Closed Loop Question

jcarson999 · 05-21-2007, 08:01 AM

I'm setting up a 210g and a 190g. I'm thinking of doing a closed loop on each, but am confused on how to determine the right pump for the required flow.

I believe a 1" drain hole drains at 600gph. Is it the same for a Cl drain hole - would I need, say, five 1" holes to achieve 3000gph throughput in the Cl? How do you figure how many holes you need versus pump size?

Any explanations or suggestions are appreciated.

Thx,
-jim

crvz · 05-21-2007, 09:04 AM

I would say it is not the same, as normal drains don't have the force of the pump acting on them. For a CL, the pump is actively imparting suction on the return for the system. I would say 2, or maybe 3 holes, would be able to provide enough for a 3000 gph pump. Hopefully others can weigh in with a little more experience.

110galreef · 05-21-2007, 09:10 AM

Typically your drain holes will be predicated by your pump for the CLS. Since the water is being pulled in by the pump the 600 gph deal for 1" is really only for overflows.

Lets start here:

-We know the size tank.
-But what do you plan to keep as this will more determine flow thus the pump, thus your holes for input and output!
-What type of sand bed?
-Also do you plan to use a spray bar under and behind the rock?

Geoff · 05-21-2007, 09:30 AM

when dealing with active water flow hole size is not as important. when doing CLS it is just important to make sure that the pipeing to the inlet is all the same size. if your pump has a 1.5" in let it is best to make the inlet bulkhead 1.5" also. i have 3 CLS on my tank. one with an Ampmaster 3400 with a 1.5" inlet and 2 1.5" outlets. i also have 2 Velocity T2's driving eductors. i have one 1.5" inlet for this and 2 1" outlets.

G~

jcarson999 · 05-21-2007, 09:38 AM

The 210g is going to be FOWLR.

The 190g will be a reef - mostly softies and fish - with ~2" sand bottom. I find the thought of a spray bar appealing, but haven't decided - have also thought about using an eductor or two instead. But I'd also be happy just aiming some flow - I really want to make sure I do this right and not have detritus collect anywhere.

Thx,
-jim

110galreef · 05-21-2007, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcarson999

The 210g is going to be FOWLR.

The 190g will be a reef - mostly softies and fish - with ~2" sand bottom. I find the thought of a spray bar appealing, but haven't decided - have also thought about using an eductor or two instead. But I'd also be happy just aiming some flow - I really want to make sure I do this right and not have detritus collect anywhere.

Thx,
-jim

No detritus anywhere only equals BB.

If you plan educators you will need a High head pump like a Gen X 70. Probably a good pump for CLS.

Or just good flow, i'd get a Hammerhead for the 190 reef.

motorslave · 05-21-2007, 11:09 AM

As said the intakes will need to be at least the same size as the plumbing on the intake sidde of the pump. Pressure rated pump for eductors and a spray bar is never a bad thing!
heres a few pics to give you some ideas, keep it simple as the more twists and turns the more flow is lost. I have two intakes oin this one to reduce the amount of suction in the tank so critters dont get pinned. The pump is a Sequence Barracuda, 5400gph (If I remeber correctly)

jcarson999 · 05-21-2007, 11:25 AM

Thanks for the replies.

Motorslave,
You've got 2 intakes for 6 returns (2 of them for a spraybar)? Are they all 1", or are they 3/4" returns?

Thx,
-jim

motorslave · 05-21-2007, 11:41 AM

The intakes are 2" and there are two in order to difuse the force of suction in the tank for critters. The returns ar 3/4" bulkheads. Where the return manifold comes to the T it necks down to 1" on each side. The balance of that design is perfect. The spray bar works better than I had expected. You can see a ball valve on each side, that was intended to incease flow to the spraybar if needed but they were not needed. This is a BB system so there is a good amount of flow from the SB wich could create an issue with a sand bed but, the level of the Spray Bar could easily be modified to not disturb the sand.

110galreef · 05-21-2007, 11:57 AM

Here is mine...pics:

I used 2 1.25" intakes T's to 1.5" line feeding the pump. But on your size tanks, 2 1.5" intakes should sufice for about any pump. The number of returns will be determined on the size and flow of the pump.

I have four returns and two for the spray bar. I used a DART pump (3600gph) in my 110g tank.

motorslave · 05-21-2007, 12:04 PM

remember that intake size will be determined by the size of the intake the pump is designed with.

jcarson999 · 05-21-2007, 12:13 PM

Thanks guys - it's all starting to become clear ....

Just heard my 60g cube is ready, too. I'm going to be a plumbing fool these next couple weeks ....

-jim

motorslave · 05-21-2007, 01:08 PM

Cool! Let me know if I can help, Ive made a few CLS's and tried many different designs so I may be able to help with what does and does not work!

Geoff · 05-21-2007, 09:11 PM

TAKE YOUR TIME!!!

do not just grab a hole saw and go to town. think it through. it took me 4 months of planning to get my tank thought out enough to drill holes. even then i wish i could have done a few things different.

G~

motorslave · 05-21-2007, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

TAKE YOUR TIME!!!

do not just grab a hole saw and go to town. think it through. it took me 4 months of planning to get my tank thought out enough to drill holes. even then i wish i could have done a few things different.

G~

Thats the best advice! I went through several moc designs before settling on the one pictured. I measured several times before I drilled also.