HOB Closed Loop w/Manifold return

[returnofsid]

Well, I'm starting my HOB Closed Loop system that will return into a manifold system. I actually started cutting and gluing last night. Water will get sucked out of tank and return to tank through 3/4" PVC. Once back in the tank, I'm reducing to 1/2" PVC. 1/2" PVC will wrap around inside top of tank, just below the plastic frame. As it wraps around, it'll have several outlets pointing in various directions. I'm using a Mag 18 pump. This is all thanks to the following 2 links, who's ideas I've used for this project.

http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

Ahhh darn, the second link is down. Anyway, it's a a DIY manifold system and I found it in the Sept 2003 issue of Advanced Aquarist Online Magazine.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/

Pics will soon follow.

 

[scytale]

Are you going to use your SCWD on that HOB closed loop? (I've had this idea rolling around in my head for a while....)

Thinking about using a SCWD on a closed loop, by adding a check valve inline to the loop....
That way when 1 "side" of the loop is charged; it flows through all the ports
but then when the SCWD switches and pumps the other "side" of the loop the check valve kicks in
and then only half the outlets would flow.(with "double" the force)

I think it would create a cool wave surge effect!

Darn, I wish that manifold link was working!

 

[returnofsid]

The Manifold I'm going to use will replace the SQWD in the first link. Instead of returning through a SQWD, I'll come back into the tank with 3/4" PVC, reduce to 1/2" PVC and run 1/2" around the rim of the tank. About every 12", I'll put a T into the line. The T will be slightly downward. I wish the link was working too so you could see what I'm talking about.

 

[returnofsid]

My Sump returns through a SQWD though and I'll keep that the way it is.

 

[ronj]

Sid, that Mag pump is going to be loud..i actually just started building my new closed loop today.. the one i have now has a Mag 12... it is the most annoying noise while we are watching TV or doing anything...the tank is in our dining room that connects to the living room....it is very loud..i just bought a Sequence Dart pump...everyone says they are quiet-nearly silent

 

[bbehring]

I had a mag 7 and the darn thing was so loud (even under water) I finally ditched it for a rio 2500. I've heard that mags have trouble running out of water? Read a few threads on RC where they were leaking at the intake? Might have been a plumbing issue? I run a external panworld 50pxx on my closed loop. Great flow and quiet.

 

[Brenden]

I agree. Lose the Mag

 

[jake65]

Lets see some pics Mike I need the paint by colors version

 

[returnofsid]

Well, I'll get some pics as soon as I revamp a few things. I started out using 3/4" PVC and that's not going to cut it. I am going to change it over the 1" PVC coming out of the tank to the pump, 1" going from the pump back to the tank and then once in the tank, above the water, I'll reduce to 3/4". I've actually had it running with the 3/4" and it really wasn't that loud at all....although I didn't run it very long at all. I'll see how it works when it's all said and done with 1". Everything is made to be taken apart if needed so switching to a different pump won't be too difficult....except for the purchase of the new pump...lol. I am going with the Mag 18 because I got a great deal on it and had to do this as inexpensively as possible.

 

[jake65]

If you need any help with anything let me know.

 

[saltwater newbe]

i built this closed loop about a month ago
with a few mods. no SCWD and i cut slits in the pipe with my dremel tool

 

[Brenden]

Seems like everyone is doing closed loops lately.

 

[ronj]

Sid, you used 1" and 3/4" plumbing for a Mag18??? you could have used a Mag 7 or Mag 9 and got the same flow...if you use the bigger pipes that it needs, it will increase your flow like crazy!!!!

 

[returnofsid]

Ronj, not sure what you mean. I understand that I need to use large enough pipe for decent flow to travel through. I figured if I were to use a smaller pump, by the time the water got through all the 90s and other bends...and then through a lot of piping, and past several outlets, I wouldn't have much flow pushing out of the end of the system. That's why I decided to go with such a large pump. From tank to water and back to tank will be 1". Once in the tank, I'll reduce to 3/4"...each outlet will then reduce to 1/2". I'm hoping this will enable me to get some velocity coming out of each outlet.

 

[Scooterman]

I think he means you don't want any restrictions, when you have a pump that has whatever size plumbing on the inlet & outlet you should not go smaller, now that said. On several outlets as long as the main pipe is the full size & you reduce to several smaller outlets then your cool, You just want enough to not add any restrictions. Like on a 1" I would have at least 2 or three 3/4" out or 4 or 5 1/2", maybe more because smaller requires more because it isn't a liner change either way, bigger or smaller. Centrifugal pumps differ as you can restrict the outlet some but that is another story really!