Posted this on another board. I am hoping for lots of suggestions.
Ok.. We got our 80 Gallon last week with a center (square box type) pre drilled for 1.5" drain, and 1" return. That will drop into a 40 gallon sump/refugium with baffles and a skimmer.
My confusion is about the closed loop. I plan on using an AM2100 all up to possibly an AM3000 for the project. I understand I need the inlet holes to the pump about mid way down the tank. My question is how many holes should I have drilled? Should I have it drilled for two 1.5 inch bulkheads ? Should I use three 1 inch bulkheads? I don't want to chance any smaller fish/shrimp/snails being sucked up against the strainers. It seems like people would have all sorts of issues with snails getting sucked into the strainers. Finally is an AM 3000 just simply too much pump for my closed loop? It is only an 80 gallon tank.
I want to make our reef a home for a fairly diverse range of corals. Not just SPS and clams. We will have adequate lighting (dual PFO 250Watt firing two 6500 iwasaki's ICECAP 660 powering two 48" actinic and two 50/50 bulbs.) We had a 75 reef a few years back, and I really really want to use a closed loop for the obvious water turnover, and because powerheads are unsightly. I apologize for being so long winded. I hope somebody has some insight.
Thank you all in advance.
Smokey
Ok.. We got our 80 Gallon last week with a center (square box type) pre drilled for 1.5" drain, and 1" return. That will drop into a 40 gallon sump/refugium with baffles and a skimmer.
My confusion is about the closed loop. I plan on using an AM2100 all up to possibly an AM3000 for the project. I understand I need the inlet holes to the pump about mid way down the tank. My question is how many holes should I have drilled? Should I have it drilled for two 1.5 inch bulkheads ? Should I use three 1 inch bulkheads? I don't want to chance any smaller fish/shrimp/snails being sucked up against the strainers. It seems like people would have all sorts of issues with snails getting sucked into the strainers. Finally is an AM 3000 just simply too much pump for my closed loop? It is only an 80 gallon tank.
I want to make our reef a home for a fairly diverse range of corals. Not just SPS and clams. We will have adequate lighting (dual PFO 250Watt firing two 6500 iwasaki's ICECAP 660 powering two 48" actinic and two 50/50 bulbs.) We had a 75 reef a few years back, and I really really want to use a closed loop for the obvious water turnover, and because powerheads are unsightly. I apologize for being so long winded. I hope somebody has some insight.
Thank you all in advance.
Smokey
