doing a closed loop on a 240 gal.

[dannyd]

I have a 240 gallon 8x24x24 tenecor tank that me and steve are putting together and we are trying to figure out the best way to do a closed loop. I have ordered a Dolphin 2700 it is rated at 2900 gallon per hour at 6 feet. I was think about putting the returns at the top of the tank next to the trapezoid returns and putting the returns in the trapezoids next to the factory returns. What do you guys think? By putting the returns in the top of the tank 2 centipede returns 3/4 inch each centipede being split into a "Y" with a flared nozzle, and having a 1" return on each side.

 

[mojoreef]

Hmmm I am having a hard time visualising that. To many return and not enough inputs, lol. can u draw something up??

Mike

 

[dannyd]

I am sorry let me put it this way pumping out to the tank will be 2- 3/4 " y'd centipedes. One on each side of the trapezoid overflow. There will be a total of 4 centipedes at the top of the tank coming from the dolphin pump putting the water flow back in the tank. Then I was thinking of putting 2 (1") screened drains back to the pump one in each of the trapezoids going into a dolphin strainer prime basket. This would let the tank repeat it self about 15 times in an hour. Off course me and steve are putting ball valves in just incase we need to reduce the flow. I was wanting to put a valve in to let it automatically switch from one side of the tank to the other causing a wave motion. Who Puts out such a thing? And how much are they? By the way what do you think about the way I am wanting to set my loop up?

 

[NaH2O]

Just to clarify, when you say "centipede", are you referring to locline? In regards to the motorized ball valve - I have one made by Hayward (as do several reefers on the board). Custom Aquatic (a sponsor - link through the sponsor page) carries them. Here is a link to my plumbing thread: Some Plumbing for Nikki, which will show you the MBV. I have mine switching from the left side to the right. Are you planning on having any type of substrate?

 

[kimoyo]

Hey danny,
Whats a centipede return..is that locline?
Also, a drawing would make it a lot easier to visualize and give feedback.
Paul

 

[dannyd]

Here is a drawing of what I am wanting to do I hope that you can figure out what I want done. The sides are viewable straight thru and the ends are black with trapeziod overflows. I am using a dolphin 2700 pump with a dolphin prime/pot basket. The centipedes at the top are 3/4" leading back into a 1" pipe and the drains to the pump will be 1" leading back to the pump into a 1.5" . I am wanting to put the main spray nozles in the top of the tank so there will be no possible leaks but the return to the pumps will probalby be put beside the bottom of the overflows.

 

[tony]

What are the centipid?
or are you refering to lock line?

 

[dannyd]

I guess they call it flex ball in marine depot but by tenecor they call it centipedes. The ends will be 3/4"x3". Each nozle will have 2 of these.

 

[Angelscrx]

I think he means locline. That's what I am going to use.

 

[tony]

Ok, now I understand

 

[dannyd]

Ok everyone here is a pic of the tank setting in the wall I have nothing hooded up yet.

 

[tony]

Nice really like it. keep those pics rolling

 

[dannyd]

so far here is what I have gotten for this tank. 1. 1440 watts of lighting 4-250 watt mh, 4-110watt vho's,ice cap ballast. life reef sfl1-300 sump and skimmer with pump 1200 gal.per hr. 2700 dolphin pump for closed loop, 1000 watt digital heater. I am also thinking of putting a 29 gallon refegium i have the tank to do it with just setting around. I have ordered 200lbs of uncured fiji rock so that way I can cure it in a tub until my tank is ready. I am wanting to instal a korallin 1502 reactor hopefully will get for christmas. I have spent allready around $4000.00 on this tank and not even up and running yet.

 

[kimoyo]

Danny,
For the drains going to the DP 2700 you will need bigger holes than 1in even though you have two. You really don't want to restrict this pump. You can drill two 1.25in and that would be fine but I would just drill two 1.5in holes. I have the same pump and thats what I will be doing. You have to match the area (3.14*radius^2) to get the right size openings required.
I was also going to go thru my overflows but people suggested I didn't because it would be hard for the overflow to keep up with the draw from the pump. And the pump drains have to be submerged several inches to avoid drawing air from the surface. So the overflow would need to be flooded all the time.
Paul

 

[dannyd]

Paul, Thanks for the info i was going by what was on dolphins website it says that it was recomended for no less than 3/4 on the holes but best at 1" and 1.5". I dont know a thing about this stuff I have someone helping me. When it comes to aquariums being setup is am as dumb as they come. When I ordered my equipment i would tell them dont sell me something i dont need just what I have to have and what ever it costs fine. I just hate it when they sell you something that does not even work or you dont even need it. If I have to have it fine but if there is a better way of doing it and I can save money that is even better. So Iam all up for suggestions on this closed loop system I need everyones opinion. So bring on the help!

 

[mojoreef]

Woo Danny that is going to be a real nice looking set up, viewable from both sides right??

Paul is correct your going to need at least one 1 1/2 hole for the input of the cl pump. Two would be better as it would create less suction from one given point, easier on the critters when they pass by.

With a tank like that you are going to have to be creative on the plumbing, since you can view it from both sides. This means coming in from the end or up from the bottom. To be honest the 27oo might be a little small for such a long tank. Ok their are a few ways to approach this, but let me know what you are planning to keep. Are you going to have sand on the bottom?? what style of aquascaping are you going to do (1 rock pile ?, 2? 3 or what ever).


Mike

 

[kimoyo]

Danny,
How big (dimensions) are your overflows? And is the paneling to the left of the tank going to be closed up. It looks like at the left end of tank the paneling is somewhat open. Is there a wall there or can you walk around the tank there?
Paul

 

[Angelscrx]

Oh yeah that is going to be a nice set up. Keep the pitures coming. Show us everything

 

[dannyd]

The other side of the tank is going to be nothing but cabinet doors Like a wall unit so I can get to the lights, sump and etc. The overflows are 15x5x23 they have 3/4 inch lockline that are y'd and it has 1" drains. This was what tenecor sent me. I plan on doing a reef system basically I have now a Queen Angel, Bi-color angel, Coral Beauty, Maroon Clown, 2 Black and white clowns, cleaner wrasse, damsel and a eel plus crabs, snails, sea urchends and starfish. I have ordered 200lbs of live fiji rock and now have 50lbs in another tank that will be put all in the 240 gal. I am wanting to do the rock coming up on the overflows on each end and coming down in the middle to make a valley, with bridges and caves.

 

[mojoreef]

Ok so then you can drill the back of the tank for a closed loop input??? I so take a peek at my personal webpage and look how I have done mine. Tell me if that is what you are looking for and we can put something together.

Mike