closed loop help

[The Claw]

Help me out here folks. I have a 150 with overflow etc. into a sump and refugium. I want to increase flow in the tank without all of these powerheads. I'm thinking this is what a closed loop is for. I don't want my sump to have anymore turnover, also a good point for a closed loop I think. I have 4' of head pressure, and I am looking at two sea swirls to do the job in each corner or something like that. How exactly do I hook this thing up. I guess I'm thinking of how the water gets to the pump. I know controversial subjects like what pump do you guys think would fit what i'm doing should bring some discussion. I have a mag 9.5 returning part of my water to my refugium and part to my tank. I would like a little more zip I think. Why I am doing all of this, should I run my line through a filter of some sorts. Any recommendations there. I like to filter with carbon all of the time. I am using mess bags on my input line from the overflow. Not the best set-up. Help....

 

[NaH2O]

Did you want to use anything other than sea swirls? If so, is your tank glass or acrylic? Are you planning on draining out the tank to drill, or were you looking at doing something over the back for the closed loop with PVC? With my tank, the circluation is dependant on the closed loop.....the return is only to bring water back to the tank. You may not need to increase your return, depending on what you do for the closed loop. Also, what do you have in your tank as far as corals and substrate?

 

[The Claw]

I'm open to any options in regards to the sea swirls, I just know they are reputable. My tank is a mix of everything. For substrate I have a deep sand bed, and my tank is glass, not planning to drill. I was thinking of something over the back.

 

[lizardarm]

hey claw,
i know that it's not using a sea swirl, but check out this guy's site http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html
there is pretty detailed step by step and if nothing else i t should get the wheels turning

 

[The Claw]

Thanks for the link. Does anyone run a filter on their closed loop? If so, any suggestions on make, model, etc. Thanks!

Does anyone have any opinion on whether the wavemaker he uses is better that the sea swirls or not?

 

[lizardarm]

i have seen cylindrical sponge filters used in overflow boxes. i suppose that you could slip one of those over the suction side piping.

 

[The Claw]

I suppose that would be a good idea anyway, to keep something from being sucked in.

 

[CurvBall]

Hi Claw, with regards to the wavemaker in the link posted, I have one on my 20g and it works really well. Apparently the SCWD units aren't too expensive for you guys(about $40), I'd give it a bash. I'm going to be using two on my CLS on my 'big' 65g tank in the new year.

 

[lizardarm]

the suction pipe with several holes drilled in it works pretty good for keeping things out and the suction on any given hole is usually not so strong that it will trap a critter that happens across it.