Closed loop or MJ 1200 + Mods for 90G?

C

Curtis

I have a tall 90G tank, currently running 2 seio 620 and 1 seio 820 (as of tonight, no 820...busted shaft).

I"m considering two options:
1) Buy two MaxiJet 1200 and mod kits from MJ Mod (~$80)
plus a wave timer (comes later)
or
2) Build a closed loop system with a SCWD ($?) and appropriate pump ($?)

With my MH, the closed loop system has some appeal as I will reduce the heat generated in the water. However, the few threads I've read all seem to indicate that the tank maybe too large for a closed loop system.

What are you thoughts?

Kurt
 
I believe the only limitations of a closed loop are the size of the pumps not the tank.

That said... I have some reservations about closed loops. Your adding additional holes to a small pane of glass, added stress on that pane etc. You end up with PVC that can be a pressure point if you happen to bang them etc... I have read several threads where guys did this only to have cracks develop later or leaks etc.

I think you'd be better off with using the PH's for flow. As far as the type of equipment, that depends on your budget. Vortecs would be your best bet in a smaller tank, since their footprints are small and no heat due to the motor being external. Get in the group buy or check out the pair for sale in the for sale forum. I am just of a frame of mind I would rather spend the extra money for a piece of equipment designed to do what I want rather than mod'ing a cheaper product to do the same thing. MJ's are reliable, but over time I think you'll be happier with the vortecs. Tunze would be good too, but they are larger, internal and as Marc has mentioned, have to have the gates cleaned because they can clog up over time.
 
If you go with the mods... I dont think the additional heat from it will be much to be concerned with... Now if you have the big Mag pumps in your tank... you can expect it to raise the heat up a couple of degrees.
 
on my 90g i currently have 2 maxi jets like you want and it does well for my reef and fish inhabitants as of now, but i would prefer the vortecs. smaller footprint, no heat transfer (i have those, a quite one pump and PC's and i fight heat problems all the time already), would be easier, but pricey. If i was not upgrading my tank in a couple months i would consider replacing them with marcs closed loop system on his site, but my only dislike for that is the fact that you see the 'U' loops on the back of the tank. I like a clean top, just my ocd kicking in (lol, jk). Closed loop could be cheaper and work well but maybe not as slimming and efficient.
 
@hooterhead wrote:
you can do a closed loop without drilling the tank. Marc has a how-to on his websitehere said:
That what I was looking at doing if I went the closed loop route.

I understand what one person was saying about stressing the tank, so I would definitely build some form of support.

As for the Tunze and Vortexes...I just had my entire HVAC system replaced and I didn't have a Home Warranty plan (*if you own a house !GET ONE OF THESE!), so I'm out $7800 right off. So these more expensive powerheads just aren't an option right now. Though I do recognize how cool and innovative the Vortex is.

So, my motivating factors are
1) Keeping fish and sps alive and thriving
2) Keep costs down.

I think I'll just go with the MJ and modify them.

Thanks for all the advice folks,
Kurt
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