Closed Loop vs. Dump Surge

[digitalreefer]

I've been planning on installing a closed loop on my tank, but am now considering building a surge system on my tank instead. Basically, the device would fill a dump tank with water from my sump and upon reaching a specific level, quickly dump the water into the display tank.

The closed loop would provide a consistent flow, but the surge would create a much more chaotic flow.

Any thoughts on which way I should go?

 

[cali_reef]

Dump is way too loud. I had a 12 gallon surge device in my basement system and I can heard the damn thing all night.

You also need to lower the running water level in the display tank to accommodate the surge water volume.

 

[digitalreefer]

Noise is a concern, but I think if I did it right I could minimize the noise. My tank is drilled with an overflow elbow, so lowering the water level is very easy.

Any other thoughts? Which would be better for the health of the tank?

 

[cali_reef]

And gravity initiated suction surge have MEGA micro bubbles in the dumped water.

 

[digitalreefer]

Hadn't thought of that... I wonder how bad it would be. I don't mind some bubbles, but I don't want it to be so bad that it destroys my viewing.

 

[jhale]

lot's of bubbles, noise, super salt creep.
if you make one I predict you will not use it for long.
try it out though, I'd like to see one working on a smaller tank.

 

[masterswimmer]

Eric, almost all the tanks at Atlantis Marine World use the surge system. Their 20,000g reef uses it as well. Tough to say when I've seen a better looking system than that.

swimmer

 

[cali_reef]

Hadn't thought of that... I wonder how bad it would be. I don't mind some bubbles, but I don't want it to be so bad that it destroys my viewing.

You can see the tank contents between the surges, some coral and fish loves it, some don't do well.

 

[digitalreefer]

Seems like the general consensus is that it won't be a very great idea. That said... it is a very cheap build and if I have time, I may do it, just to build something.

Chris brought up some good points when I spoke with him regarding top off level, and it seems like it would be very difficult to make this work with an ATO, so for that reason alone I likely will not use it, but it would be fun to see in action, even if it's only for an hour! It would be worth the $20 and hour of my time to see it!

 

[spykes]

there is a electronic surge system, but it would cost 300 dollars to make hehe