Closed loop system

[slandis3]

Can anyone explane to me how a closed loop system works?

[Slicktrax]

traditionally the pump pushes water into the tank from the sump.  the water then flows out through an overflow into a sump.  when the pump is turned off, extra water returns to the sump to the level of the overflow.

with a closed loop, the sump portion of the circulation does not exist.  the pump pushes water into the tank (generally through a hole drilled on the back wall of the tank) and it returns directly to the pump (again usually through a hole in the tank).  since there is no sump involved, the water level does not drop when the pump is turned off.

[bsinger]

water enters a hole then goes to a pump then the pump pushed the water out one or more exit holes, the key is the water never hits air. The water makes a continuous loop

[verper]

Its another method to increase flow in your tank instead of using powerheads.  You don't want that much flow through your sump/fuge.

[ohioreef]

If the closed loop is done properly, there is little to no head pressure on the pump so you can get high flow rates with a lower powered pump.

[scott wilson]

I love closed loops

[Simpte]

Anyone have a diagram or link to the 2 systems.  Now I'm confused!

[scott wilson]

think of a hot tub but with out the skimmer.  When you turn on the jets the drains on the wall suck in water and the water shoots out the jets.  it is the same concept intake and out let with a pump in the middle moving the water.  the simple sytem has one inlet and one outlet.  Some have multiple outlets and some Like mine have flow control devices that divet the water to different returns making dynamic flow.
here is a link to a comples closed loop.
http://www.oceansmotions.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=527

[Secondgen]

You don't have to have a drilled tank though. You could simply construct a system made out of pvc that hangs over the back of the tank. Check out www.melevsreef.com he has instructions for a system that he made for his 29 gallon tank.

[slandis3]

thanks. melevsreef.com was a big help. I think i am going to construct the same thing for my 120g but use a iwaki 40 instead of the magdrive

[verper]

You are going to need more flow than those pumps can provide for a 120.  Anthony Calfo recommends 4-500 gal/hr out of each 3/4-1" outlet and on a 120 you will need a minimum of 6.  Some more reading 

http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic26465-13-1.aspx

[slandis3]

So according to that i would need a 2400 gph pump minium. A 4800 gph would be better. Thats a lot of water floe and a large pump. I may set something like that up on an sps tank. But mu 120 is going to be a mixed tank i dont think i would need that much flow.

[mb5322]

I have two 3600 gallon per hour dart pumps with 4 outlets on each pump so 7200 gallon per hour through four outlets

[verper]

I have two 3600 gallon per hour dart pumps with 4 outlets on each pump so 7200 gallon per hour through four outlets

Sweeeeet

[slandis3]

ok, here are some horrible pics of my 120 setup. (tank only) I am trying to keep as much equipment out of the tank as possible

[attachment deleted by admin]

[micki]

Looks great!!!

[slandis3]

the light over the tank in the pic is an old 250w mh blueline 10k. I am getting my 2 new 250w mh blueline 14-15k bulbs from joel this weekend. There is still alittle dirt on the glas from adding the water. I have started putting some lr in to help seed the tank. I am hopefully going to have everything out of my 65 and in my 120 in a few weeks. I am trying to get my sump room done so i can get some pics of it soon.

[scott wilson]

does that intake suck air being that close to the surface?

[micki]

I love my blue lines! 

[slandis3]

yes sometimes. I am going to move it down farther whenn i go to loews and get a coupler.