Internal closed loop?

[steven11]

Any one done this? Would you do it again? And if so, what would you change?

I have a tank that is three feet front to back and a ton of rockwork to hid a pump and plumbing behind. I would love to get rid the 5 monster powerheads. So here are my options.

Option one - over the back closed loop. Positive is that the pump is accessible and minimal heat exchange but the negative is that there will be a lot of visible plumbing.

Option two - internal closed loop. Positive is that I can use a smaller pump since the head pressure is minimal. Negative is the heat exchange and the pump is not easily accessible.

Third option - Vortechs... Positive is they are the quite and use very little power compared to pumps used in option 1 & 2. Negative will be the initial cost for these will be high but operating cost will be far less. The unknown to me is will they give me the flow I am looking for?

I know I am being general here and I am not looking to do a whole tank overhaul. Thanks for you input.

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[Krish]

Hmmm...That's a toughy. Pretty much boils down to personal preference. So may pros and cons to each, but the one common denominator would be that they can all produce flow you are looking for. Here is a thread that may help you decide.

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f61/better-flow-closed-loop-power-heads-61346/

 

[TheKraken]

I like the compromise of an internal closed loop. External loops and having the plumbing foul which can be a medium to serious annoyance to clean.

I happen to have a MarineLand 5500 (1,384 GPH) I was thinking about using. The flow number is low in comparison to even a basic power head these days but the pressure and ability to pipe water to the far end should help circulation.

 

[TheKraken]

 

[steven11]

I think I am going to go with an over the back closed loop. It will be the easiest solution to get what I am looking for.

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[crazyfish253]

O snap mojo made your avatar to big. MP60?

 

[steven11]

No, I changed my avatar from my phone and couldn't crop it right. I can't afford 7 hundo for a power head. Jess takes all my money.

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[crazyfish253]

Funny guy

 

[steven11]

Made me laugh.

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