Closed Loop design question

[howman1]

Need Closed Loop Design Help
i am starting to plumb my new 180g. oceanic RR
it has 2 overflows which will go to sump/refugium (using inland reef model)

i have had 2 holes drilled in back for 2 1.5" bulkheads, 10inches from the top and each are two feet apart--for closed loop

currently, i want to use my iwaki md30rlxt for the return, it has a 3/4' intake and outlet--and i will purchase a 1" sea-swirl (in july ed said the motor is changing and will be quiet) which can accomodate the 1,000 gph of the iwaki--i figure after head loss etc. this is the way to go with this pump


questions:
1) what is the best strainer on the bulkheads, i don't want fish and critters to get stuck...also, if i get a stronger pump this becomes critical

2) does anybody have a basic design of which plumbing fittings they use --gate valves, unions, ball valves, etc.

3) where should i reduce down from 1.5 to 3/4
i was thinking a 1.5 wye connector would be used, should i reduce before then or after

4) my feeling is to reduce just before pump, so i have flexibility when i change the pump

i would appreciate any pictures of designs

thanks
howard

 

[MtnDewMan]

I have a closed loop on my 75 gallon reef. I have one bulkhead (1.5") that leads to the pump (Ampmaster 2700). There is a threaded strainer that you can get from Marine Depot that screws in and screws out for easy maintenance.

I have a union fitting on the back side of the tank for easier maintenance as well. Then a 90 elbow that goes straight down, then a Ball Valve for isolationg the pump, then a 90 elbow into the pump. From the output of the pump is a gate valve, then pvc to a manifold system. It tees off to two directions. All of this is 1.5" plumbing to maximize flowrates. Right before I am ready to feed the two sea swirls on each side, I use adapter fittings to go to 3/4". Then tube the 3/4" outlets of the manifold to two sea swirls.

I love my closed loop. Check out my web site and you can see some pictures if you want. Look in the equipment section.

Hope this helps.
_________________
Druidism Forum

 

[MiNdErAsR]

Reefland has a pretty good write-up on his site. Check it...
http://www.rl180reef.com

 

[Mouse]

Heres mine so far.

With regards to reducers and couplings. Id put couplings next to anything you con forseeably wish to detach. And in the placement of reducers, you want to maximise usage of the largest diameter pipe, so you get less Dynamic pressure. So i guess that puts them allmost directly attached to the smallest point really.