Closed loop question

maxseeley · 05-05-2004, 10:19 PM

I am building a tank for a person. It is going to salt water fish only. The tank will have overflows possibily on both sides; but one side for sure. The tank is going to be built into a wall and will be visible on both sides. Thus the overflows will be positioned on the short sides of the tank and the plumbing for the tank is going to be through the walls adjacent to the tank.

Couple of questions (I am a reefer, so forgive me for my ignorance):

1.) The main return pump will be a iwaki 55 (1080 GPH @ 4"). DO you think this alone will provide enough current for a fish only system?

2.) If that is not enough current, I will have to do a closed loop. DO you recommend a overflow for a closed loop or just using a bulk head with a pre-filter (screen or something) attached?

Thanks in advance for any help

Max

Graham · 05-05-2004, 10:32 PM

I think your main concern would be getting fish poop out of the tank and into the filter or skimmer - whatever is being used. It depends on the size of the tank, but I would think that amount of circ would be fine for a tank up to say 125 gallons...JMO.

mnreefgeek · 05-05-2004, 11:44 PM

Oh $...... You got Graham talking about the fish poop!!!!

Graham · 05-06-2004, 12:44 AM

Heheh...or leave it in there. Whatever floats your poop.

It's not that big a deal in a FO tank, but still...
I guess I'm just a poopophobe.

What size is the tank?

maxseeley · 05-06-2004, 11:09 AM

150 gal.

I am leaning towards a closed loop in additon to the main circulation. I can do a closed loop in the begining but it would be almost impossible to do later on if it were needed.

Any experience with closed loops? WOrried about stuff getting caught in the bulkhead that "sucks"

Graham · 05-06-2004, 04:42 PM

You need some sort of strainer on the intake.
There are many types available.

As for their utility, I can't see ever setting up a reef tank without one ever again - at least until something better comes along.