I feel like my tank really needs some better circulation.. currently I've got a bunch of power heads, that I just don't think is doing as good of a job as it could be; especially looking at the detritus build up under the rocks. My tank is an 80 gal tall tank, 36x18x30. I'm debating getting a tunze, another strong power head to stick under the rock or going closed loop? If closed loop, not sure what kind of pump to go with.. I want something to push enough water, but energy consumption is a concern as well as noise.
circulation
- Thread starter rhidien
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Krish
RF STAFF
If you went with a closed loop, will you drill the tank or do a closed loop over the top? (if over the top I have a link you can check out) Tunzes are cool...You can get them up to I think 5,000+ gph. If cost is an issue, you can get the Seio's which are similar up to 2600gph around $60!
Yeah, I've considered just going with a seio, but trying to think more long term.. as I've seen, powerheads do lose power over time, even with regular cleaning...plus it would be nice to get a cleaner look with less of them in there... I don't know though, not a lot of time right now to build a closed loop, maybe I'll wait with that project for my next tank? In which case, I would go drilled.. as of now, it would have to be over the top if I go that way. I would love to check out any link you may have?
shallowreef
Well-known member
A over the top closed loop wouldn't be a huge project. You could probably knock it out in a day with a tank that size. You just need to make sure you have a big enough pump to give you the flow you desire.
Nick
Nick
shallowreef
Well-known member
A closed loop is either a hole or a tube that sucks in water straight into a pumps intake and shoots right back out into the tank. Its like an overflow but with no filtering involved.
bradreef
always kidding
do a manifold style closed loop and you should get good flow.
Krish
RF STAFF
Here's where I did an over the top closed loop on my 75gal. You'll have to scan through to see the final shots after I changed up some of the plumbing
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13588
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13588
Krish
RF STAFF
I'll get a photo for you to look at and then you will understand. With a closed loop for one, you won't have a bunch of ugly powerheads sitting in the tank and the options are unlimited. Give me a sec
Krish
RF STAFF
Just imagine try to get this coverage with powerheads....
scroll down the first page here and see what Mike did
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144
And here's Nikki's tank
scroll down the first page here and see what Mike did
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144
And here's Nikki's tank
Krish
RF STAFF
I guess we posted the same time(LOL) If you can do it, it is IMO better in a way because you can point the flow anywhere. Some people go over the top like I did in that link I posted above, but on my new tank, I will be drilling it for my closed loop and the tank will have 6 holes on the back as well as 1 or 2 outputs over the top. Powerheads are an easier/quicker option, but they take up space, need cleaning periodically, and are in some cases un-appealing. There are tons of photos here on the forum with people who go over the top so they won't have to drill the tank or just drill through, but in any event, most people (if they can) seem to prefer the closed loop idea over the powerhead idea.
Krish
RF STAFF
ROFL! I'll dig up a few more links so you can get some more ideas of closed loop setups
Krish
RF STAFF
Browse through a few of the photos here in these links to get a few ideas
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5191
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4743
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14502
This will be a good one to keep your eye on
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14793
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5191
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4743
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14502
This will be a good one to keep your eye on
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14793
Krish
RF STAFF
You'll have to prime the plumbing going to the pump and then the pump takes over from there. I'll get some pics to show you how that iis done. Also, about the magdrive, that was what I used for my closed loop in the link here
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13588
