what closed loop to install?

dirk_brijs

dirk_brijs

Member
am in the planning stages of my 10 feet long 515 Gallon tank am undecided on what closed loop to use?
option 1 the cheaper option using a 1" SCWD. closed loop is driven with a Reeflo Barracuda draining from the DT form a 2' stand pipe drain pumping into the 1" SCWD. Splitting up inside the tank and at the ends flow accelerators will be connected.

option 2 the little more expensive one. same pump will be driving the closed loop from the same stand pipe drain running into a 4 way super squirt Ocean Motion Wave maker. The end of the PVC coming inside the tank will be split with 2 regular nozzles each as I think the OM will provide enough flow as it is?

option 3 any other ideas would be welcome the return pump (reeflo Mata Ray) will be coming from the top start date for the build is in 3 months
 
S

saxman

Guest
I'm a huge fan of SCWD's and have been running them on several of our setups for years. However, I think a pump rated at 4680 gph is too "hot", as the typical switching rate of a 1" SCWD with a 3500 gph flow rate is about 30 sec (according to the mfr. specs). To be honest, I'm not so sure the SCWD would hold up very long at that flow rate. Have you spoken with 3iQ Ventures about it?
On our new 7' 210 gal peninsula, I'm running a OM 4-way (two on at a time) thru the tank bottom and driving it with a RF Dart.
So...I'd go with option #2 for durability's sake, esp since it looks like you're using rigid PVC, which is a lot harder to deal with if things need to be changed or equipment goes south. I'd recommend some true union valves so you can remove the OM (or SCWD if you go that way) if needed.
However, I would get in touch with 3iQ if you're considering the SCWD.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I would opt for the OM!!!! I honestly don't think the SWDC will handle that pump. I wouldn't think longer than a month tops.
 
S

saxman

Guest
GMTA!!

Even the squirts seem a bit anemic to me. I realize there's a price difference, but it's better not to run equipment to its limits if you don't have to. That nice 515 gal will no doubt be your "flagship" tank, so don't skimp on the small details.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I think the Super Squirt could be fitted with the bypass valve, but that is way to much pump. Might be best to contact Paul directly. :flame:
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I contemplated running a hammerhead on my 240g reef for a little while... A barracuda isn't that bad. lol. A Reeflo Dart was sufficient for a 240 though. Barracuda would be perfect for a 500g. Call the OM company and tell em' what pump you are using. They will have a few ideas on how to get the ball rolling. Good luck and I hope to see your build thread!
 
dirk_brijs

dirk_brijs

Member
so a smaller pump would do?
was originaly thinking barracuda due to head loss that will be suffered due to length of plumbing?
so which pump to use for any of the setups?
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
If your inquiring about a pump for your closed loop on that size tank you could easily do the Reeflo Baracuda or for mor punch the HammerHead. In a traditional built closed loop you don't experience the same head loss issues as you would with your return pump plumbing.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I find that head loss in closed loop systems is about 75% less than regular sump return pumps. I would say you are fine with a Barracuda, just make sure you pair it with the proper OM device. I would go with the four way unit if I was going to do it.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I think there are 2 many variables to say what exactly head loss is on CL system.....The only true way to tell would be to put a flow meter on the line......
With that many elbows and fittings on the OM drawing, your definitely gonna want to step up to the HammerHead or HammerHead Gold pump......
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I don't think we ever asked... what type of coral are you going to be keeping, if any? Are you going to go bare bottom or sand bed?
 
dirk_brijs

dirk_brijs

Member
there will be a sand bed about 2 to 3". with smaller grain sand on the bottom covered with some bigger grain sand on top
the tank will be a mixed reef with focus though on soft corals.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by dirk_brijs http:///t/387744/what-closed-loop-to-install#post_3414260
there will be a sand bed about 2 to 3". with smaller grain sand on the bottom covered with some bigger grain sand on top
the tank will be a mixed reef with focus though on soft corals.
Trust me on the HammerHead....With all your fittings and turns you'll be glad you have the extra punch of the HammerHead.....I've owned all 3 pumps and have played with them on a CL with massive plumbing.
 
tangs rule

tangs rule

Active Member
I run the barracuda in my closed loop on the 475. it has dual 1.5" strainers in the tank center, and is 1.5" pipe all the way into the pump input (which it needs). The output is also 1.5" pipe until a T fitting - where it's reduced to dual 1" outputs and in the tank bottom, there are dual 45degree fittings in the bottom that are very strong output "jets" of water.. The reef flow 'cuda pushes so much water - if the tank is only 1/2 full - it'll actually shoot water out of the tank! That pump is very strong and as previously stated - I doubt an swdc will last long at that much pump (like Shawn stated) - But I LOVE the pump so much - I bought a spare one just after I got the tank running. If I had a pool in the backyard, it could be a spare for that too! lol
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Refresh my memory again on the distance your pushing from your sump to your DT??? The manta ray is 1 massive pump....I love overkill on pump; but that's a beast of a pump and energy consumption is outrageous.....
 
dirk_brijs

dirk_brijs

Member
It will be about 4 feet from the sump it pulls water from before it reaches the pump
after the pump it will be another 14,6 feet before it reaches the first outlet into the tank
There will be 5 outlets into the tank from the top with the last one being another 9,5 feet from the first one
look at the attached drawing so you all have an idea of the return.
 
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