Closed loop question....

[akunochi]

Ok,

So I am starting the plumbing on my standard 180 6'x2'x2'. It has a center overflow with two return lines from the sump. The return pump for that is an iwaki 40RLT. (Japanese motor) For the closed loop I have a reeflo barracuda.

I currently have 3/4" bulkheads for the return on this centered on the back of each side of the aquarium. How many more return should I run on the closed loop. I was thinking of doing split locline on the floor of each end pointing to the the front and back wall of the aquarium. Any input?

Seth

 

[fishoutofwater]

i would do 4 returns with 2 drains. you can also split the returns with loc line to make it 8.

 

[ritmar]

This is what I did on my 180. http://www.thescmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4068

 

[chadmace]

If you only have two returns on the edges of the tank then you'll need several more. Your closed loop pump is rated at 4,500 gph. 3/4 locline can handle 1,140 GPH So you'll need at the minimum two more returns. Also take in mind that when you use the 3/4" Y that doesn't allow for 2x1140 gph, it actually splits the 1140 total. So each nozzle at that point would be putting out 570 GPH.

 

[mike1441]

this might help http://www.oceansmotions.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1135

 

[akunochi]

If you only have two returns on the edges of the tank then you'll need several more. Your closed loop pump is rated at 4,500 gph. 3/4 locline can handle 1,140 GPH So you'll need at the minimum two more returns. Also take in mind that when you use the 3/4" Y that doesn't allow for 2x1140 gph, it actually splits the 1140 total. So each nozzle at that point would be putting out 570 GPH.

I drilled for 2 returns on the back wall and 1 return on the floor on each side of the tank. (total of 4) I was going to run a y on each return.

 

[chadmace]

You should have enough returns to cover the flow of the Barracuda pump. Now you just have to mess around with the configuration until you get what you want. I am working on setting my 125 back up and plan on 5 returns for a ReeFlo Dart. That amount of returns can easily handle a barracuda...maybe i'll be upgrading in the future.

Good luck on your set-up. Just make sure everything you do is to your liking. Anything you don't like will grow on your over time.

 

[beoks]

is this same set up was on a 300 8 ft tank would a hammerhead be too much

 

[ReefJunkie]

Check out Melevsreef.com for some closed loop samples. He used to have a couple of nice designs.

 

[beoks]

alright so i wrote my last post way past my bed time and i meant to ask if you where to run the returns in the same spot as akunochi on a 300g 8 ft tank would a hammer head pump to much? for the 4 3/4 outlets

 

[akunochi]

For a hammerhead I think I would use at least 6. Especially since your tank is 2 feet longer than mine.

 

[Myteemouse]

no the hammer head will not be too much.
Thats only what? 5800 GPh
for 300 gallon thats less than 20x turn over