CLS verses Power Heads

[Booboo33062]

I was wondering what the difference was in using a couple of power heads placed in the two back corners of the tank as appose to a CLS. I don't have holes drilled in my tank except for the overflows in both corners. I just don't like the look of white PVC in the tank.

[DAC]

i think white pvc is better than black power cords and a black box..
with a cls the pump is out of the water and can be replaced or cleaned without having to redo your rock work. If you want more flow you can change the pump...

I think a cls is the better way to go...

[motorslave]

A closed loop doesnt need to have PVC in the tank unless its not drilled. My 55 isnt drilled so there is PVC in the tank. The 150 Im going to set up will be drilled so the returns will not need PVC in the tank. This one will be a little different from most as it will be plumbed on top of the bracing in the tank and hidden by the canopy. Most drilled CLSs are drilled through the back with the returns feeding through the upper back of the tank.
In a 150 I would want at least 10x turnover. That would take some big a** power heads!

Robert

[Geoff]

it is all about flow! like i said in another thread, PH's produce flow by velocity. they have a small output so the flow is fast. this velocity can tear corals and blow sand all over the place (that is if you have any). it will also take a lot of PH to get the amount of flow that you can get with a CLS.

G~

[wharyat]

Another bad thing about ph's is some inverts, and fish can get torn to pieces if they get sucked into them, see anem vs. powerhead ; but, a cls can be just as bad if the intake is not spread over a large area, or if you have educators.

[lizardarm]

i lost a really nice looking rbta to a powerhead once.
and white pvc eventually gets coraling encrusted and blends in with everything else.
you also don't necessarily need to have holes drilled for a cls. you can run the pipes over the back of the tank.

[tims]

you can also use the primer to color the PVC so it is not white..

[lizardarm]

wow, that surprises me. the primer always scared me. mek is nasty stuff.

[VWD]

Originally Posted by tims

you can also use the primer to color the PVC so it is not white..

Hey Tim, What a good idea, purple is a good color.

Vince

[tims]

as long as it is dried you should have no problems.. just dont sit down an paint over top of the container!

[ela]

someone told me you could also dye the pvc black with rit dye.. just make sure it is all clean when you put it in tank.. does this really sound ok? if so id like to try it if i cant find black pvc