Closed Loop Filtration or Not???

[stemonia]

I am getting back into reef keeping after a two year break. I'm going with a 120 gal show tank (48X24X24). I've missed the hobby greatly and can't wait to get back into the groove. My local marine aquarium expert has introduced me to the concept of closed loop filtration systems. I am not totally familiar with closed loop as I dod not run closed loop on my previous 150 gal setup. What I'm trying to decide is whether the benefits of closed loop are significant enough to justify the additional equipment cost. Anyone have any pointers to help me go in the right direction. My previous tank ran fine and my livestock thrived without using closed loop. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[wangotango]

a closed loop system doesnt do anything for filtration, all it is is a way to create more flow in the display without the use of powerheads. usually there is a drain somewhere on the tank (drilled) which goes to a pump that splits into several returns.
-Justin

 

[teen]

i think hes talking closed loop as in no sump. just LR in the tank with some powerheads.
if that is waht youre talking about, id suggest going with a sump. its a lot easier to hide your equipment and gives you more water voulme. having a sump makes life easier imo.

 

[stemonia]

I apologize for the mistake! I meant, closed loop circulation as opposed to filtration. Closed loop filtration would essentially be the use of a canister filter, which I would NEVER do on a reef tank. I was just curious as to whether I should pursue a closed loop circulation system. On my previous 150 gal setup I was using a dual SCWD setup for circulation and everything worked great. I never had any problems and all my livestock flourished in the tank. I'm now going to a smaller setup with the 120 gal and my local shop is trying to talk me into a closed loop system using the Oceans Motions 4-way unit. I'm just not sure the extra $500-$750 is worth investing when I had such good luck with the previous setup. I'd rather invest that cash in other upgrades unless someone can tell me that I'd be a fool NOT to go with closed loop.

 

[teen]

closed loop ciculation is awesome once you get it going. it gets rid of all those big bulky powerhaeads and only leaves an intake and return nozel in yoyr tank, which get covered with coraline in a few weeks.
if youre good with pvc work, and you can plumb it all together then closed loop is the way to go.
just to let you know, your most likely gunna need a big pump, or 2 or 3 smaller closed loop systems on a tank that size to get some decent circulation. you also have to account for head loss, which significantly decreases the gph each pump can pump.