Closed Loop Help!

[AquaNewb1]

Hey there Guys and Gals,

I have a few questions pertaining to a CL system. I'll give you a quick rundown of proposed system.( just bought tank) making stand now.
I have a 75 gallon AGA single Mega-Flow tank. The tank is going to be 39" above a 29 gallon homemade sump. returning by a Mag 7 pump. I'm In the market now for a ASM G2 or G3 (any suggestion on choice are appreciated) skimmer. I plan on getting some nice corals, so I'd like to up the flow with a CL system.

I am not going to drill tank fo CL !! repeat I AM NOT GOING TO DRILL TANK !!

Thats just for the people who insist on drilling.. It is not a option here. So please don't even suggest.

My questions are:
1. What size of supply pipe would be right to use? (goes with second question too.)
2. What pump would you all use?
3. Would you use SQWD or a Sea Swirl or a Super Squirt?

OK people get the thinking caps out and help a bother out.
Thanks for all you help in the past.

BTW: It's mainly going to be a reef setup, with minimal fish.

 

[ChrisRD]

Assuming we're talking about a mixed reef, something like an Iwaki MD30RLXT would work well IMO. It will give you about 1000 GPH and they are energy efficient (90 watts) and quiet. The Panworld 50PX-X is a comparable pump but it is fan cooled so it's not as quiet. For an SPS tank I'd probably go with an even bigger pump. If you were talking about an SPS dominated tank you want want to go with a bigger pump.

As for the device I would use the Super Squirt. Sea-Swirls aren't bad either, but personally I wouldn't bother with the SQWD.

 

[jetaero]

Another great option is the vortech pumps when they come out.

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree. I would actually prefer a VorTech (or even a Tunze Stream) to an over-the-side closed loop. Personally, I feel one of the main advantages to closed loops is how they can be hidden (but that requires drilling). If it's not going to be hidden I'd prefer using Streams/VorTechs as the setup is far simpler IMO and they are much more energy efficient.

JMO of course. :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

Having had an over the back closed loop on a tank I have a few suggestions.

1. Do not use the SCWD, they rob lots of flow. I would use the super squirt
2. Have the suction side at least one pipe size larger than the fitting on the pump.
3. For a softie/LPS reef something around 1000 GPH after losses would be fine, for SPS around 1500 to 2000 would be better.
4. I have used and had luck with both panworlds and mags.

 

[AquaNewb1]

Thanks guys.

Great pump suggestions.
Who makes Vortech? What is it?
Ill have to research that one.

Everyone says if Im going to use CL then get the squirt. So thats what I'm probably going to do.

So if the pump inlet is 3/4" then use 1" pipe? 1"inlet is then 1 1/4" or what?

Is there a science to slotting the pipe on the suction side. or is it trial and error?

Thanks Guys

 

[Anonymous]

vortech is a new pump not yet out on the market. Yes on the larger pipe size. For the slots figure the cross section area of the pipe the double or tripple it to figure the amount of slot area you need.

 

[Anonymous]

The Iwaki md30rxlt is the pump I have on my closed loop. It wasn't quiet enough for my living room so I had to move it to the basement. Course I am a bit of a noise freak, I really want a totally silent tank....