think I would save the extra money, get either a ocean motions four way with a iwaki 55rlt pressure pump or larger with eductors on the end of each outlet to quad the flow. Or you could even get the bigger iwaki pressure pump with just like 3-4 eductors on that w/o the 4 way.

Here are some links: http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_pumps_iwaki_japanese_american.asp?CartId=
http://www.toofishy.com/home.php?cat=720

If not the iwaki the sequence pressure rated pumps are probably nice too. I really like the barracuda and it is pretty quiet.

Hope this helps some.

Kyle

 

[johnnstacy]

I'm using a 4-way here with a barracuda:

but here again, you would need the holes in the tank. If holes and powerheads were not an option, I would probably go with a Tunze Wavebox.

 

[rigleautomotive]

i would run a blue line 40x for closed loop and the same for return.you may want to use all holes for drains,and an over the back closed loop.that is what i am runnind now on a 180 with penductors on the closed loop.it is plenty for a 180 so you can go with the same stuff minus the penductors.i use the 4 holes in my overflows for drains,that way i can flow a little more thru overflows.pan world is the same i believe.there is countless ways to do it ,this is just one.i try to stay away from power hungry pumps and power heads and internal pumps.for me they dont hold up long term.

 

[King-Kong]

I would second the consideration for a Vortech. You won't have any concerns with drilling, plumbing, loud pumps, and higher electricity usage.

Just 3,000gph+ of wide flow and a small foot print taken up in the tank.

 

[exoticaquatix]

well, so far you have given me some great ideas. im leaning a little more towards the return manfold but was wondering why some of you do not like it. as i see it, i am getting most if not all the flow i need from one pump. the vortechs are little out of my price range as are the tunze's. i figure i can spend the $250 or less on a nice external pump and plumb the manfold for about 1/2 the cost of a vortech or tunze set-up.
long term i may have to up-grade the pump with coral growth but at this point its a long way off, i only buy frags of wild SPS or aqua/maricultured "colonies". i dont believe in buying wild colonies of SPS.
as far as Eductors i need a pressure rated pump, correct? what are some of the quieter models of these? i have heard some of the bigger mag/direct drive pumps running and am scared ill have to crank the TV volume up too high in the livingroom and **** the neighbors off ;D
thanks for the help so far, id like to get some more feedback on the manifold idea.
-nick

 

[rigleautomotive]

i said earlier that i like the pan world or blue line.if you run a blue line 40 x for a return and the same for aa closed loop you will have plenty for a 120.you wont be disappointed,i tested 7 different pumps before i was happy with sound, heat, and flow.iwalki is a close second but they are louder.i have good luck with the blue lines and have ran 6 different pumps constantly for about 4 years.the only problem i ever had was a cal buildup on 1 of the pumps i keep high alk and cal levels,otherwise they are bullitproof and cheaper than others that do not perform as well IMO