Need advice on closed loop

[Virginia Reef]

I have received a 225 acrylic with two 2" closed loop intakes in the back of the tank. There are eight 1" return holes in the top of the tank bracing...one in each corner and one in both the front and back of each of the two cross braces.

Now my question...how much flow is too much? I have been thinking about two Sequence Dart pumps. They are rated for 3,600gph each. If I actually get the rated flow that's a complete turnover of the tank volume EVERY TWO MINUTES.

Will I get close to the rated flow? I'll have ball valves on each loop and can cut down on the flow. Would this strain the pump unnecessarily? Would I be better off with lower volume pumps? What pumps do you like?

Thanks for any input.

 

[seaguy7]

I think it might be too much flow. Particularly if you are going to have a sand bottom. I have one Sequence Barracuda in my 240 and I have to throttle and aim each outlet carefully to avoid stirring up the sand. I also have more current than my LPS would like. I haven't found a spot for my hammer coral where it can fully extend its polyps without them getting blown to vigorously and retracting. I think the flow in my tank is about right for my SPS so I'm pleased with this level. The Barracuda is rated around 3700 gph versus 2800 for the dart.

 

[anjhof]

Plus two darts are going to cost a lot more to run than one pump in terms of electricity.

 

[garvondavis14]

that's only 32x....depending on what you're keeping that would definitely not be too much...there might be more efficient ways to get that much flow, i don't know for sure though, you'll have to look at diff pump combinations

 

[toothman]

I have 2 sequence darts on a 400 gal, 8 returns and two 2" intakes. sounds kind of similar. I really do not have enough flow. I was thinking this week about adding a tunze. So much for the really expensive plumbed tank with out any need for more pumps.

Darts are really good pumps and dependable. Also quiet compared to pressure pumps: Iwaki, pan world, genex.

If you want to keep sps it sounds like a nice water flow, as far as sand storms. I would add the flexible black nozzles on the returns and point them away from the sand, like 45 degrees to the glass. Also add true union ball valves, Hayward from aquatic ecosystems work well, they also have superior bulkhead fittings. If you want to spend a few more bucks add Ocean Motion 4 ways, they will make nice wave action. Talk to Paul there, nice guy, he can help with plumbing.


The noise on the darts are slightly less than that of my metal halide fans. 2 darts are less expensive than one hammerhead and quieter, I also have a hammerhead for the return. Also if one breaks you have the other running for flow. You know that redundant system thing. FYI

Good luck
SMILE

 

[toothman]

Also they rate at 3,600 gph at o head, is what you should have for a closed loop. Also I think the newer model has something like 4,200 gph.

 

[fish-freek-3000]

dont do it. Run tunzes it will increase amounts of flow. and give you the ability to alternate it easily