scwd again

[dkling]

im so sorry 2 kinda repost this Q again using a different pump this time in my line of questioning.
i olny got 1 opinion on my first 1 .( thanks 4 ur help) i would really like some more info.
i cant seen 2 find it on the web.
what i really need 2 know is , using this pump http://aquariumpros.com/aquaprostore...WA30RLTJ.shtml
should i , or not use the scwd, i really want 2 but not at a serious water return
loss, BTW its going 2 b feed from my sump return which is about 4-4.5 ft high
its a 67 g. (36x18x24) tank ,and a high pressure pump.
sorry if its a hard read
im having a hard time writing what im tring 2 ask.
so many words so little time.
btw how do u get the expressions 2 show buy ur comment or Q: ?
thanks

[Ace's Reef]

i would like to help you but i dont know what you mean by scwd. Just trying to help


Ace

[jdbassin]

The scwd is an awesome device but no matter what pump you use your gonna lose about 30% of your flow rate!!


jd

[yardboy]

I personally think an scwd is not appropriate for water retun from your sump. There is too much loss of flow through the darn things. I have had two in my "career" and the second one died last week. I put a Y-fitting to replace it and was shocked to see such an increase in flow, even though both returns are going now. I had mine on closed loops run by Mag 18's, which are overrated for the scwd (Mag18-1800gph; SCWD rated at 1400gph) so that is partly why they died so I really won't complain about that but the restriction of flow is something to seriously consider.

I applaud you for considering two important things though - high flow and non-laminar flow, both things you'll need for success with hard corals. My solution for the non-laminar flow is to use eductors (increase flow also) and aiming the returns not directly at any corals, but toward another return so the collision of two streams of flow produce a chaotic swirling of the current. I may end up with a wave maker, since I have two Mags and can alternate back and forth between them. Right now I only have one complaint about the flow pattern in the tank; a large Montipora capricornis with a funnel shape is developing some odd exensions since the first SCWD went out. it'll be interesting to see how the growth changes since the other scwd died. I've fragged some of the outgrowths, may harvest some of the others to give it more of a pleasing shape. Real "bonsai montipora"!

[wanareef]

yardboy

I use to have one of those in a high flow area - and it developed a "thick" base before whirling up and it stayed thick - used up a lot of calicum too.

dkling-

As jdbassin mentioned- the scwd will reduce the flow to what ever pump you use. I had one on a 40rlt and the flow was noticable but that was it. I used it on a CL on a 29g h.
Since it a return pump - I would just use a mag for that and "drill the tank" for a CL or go over the top if you don't want to drill. I'll have to really dig for this post- but melve on RC put together a CL using a scwd that went over the top using a mag 12.

IMO - I would drill the tank- if not wet yet for a CL. You might be able to put in about 4 BH's across the back of the tank and add two more BH for the intake near the bottom. Two intakes - lessen the "suction" to the pump and should not suckup any fish or corals. Or use one "big" Bh for the intake like a 2" and use a "4way PVC with strainers on three sides.

[kwjones]

http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

[dkling]

ok i have been thinking about this, my aquarium has 2 holes , exit and return.

i was thinking that i could still use the exit 2 feed my sump and make a return

using pvc. then use the other hole 2 feed another pump as the input , and have the output going 2 my scwd 2 give a cls.
how does that sound ?
btw :kwjones awsome bit of info.
looks great.