46 gallon bf closed loop help.......

[ben3343]

I am looking into putting a closed loop system on my 46g bf tank. Right now I have a bak-pak, 3 powerheads, and a gutted power filter(just for water movement). I'm interested in getting rid of the power filter and powerheads. I do not want to drill the tank, so it will all be over the top installation. I'm not sure the gph rating on the powerheads and filters to be exact, but I think they all range from 100 to 135 gph each. I was wondering what size/brand/etc. pump I should get, and how it actually should be plumbed. I know nothing about closed loops, so the more information/links provided, the better. Thanks in advance for the help.



Ben

 

[mountainbiker619]

I good example of a closed loop is a canister filter. A canister filter sucks water in and then returns it (in simple form). You go purchase a canister filter such as a fluval 402, remove all media and now you have a closed loop setup.

 

[ben3343]

The canister filter would be a good start. However, I was looking for something with multiple outlets. My plan was to split the output on the pump 3-ways and have 3 outlets in the tank. Possible putting a sea-swirl on one of the outlets. This wouldn't be possible with the canister filter I wouldn't think. Any other ideas........?



Ben

 

[mountainbiker619]

sure you could do that with a canister filter. They make 4-way barb splits. You can do they exact same plumbing design on a canister filter as you could on a Iwaki external pump. And as a added benifit, you could house any media for a short period of time in the canister filter if needed.

 

[ben3343]

Ok anybody else want to chime in?



Thanks,
Ben

 

[liquid]

Have you tried a forum search by using the Search function at the top of the page? There's a fair amount of info there about closed loop construction. You may want to also consider throwing a SCWD (switching current water device) on there as well as it would make for some nice variable water movement in the tank.

Shane