Closed loop

[DonW]

Is this overkill? Tank 60x25x18.

 

[Gordo]

My initial thought is yes, but I guess it depends on what you're going to keep. A Ampmaster 3000 can put out a lot of current in a 60" tank. What are you planning on keeping and what size will the returns be?

 

[Ed Hahn]

My oppinion on this being overkill is no. It looks like you will be able to control the flow for top or bottom quite easily. If number one pump has a issue you have a second pump for water movement. Don, My oppinon right now is that My IAP tank could have used a larger pump on my Closed Loop.

 

[DonW]

Thanks for the comments. Its going to be BB, SPS and clams only. All plumbing is 1.5 and the CL outlets will be 3/4 locline with 1.5 drains.

Don

 

[NaH2O]

Don, have you thought about only using the Amp 3000 for all outputs? Just trying to understand/learn the need for 2 pumps. I also use the 3000 on my tank (smaller than yours 48X24X25), so I am curious as to where the line gets drawn for needing either a larger pump or an additional one.

Thanks

 

[reedman]

Nikki,

Think about what happens when that one pump fails. I have experienced this twice with my AM3000. It's not a fun experience. If I were to redesign my plumbing now I would definitely have two pumps (same make and model) running my CLS. That way when one pump fails I don't have to worry about a crash. You could keep one spare pump (if you plan well it might even cover your skimmer pump) and never have to worry about a failure.

I like the design Don. I think you have a good layout and a little insurance against a failure.

 

[DonW]

Don, have you thought about only using the Amp 3000 for all outputs? Just trying to understand/learn the need for 2 pumps. I also use the 3000 on my tank (smaller than yours 48X24X25), so I am curious as to where the line gets drawn for needing either a larger pump or an additional one.

Thanks

My theory is that the bottom outlets can be shut down at night. Also the second pump would help if one went out. But honestly I liked this idea because others have mentioned to me that they would like more flow. I'm not sure what the total would be but with the AM2100, AM3000 and the Iwaki I wont have to say "I wish I had more flow".

Don

 

[reedman]

I wouldn't bank on that Don. I have the AM3K on a 75 gallon and I want more flow. It's like another bad addiction...you always want more.

 

[big t]

I Honestly think that would be pretty good. If you had your spraybar spraying up and out, and the 3k on the other 4, it would be pretty ideal. So are you still going to use some dswirls?

 

[DonW]

I Honestly think that would be pretty good. If you had your spraybar spraying up and out, and the 3k on the other 4, it would be pretty ideal. So are you still going to use some dswirls?

Tom,
What do you mean by up and out? Yes a Dswirl or two on the Iwaki return pump.

Don

 

[big t]

I mean that if you have a spray bar in the back have some holes pointing up toward the sky, and some toward the front of the tank. That would really help a lot with deadspots. Also I would definately run a couple of those returns from the closed loop up to the front of the tank and have d-swirls on them instead of having them all across the back. That is what I would do if I could do it over.

 

[DonW]

I mean that if you have a spray bar in the back have some holes pointing up toward the sky, and some toward the front of the tank. That would really help a lot with deadspots. Also I would definately run a couple of those returns from the closed loop up to the front of the tank and have d-swirls on them instead of having them all across the back. That is what I would do if I could do it over.

I really would like the swirls in the front since that why I designed them. On the other hand I'm considering going topless. There is no way the boss would go for both (plumbing visible). Heck if I go topless and have a BB, I'll be buck naked.

Don

 

[Scooterman]

You know with two pumps like that you could alternate between them and create some motion also, it would take a little design electronically but could work. I'm thinking something like pulse timing relays on each pumps, something like the Tunze stream I have, It pulses form full power to 1/3 power, thus making a motion. Just a thought, also you could tune them down at night.

 

[NaH2O]

Thanks for the explaination guys!

Scooterman, that is an interesting thought. The Omron timer that I have for my motorized ball valve has an "On" and "Off", and you can set it to a bazillion hours if I remember correctly (just a slight exaggeration). I suppose one could be hooked up and turn the pump on and off, but would that wear out the pump? Just curious - it would be different than the Tunze, but it jumped into my head and I thought I'd ask.

Heck if I go topless and have a BB, I'll be buck naked.

Oh my! :lol:

 

[les]

My oppinion on this being overkill is no. It looks like you will be able to control the flow for top or bottom quite easily. If number one pump has a issue you have a second pump for water movement. Don, My oppinon right now is that My IAP tank could have used a larger pump on my Closed Loop.

For those of you interested, Ed has a 1/4 HP Sequence on a closed loop, and a Dolphin 2100 for the sump return. We here in the TriCities are anxiously awaiting the day he tries to keep rock from staying in suspension, not to mention sand.

(Sorry Ed, had to include my 1/2 cent worth)

 

[mojoreef]

Don I would go with the one pump, the 3000 and get a motorised ball valve. Have it set so it alternates from the bottom to the top. this way you get double the pump, and the cost of the MBV wouldnt be much more then the price of the second pump.


Mike

 

[Scooterman]

Like Mike said it would be cheaper, unless you have needs for a second, or fears of one going out but then wouldn't you split the top & bottom? Nikki, That would be a good idea, I have to check on the wear & tear part though, if it is external I'd guess the brushes would wear out twice as normal.

 

[reedman]

Hope you get the good models that Mojo gets and not the bad ones that I got...twice. Not to be a naysayer, but I don't have the same confidence in Dolphin as the rest of you.

 

[Scooterman]

It would work with a sequence, or others.

 

[DonW]

Has anyone tried this? Would it work?