Sump / Closed loop ?

[inked]

Hi

I am Setting up a 110 gallon tank and am a little confused on the difference between a closed loop and sump. I have setup sumps before but not sure of the closed loop system. From the photos I have seen of the closed loop there doesnt appear to be any filter media? Just a pump drawing water in and back out am I missing something? The reason I am asking is I havent setup my tank yet and have 2 little giant quaruim series 2 pumps (model 2-mdqx-sc). I picked these up for nothing and they are brand new so I would like to use them. My tank is drilled and would really like to get it right the first time for once lmao! Oh and if matters it will be a fish only tank I have a 24 aquapod I am using for reef.

Thanks

 

[OctaviousMonk]

the closed loop is "closed because the water shouldn't ever leave the loop and tank. Water comes from the tank hits a pump that recirculates it to any number of exits directly back into the tank. The closed loop is simpley for more water circulation and movement. Some people do them to be able to remove power heads in tank while other do it for supplemental circulation

 

[emmanuel]

In my case I had 2 return pumps but that was too much flow in my sump so I turned 1 into a closed loop. The closed loop is running 2 seaswirls yes it would have been cheaper to just place some power heads but that equals more heat and more clutter in the tank . If 1 of your pumps is enough flow for your sump just use 1 if you need more flow in the tank closed loops are better than power heads IMO depending on size of tank

 

[OctaviousMonk]

You can either have the glass drilled for your return ports for the loop or you can build a manifold to act as your return ports. I built this simple manifold for my tank but ended up not using it: http://altisreef.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=479
One thing to remember is that the number of outlet ports you want is related to how many gallons per hour your pump can move. For example I had 10 open ports and wanted 200gph to come out of each, so I had to use a 2000 gph pump. Get it?
I also agree that a closed loopd looks better and can work better for more randomized flow then power heads.

 

[inked]

Thank you so much for the info that cleared it for me. Closed loop is for circulation not filtering!


Thanks