Closed loop yes or no

[iyachtuxivm]

Ok as the title states feelings on closed loops do or don't?
Tank is a 225 72x30x24 its 1/2" thick acrylic.
If yes how many outlets? If no what would you use in place?

[Invert]

Yes,
I have 7 Outlets in my 50breeder feed by a ATB 1500 Flowmaster.
Inlets to the Pump are ( 2 ) 1"

Also,
There are ( 2 ) Outlets from the Sump
&
( 2 ) 1" Overflows.

I belive there are no Dead Spots in the Tank

[binford4000]

I love the closed loop I put on the new tank.I say yes but on an acrylic tank your restricted to where you can put it.If you put holes on the ends you reduce the strength by 50% and if you do the back wall it will bow and experience a reduction of 35% these percentages are from tentacore and not my back side.So you have basicaly only the bottom that you can safely drill.Don't get me wrong lots of people do drill the ends and back but those are huge drops in the safety factor.So if you plan the rock scape to you CL,go for it!! You wont regret it.My next tank will be designed for multiple closed loops to avoid the need for PH.If you add flow inducters to the CL you will have more flow then you know what to do with. :thumbsup:

[iyachtuxivm]

I love the closed loop I put on the new tank.I say yes but on an acrylic tank your restricted to where you can put it.If you put holes on the ends you reduce the strength by 50% and if you do the back wall it will bow and experience a reduction of 35% these percentages are from tentacore and not my back side.So you have basicaly only the bottom that you can safely drill.Don't get me wrong lots of people do drill the ends and back but those are huge drops in the safety factor.So if you plan the rock scape to you CL,go for it!! You wont regret it.My next tank will be designed for multiple closed loops to avoid the need for PH.If you add flow inducters to the CL you will have more flow then you know what to do with. :thumbsup:

Oh Ouch didnt know that hmmm well thats why I started the other thread about the ups and downs of doing this. Glad you posted thank you.

[Heidi]

because it seems complicated to me, but I am too new for these fancy things :shrug:

[Sir Patrick]

I was going to do a closed loop....but then they came out with vortecs, and korillia evolution pumps, and a few other nice flowing, alternating, of fluctuating pumps.

I decided against the closed look, and opted for a couple good flowing pumps instead.

[iyachtuxivm]

I was thinking of a vortech but its 1/2" thick and have heard of issues. Maybe instead of a closed loop I will put an OM on my return and use four return lines through the top. And if the vortech will stick then maybe that and call it a day. That info on drilling the sides and back scared me. Didnt expect that but thats why I posted this.
Keep em coming!

[TM01]

My first 120g was CL. When I swapped out to my 220g I decided not to run CL.

I never really saw the advantage of running a CL.

- more holes = more possible future leaks/cracks
- more bulkheads, plumbing and expensive valves (that gets dusty and collect saltcreep)
- a "larger" pump...( in my case a Mag18 )
- 3/4" lockline
- returns sticking out in the tank that I could never get really hiddden

The pump ( mag18 ) needed service atleast once a year, plus I needed a spare on hand incase it decided to stop working..which it did, costing me a new impeller asm. Not to mention having to remove it from the plumbing. Im quite happy now not having to deal with it honestly.

Im not saying a CL is worthless...it just wasnt for me.

[binford4000]

I was thinking of a vortech but its 1/2" thick and have heard of issues. Maybe instead of a closed loop I will put an OM on my return and use four return lines through the top. And if the vortech will stick then maybe that and call it a day. That info on drilling the sides and back scared me. Didnt expect that but thats why I posted this.
Keep em coming!

Vortec MP60 will work good on thick acrylic the 40's magnet is weaker and has a tough time with anything over a half inch

[binford4000]

My first 120g was CL. When I swapped out to my 220g I decided not to run CL.

I never really saw the advantage of running a CL.

- more holes = more possible future leaks/cracks
- more bulkheads, plumbing and expensive valves (that gets dusty and collect saltcreep)
- a "larger" pump...( in my case a Mag18 )
- 3/4" lockline
- returns sticking out in the tank that I could never get really hiddden

The pump ( mag18 ) needed service atleast once a year, plus I needed a spare on hand incase it decided to stop working..which it did, costing me a new impeller asm. Not to mention having to remove it from the plumbing. Im quite happy now not having to deal with it honestly.

Im not saying a CL is worthless...it just wasnt for me.

Allot of good points,I think if you want a CL you really have to plan,and the re plan and then think it over again.You also want to be prepaired for the emergency situation they can cause and plan for a large pump,I consider my blueline 70 hd a small CL pump.With the advancement of higher end power heads I think a close loop is not a must and if you want one it should be designed to elimanate the power heads. Just food for thought tho :big_grin:

[pjr]

I vote no. Extra stress on the glass, tough to disguise all those holes and loc-line returns, one more thing to collect algae and clean, one more thing to fail and leak, and Vortecs and Tunze pumps are WAY WAY more energy efficient!

[Corvette Reefer]

Id say no after reading this, it seems really unsafe to have the back glass drilled and cause a unsafe structure.

[AZDesertRat]

I had a closed loop using a Ocean Runner 3500 and a OM Squirt two way for 6 years but recently got rid of the closed loop and installed the Squirt on my return pump to eliminate the 58 watts of power it was drawing 24/7/365. I also use two Evolutions 1400's on my Reefkeeper Lite which give me several times the random flow for much less lower consumed and they really aren't all that big compared to the old prop pumps.

[Poseidon]

Closed loops were popular before the Tunze/Vortec/Korallia pumps were available. Now, I would not think of using a closed loop. TO many Watts compared to GPH for me.

[schminksbro]

Vortechs are the answer. If you can afford a 225 you can afford Vortechs. There is nothing on the market that creates flow like a Vortech. I would do at least 2 MP60s.

[iyachtuxivm]

Closed loops were popular before the Tunze/Vortec/Korallia pumps were available. Now, I would not think of using a closed loop. TO many Watts compared to GPH for me.
Nice to hear from you Mike. Thanks

Vortechs are the answer. If you can afford a 225 you can afford Vortechs. There is nothing on the market that creates flow like a Vortech. I would do at least 2 MP60s.

Got it used so as for afford :thumbs_down: I will most likely be going the vortech route but may have to wait and use the dreaded maximods for a while:doh:

[schminksbro]

I forgot to put the little ;) in my post. MJ mods will move a lot of water for sure. I used them for a long time prior to getting my Vortechs. Magnet mounts are critical though.


Got it used so as for afford :thumbs_down: I will most likely be going the vortech route but may have to wait and use the dreaded maximods for a while:doh:

[iyachtuxivm]

I forgot to put the little ;) in my post. MJ mods will move a lot of water for sure. I used them for a long time prior to getting my Vortechs. Magnet mounts are critical though.

Lol yeah thought that was kinda harsh! :cryin:
I need a couple new mag mounts do you still have some? or can you still get 'em? ( you as in RP:big_grin:)