I am currently in the beginning of a new tank build and am intrigued by the closed loop system. I wanted to see if anyone had any experience with or thoughts on the system. I have never seen one in operation in real life just in videos. Why would you or wouldn't you use this system? Thanks for your thoughts.
Thoughts on closed loop systems
- Thread starter BPreefer
- Start date
I used to run them a lot. They have all been replaced with lower wattage controllable flow pumps (tunze, hydor or the like).
If you do one, put ball valves and disconnects around your pumps - they do need cleaned and serviced sometimes. Use strainers on the input because snails can/will get down there. Get a low wattage pump like a Ampmaster or a Sequence - these flow 24x7. Most of the larger pumps will use more wattage than advertised once you put some head on them (elbows and stuff count like head), so I would count on like 150-200 watts for 3000GPH. Don't tighten the bulkheads until you are done messing around - very little pressure can break a tank where it has been drilled (if glass).
If you do one, put ball valves and disconnects around your pumps - they do need cleaned and serviced sometimes. Use strainers on the input because snails can/will get down there. Get a low wattage pump like a Ampmaster or a Sequence - these flow 24x7. Most of the larger pumps will use more wattage than advertised once you put some head on them (elbows and stuff count like head), so I would count on like 150-200 watts for 3000GPH. Don't tighten the bulkheads until you are done messing around - very little pressure can break a tank where it has been drilled (if glass).
Thoughts on closed loop systems
I was wanting to get away from having all the power heads and cords on the tank, but it looks like it comes at the cost of efficiency. Also I'm not really interested in drilling a bunch more holes in tank. I may just end up running dual return pumps with multiple returns to get more flow with less power heads. Thought or other suggestions welcome.
I was wanting to get away from having all the power heads and cords on the tank, but it looks like it comes at the cost of efficiency. Also I'm not really interested in drilling a bunch more holes in tank. I may just end up running dual return pumps with multiple returns to get more flow with less power heads. Thought or other suggestions welcome.
For a CL, a single 1.5 or 2" inlet hole and some over-the-top returns with loc-line, or the like, works out pretty good. If your pump can handle the head, then necking down to 1/2 output can really give you some nice flow and velocity - this is true with returns and CLs.... 1000GPH through a 1" return creates next to no real flow, but it you pump 1000GPH through 1/2" it can move sand on the other side or the tank. Of course, high head means wattage, usually.
Low wattage with minimal devices and cords = wavebox or vortech.
Low wattage with minimal devices and cords = wavebox or vortech.