Tank Setup

[theron]

Hi,

I just got back from vacation and my tank is back from the LFS. I had them add the overflow box and drill for a closed loop. They did not break the tank, so now I can start setting it up. I want to get water in this tank soon. It is a 90 gallon (48x18x24).

I am starting on the plumbing for the CL. I had them drill the tank for four 1.5'' bulkheads. Two intakes and two returns to create a laminar flow. The pump will be on the other side of the wall in the laundry room. I have attached pictures of the tank in the location and a drawing of my proposed plumbing. Do you guys see any major flaws in this design?

I am thinking about purchasing a Sequence 3600SEQ12 as the pump. Anyone have any comments about using this pump?

Theron

[Gaidin]

are you interested in SPSs? R2@A2 has sequence hammerheads for a decent price... you should check those out for your closed loop. They pump out 5400gph, would be good for a SPS tank... something to think about...

[theron]

I am interested in growing SPSs, so I want to make sure that I will have enough flow. The Seq 3600 has ~3000gph. I thought that would be plenty of flow for the closed loop. Do you think I could use more?

Theron

[R3]

Definately! Maybe the hammerhead that R2 has at Advanced Aquarium might work for ya! You might want to call him. HIs # is 503-316-9974. I dont know if 5800 GPH is too much but Ryan could definately tell ya. Thanks R3

PS-If this pump works i would jump on it because its a great deal!!!

[wanareef]

SPS = more flow

[theron]

Let's say I want to grow healthy SPS corals in my tank. With the design of my CL what is the range of flow that you would feel cofortable at, min and max values? I am also looking at the amount of watts the pump will require and noise. I want to get an adequate flow but also keep my power consumption as low as possible. The hammerhead is 5400gph at 334 watts and the 3600 is 2800gph at 135 watts. What is the difference with the Reefllo pumps? Also I am using 1.5'' PVC. Is 5400gph too much for that size PVC pipe?

Thanks for your help. I don't want to purchase a pump now and end up replacing it later because I don't have enough flow.

Theron

[drock59]

someone correct me if im wrong, but I dont think your 90g tank is going to need 5400gph. That seems like an awful lot. SPS need higher flow but the more important issue is water quality. Just becuase a tank as five millino gallons per hour running through it, does not necessarily mean SPS will do well. My two cents.

[martelr]

Theron,

You need at least 9000 gallons per hour through there. Combined with four 1000 watt metal halides you should have the perfect SPS tank. Don't forget the chiller!

Oh. You'll need a bigger tank, though. Let me know when you want me to come over and remove the one you have now.



Raph

[BenOlson]

Nice looking tank! Can't wait to see it in a few months.

[theron]

Thanks Raph, I knew I could count on you on some good advise. You wouldn't happen to know someone who could sell me these special 1000 watt MH do you?

Ben, I can't wait to see it too, in a few months.

Ok, My thinking was 20x to 30x flow would be good for SPS. That is why I chose the 3600-SW pump to be on the high end. Sequence has a lot of pumps. There is the reeflo Dart which is same flow as the 3600-SW, and there is a 3200-SW that has a simular flow. Anyone know which would be better suited for a CL?

Theron

[Ryan Mackey]

Please note that the ReefFlo pumps are rated with a range of GPH.(Why you might ask?) They are medium head pressure pumps with low speed motors for quiet, efficient operation. Friction loss from head pressure resistance, devices, and total feet of plumbing will reduce total GPH from maximum. We generally figure a target GPH, consider the amt of resistance, and "over-size" the pump by 30%-40% on average. This way we don't end up replacing the pump later. Have you ever heard someone say " man, I have just too much current in this tank, my corals are unhappy!" Well, it may have been said, but not nearly as often as its opposite. R2

[Illusion]

I would definetly go with the Bigger pump as well... I have 2x Ampmaster 3600s on my 224g tank and Its no where near enough... I need to Atleast double my closed loop pump... If I had the $$$ I would be picking up one of them Hammerheads from ya R2... Id say go bigger that way you dont have to buy a new one later... If you want you can buy the hammerhead and I will trade you a 3600 LOL..

James

[theron]

Ryan, How much resitance do you think I would have in my CL? Best guess? I would think there would no head pressure resistance because it is CL. I would say that the return and intake travel about 6 ft to the floor where the pump will be located. They have a couple of 90 deg bends and ball valve / unions before the pump. What size pump would you recommend?

I don't mind going bigger but I am not sure what 5400gph would look like. I am just worried about any other fish in the tank. I would hate for them to be pushed around like they were in a toilet bowl.

What about the idea of having two CL with smaller pumps rather than one CL with a large pump? It would cost more up front but then I would have some flow if one of the pumps dies.

Theron

[theron]

Ok, I am still trying to decide on a pump for this closed loop. This is my first reef tank, so the knowlege that I have is from reading this forum and not from any experiance. Thanks for the help so far, but I have a few more questions.

My belief is that since this is a closed loop I should have little head pressure. The only head pressure would come from friction of the pipes, 90 deg bends, etc. So the pump that I choose I should be able to get close to the max flow rating. Am I correct?

The size of pipe for the closed loop will be 1.5'' PVC. Is there a max flow for that size pipe? The intake and Return are both split into two 1.5'' BH. The BH for the return from the pump are a "spa" type and reduce to 3/4''. I am thinking about adding two more 3/4'' returns over the top top of the tank giving me 4 3/4'' returns.

The pumps that I am thinking about are the Sequence 4200SEQ12, ReefFlo Barracuda(4500gph), and Hammerhead. I like the lower power consumption of the 4200SEQ12. Would this be a good pump for a CL? If I went with the 4200SEQ12 or Barracuda, would the 4 3/4'' returns be ok. I noticed that the 4200 has 2'' intake and 1.5'' return. Why 2'' for the intake?

Thanks,

Theron

[theron]

Anyone??

I am going to start glueing my CL this weekend. Anyone have instructions for glueing pvc, helpful tips etc.

Theron