plumbing quetion closed loop? help a noobie

[seattle989]

okay so the dimensions of my tank are 36X40X18

im a total novice and am trying to keep the plumbing as simple as possible.

the tank is drilled with a 2' inch outlet and two 1' returns for the closed loop

the only pump i have at the moment is Little Giant 3-MDQ-SC 700 GPH, 1/15 HP - Magnetic at 1' head or 650GPH at 3'.

so the question i would like ask is how to maximize the use of this pump for this closed loop?

should simply tee the output of the pump and attach two 1' hoses for both the returns? or 3/4 piping?

or should i split the 2 inch outlet and make two separate closed loops if i find another external pump.

or just wait till i buy a bigger pump lol.

 

[roscoe]

You would need a much bigger pump for it to be effective.

 

[Krish]

Hmmm...See if my experience helps you any. I had a 38gal cube which at first, had a 950 gph return and a 1506 gph closed loop. I wasn't happy at all with the flow of the 1506 gph split into 4 returns (about 350 gph or so per nozzle) so I bought another 1506 gph pump and made 2 seperate closed loops each having 2 outputs which then gave them a rating of about 700-750gph each and then I was happy. I personally feel anything less than 500-600 gph per output won't cut it, but maybe that's just me. It just seems like the flow gets lost with anything less.

Just a few thoughts...If it were me, I'd probably look into a bigger pump, but definately wouldn't split the flow on the pump you have, but just my personal opinion. Maybe the others will chime in to give you their thoughts, but if you want an idea of what about 300-350 gph is like, just imagine the flow that comes out of a canister filter like the Magnum 350 which is rated at about 350 gph.

 

[seattle989]

Hmmm...See if my experience helps you any. I had a 38gal cube which at first, had a 950 gph return and a 1506 gph closed loop. I wasn't happy at all with the flow of the 1506 gph split into 4 returns (about 350 gph or so per nozzle) so I bought another 1506 gph pump and made 2 seperate closed loops each having 2 outputs which then gave them a rating of about 700-750gph each and then I was happy. I personally feel anything less than 500-600 gph per output won't cut it, but maybe that's just me. It just seems like the flow gets lost with anything less.

Just a few thoughts...If it were me, I'd probably look into a bigger pump, but definately wouldn't split the flow on the pump you have, but just my personal opinion. Maybe the others will chime in to give you their thoughts, but if you want an idea of what about 300-350 gph is like, just imagine the flow that comes out of a canister filter like the Magnum 350 which is rated at about 350 gph.

hmm thats what i though. =( but yeah i can imagine that doesn't seem like much flow at all.

 

[seattle989]

So in case i cant find a pump like i wanted (2500gph) cuz well i dont have that kind of money to spend.

if i decided to split the 2 inch outlet will there be enough suction, for say two 1,000 gph pumps?

 

[Krish]

The major problem you will find with a single suction (bulkhead) is with high suction rates, it becomes hard for smaller fish to swim past it without getting sucked to it. This is the reason why you will see people use atleast 2 suctions for 1 single pump (depending on the size) to cut down a bit on the suction force a bit. In any event, a 2 inch suction is pretty darn big. I think the biggest I've ever gone with is 1.5 inch and that was insane Will it work for two 1000 gph pumps I guess all depends on the plumbing size each pump requires.

 

[seattle989]

THanks for all the input. looks like i wont be setting this up a soon as i though.

 

[Krish]

Just take your time and think things through and you'll be happy you did. If you have questions just keep them coming as that's what these forums are all about..To help

 

[seattle989]

You would need a much bigger pump for it to be effective.

yeah Gonna get dolphin amp from CJG hopefully got to sell some stuff though.

THANKS

 

[Myteemouse]

I'm gonna use two 1.5" suction bulkheads with 2" pvc to one 3600 GPH pump with two little protection boxes around them
And four outlets with 1.5 inch PVC to 4-3/4" bulkheads thats 900 GPH per outlet!!! the pump will be suspended right benieth the tank so no head loss only loss is to 90s

And if thats too much flow per outlet I can put lock line "Y"s on them