Closed loop vs. powerheads - Planning process

[murph145]

your very welcome hit me up i can tell u all the pieces ur guna need for plumming and where to put the ball valves and the unions to make it work better... pretty simple after the first setup u do...
yeah cuda would work awesome u would be fine with that and u may have a sand storm at that lol

 

[maelv]

one other question...for the actual return, should I use (2) 3/4" sea swirls or a single 1" sea swirl....I will have a mag 18 pushing that, but after head loss and stuff, it won't be pushing the 1800 gph.....
For the single sea swirl, I would have the two returns come to a T and then flow into the sea swirl placed in the middle of the back......I guess my question would a single sea swirl placed in the middle of the tank provide enough water flow (I beleive it is 1100 gph) to reach both ends of the tank when it rotates???
Thanks again.

 

[murph145]

ur not guna use ur return as a water flow equipment really... to tell u the truth the sea swirls are nice but u could just simply go with 2 straight returns no sea swirl save yourself the $#$$$ cuz the OM unit will do ur random flow

 

[maelv]

Originally Posted by murph145
ur not guna use ur return as a water flow equipment really... to tell u the truth the sea swirls are nice but u could just simply go with 2 straight returns no sea swirl save yourself the $#$$$ cuz the OM unit will do ur random flow
Okay, I guess I am a bit lost then. I was thinking that the CL would provide the flow towards the bottom section of the tank, and I was going to use the Sea Swirl for top level agitation and placing some flow in the middle section of the tank...Will the Cuda provide enough flow for the entire tank you think???
Just when I thought I had it figured out...LOL....I just want to make sure i have enogh flow and surface agitation that it won't leave that nasty film at the top of the tank....

 

[murph145]

well i use my CL at top and mid levels its pleanty believe me!
u can do returns at top and mid and be perfectly fine IMO....
use the return pump as a reg return 2-3/4" nozzels they dont need to be on a sea swirl

 

[maelv]

Okay this struck me as odd, but.........
I contacted Perfecto to see if my 220 reef ready with corner overflows had tempered glass....I just KNEW the bottom at least was tempered....here is the response I got from Perfecto...Would there be something along the bottom saying it is tempered???
the 220 corner flo does not have any tempered panels. However, please know that any drilling voids any and all warranty on the tank.
Thanks and have a great day!
Kim Schouten
Customer Service Representative
Perfecto Manufacturing
phone 800-241-7485 ext 161fax 317-773-7875

 

[maelv]

Return question.....
Hammerhead (5800 gph) vs. Barracuda (4500 gph).
Both have 1.5" outlets.....the tank came predrilled with 3/4" bulkheads...so I know I am going to need reducers and use 3/4" PVC; my question is:
Will a standard 3/4" return pvc from Lowe's or Home Depot be able to withstand the pressure from that type of flow?
If so, if not...which you recommend? Or should I be looking for another brand of return pump?

 

[maelv]

Can anyone help me with my question above?

 

[zman1]

Those two pumps are way overkill for a return with standard RR tank overflows. Did you run a head loss based on plumbing? Unless you are using some of the output to feed other tanks/equipment.

 

[zman1]

If one of those pump is what you want to use. I would run it up to a 1.5" 8 port manifold outputs 3/4". Put a valve on the output side of the pump to throttle the flow. Use two for the standard return line in a RR tank and the others for over the top returns. If can find the picture of the one I am using I will add it. I only used 6 of the 8 and plugged the other two.
I use a Dolphin 3600/4000 - 2" ports but is runs a 120, 75 gal tank and a 32 gal fuge. At one time also two other 50 ag tanks and another 32 gal fuge. Over time flow naturally reduced from max flow a little with build up of crud in the lines. I don't recommend this pump as I had to replace the main seal once because of leaking.
The Plumbing link
Picture

 

[maelv]

Originally Posted by zman1
Did you run a head loss based on plumbing?
Thanks Z...I have not because I am just in the planning stages at this point and am simply trying to gather information and suggestions others may have.
Originally Posted by zman1
I would run it up to a 1.5" 8 port manifold outputs 3/4". Put a valve on the output side of the pump to throttle the flow. Use two for the standard return line in a RR tank and the others for over the top returns.
Great idea, i'll have to keep that in mind for whenever it is time. This 8 port manifold, is this something I can find readily available? Let's say Lowe's or Home Depot? Or is it a special ode item?

 

[zman1]

Online stores. Anyone that sells Dolphin pumps should have it. SWF doesn't carry them, but does carry a Dolphin pump. The big one in CA does... $29
Google this "1.5 inch Priming Pot/Basket for Dolphin Aqua Sea Pump" and pick the first non Sponsored link. The Manifold will be right below the priming pot.

 

[maelv]

good looking out, but this will work for other pumps as well not just the dolphin correct?

 

[zman1]

Originally Posted by maelv
good looking out, but this will work for other pumps as well not just the dolphin correct?
Correct - a Standard Shed 40 PVC pipe will slip in the Manifold supply end. I used a standard 2" to 1.5" reducer Slip on the 1.5 end from Lowes since my plumbing was 2".