Closed loop design

S

Stevo

Hi All,

I looking for some suggestions, things to avoid, things not to forget regarding a closed loop for a new tank I am building. I've been searching for a new tank for months... can't seem to find that perfect size. Currently, I have mostly soft corals but I plan to start some SPS when things are running.

My perfect size is now 48" long by 36" wide and 24" deep. It will reside as a built-in unit and be viewable from only two sides. I've already got the cut acrylic and only need to get the bulkheads and a pump for a closed loop. I'm planning for 4 returns and at least a mag 12. I've even heard a mag 12 isn't enough fro a closed loop for this size tank. I will be using a mag 9 for my return pump from the sump.

Details I'm looking for are how much flow, good place to put closed loop returns, best way to do the closed loop intake to the pump. How about a SCWD on the return lines from the sump or a couple of them on the closed loop returns?

Thanks,
Steve
 
I'm running a closed loop with a SCWD, here are a couple thoughts

It appears that once you get over 800gph on a SCWD they tend to wear out in about 4 months, at least thats my experiance with 2 now.

The SCWD cycles about every 6 secs on my system that is using a 850gph pump

you can increase flow by using penductors on you discarge pipes, they work great.

If you are only going to be 24 inches deep you may want to consider powerheads, but a closed loop does allow you to direct not just the discharge but also the intake locations. this may be very important based on your aquascaping and visability from both sides

If you want 4 returns I suggest considering spending a little more money and look at an Oceans Motions product. Given the short life span that I'm experiancing with SCWDs I'll probably redo my closed loop to work in a Oceans Motions product

good luck and post some pics of your build
 
with a closed loop that size you need to get the pump out of the water and run external, sequence dart comes to mind

whatever pressure you think is enough, double it

especially when using an om device and switching water outputs, you loose a ton of flow in the piping and turns

have every intake and output on a valve and use unions on the pump to make it removable
 
Keep access to your pump and whatever wave device you decide on. You will want to be able to remove them without draining the tank. I have union valves and regular unions on mine and I am able to remove my dart and OM 4 way in just a few minutes and the excess water drains into my sump.

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for my closed loop I use a Dart pump. The Dart is a great pump with very good flow. The amount of flow you will need will depend on what you want to keep and the size of your tank. If you eventually want to be able to keep SPS you will need much higher flow. I don't know the exact number (I'm sure others here are much more knowledgeable on this than I), but I run 30x and I have no SPS at the moment.
 
That's what I want to see. Nicely done. I have more questions, but no time to ask at the moment.

I'm probably going to stay away from a SCWD on the closed loop. I may tie one in on the sump return, but I don't like it's track record.

Thanks,
Steve
 
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