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?

[chort55]

Yes, I would do atleast 5-6 outlets. I would have done it on my 180, but was to scared with it bein a glass tank that big lol

If not, I would use a vortec (if funding allowed lol) on each end with several controlable tunze or koralia evo pumps through out to really kick things up

Even with the closed loop, a vortec on the ends or atleast a couple controlable powerheads may be needed anyways (depending on CL placement, and flow amounts....)..... but a good powerful CL will eliminate the need for a bunch of powerheads in the tank atleast.

Just a FWIW.... I have 4 powerheads (2 evo 1400's, a k3, and a tunze 6060) in my 180, but I am kind of thinking I need 2 more (probably going to go with 2 evo 1050's or 1400's)

[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.

[iyachtuxivm]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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