Need advice on closed loop

[bripen]

Help! I want to add a closed loop to my 75 gal display tank. I have a GenX 4 pump that I want to use for this. My questions are: what do you use as a strainer for the intake in the tank? Any suggestions on the return? Number of outlets? Size? etc. Any input will be appreciated as this is my first attempt at a closed loop and I've never seen one in person. Thanks.

 

[DonW]

Need more info. Are you going to drill? Is this glass or acrylic. Is it empty or full?

Don

 

[bripen]

Hi Don,
Not drilling. Already set up and full. I have the GenX in use now as the return pump, but it is too powerful for that application...causing cavitation, noise, bubbles, etc. Hence, I have to throttle it back. I have a Mag 7 that I want to use in my 30 gal sump/refugium for the return, and shift the GenX over to closed loop to increase circulation...and maybe eliminate a few ugly powerheads as a side benefit. So, I guess I'm asking if the closed loop can be plumbed with both input and output being completely out of the sump?

 

[DonW]

Hi Don,
Not drilling. Already set up and full. I have the GenX in use now as the return pump, but it is too powerful for that application...causing cavitation, noise, bubbles, etc. Hence, I have to throttle it back. I have a Mag 7 that I want to use in my 30 gal sump/refugium for the return, and shift the GenX over to closed loop to increase circulation...and maybe eliminate a few ugly powerheads as a side benefit. So, I guess I'm asking if the closed loop can be plumbed with both input and output being completely out of the sump?

Yes, basicly you need to go up and over to the inlet and back out to a few outlets. You will need to make the inlet oversized. How far up and down will the pump be working?

Don

 

[Krish]

Here's a closed loop I did a while back when I had my 75gal if it helps.

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13588&highlight=diy+closed+loop

 

[bripen]

Yes, basicly you need to go up and over to the inlet and back out to a few outlets. You will need to make the inlet oversized. How far up and down will the pump be working?

Don

About 4 foot each way.

 

[DonW]

About 4 foot each way.

I'd drop 1" pvc down to the inlet with a priming cap right on top and come back out with 1" pvc two outlet on either end of the tank. This is a genx pcx40 little blue one right?

Don

 

[bripen]

Yes--pcx-40. Sorry for the delay--got booted of line...haven't had that happen in a long time. What's a priming cap? Sounds like something for explosives

 

[DonW]

Yes--pcx-40. Sorry for the delay--got booted of line...haven't had that happen in a long time. What's a priming cap? Sounds like something for explosives

You basicly use a t right at the top and put a sealed cap over the open end. This is used to fill/prime the pump and get the siphon going. Or you can put on a check valve and suck on it to back fill the pump.

Don

 

[bripen]

I think I see. Thanks much!

 

[bripen]

Hey Don--any reason why a PVC pipe with small holes drilled in it wouldn't work for a return spray bar to sweep across the back wall?

 

[Scooterman]

Check this one out!

I used this for my old 100g tank. I tried the spray bar thing, IMO it is a waste because even with tapered & small to large holes it never worked well. I just made the cl over the top & out on each side, worked well.

 

[DonW]

Hey Don--any reason why a PVC pipe with small holes drilled in it wouldn't work for a return spray bar to sweep across the back wall?

I agree with scooter. Spray bars were a good theory that alot of us tried but honestly they were useless.

Don

 

[bripen]

Cool! Thanks Don & Scooter

 

[ronj]

here are a few pics of my closed loop that were on my 72 g..the first pic is the intake...the second pic is the top of the return..the last pic is what the closed loop looks like now..i modified it for my 125g..i made it shorter to cut back on head loss..it is much more powerful now..i built a stand for it to sit on..it sits near the top of the tank