closed loop?

[Trinity]

What do you mean when you say that? I dont understand.

[Spanky]

Trinity Hi

It means the water goes from the tank, usually through some sort of hose directly to the pump and then directly back to the tank. As opposed to going over the over-flow into the sump and then being pumped back to the tank.

Falling into the sump and then being pumped back would be called a "open" loop.

Spanks

[platapus]

Here is a thread with pictures, and a little info in closed loop, by MYREEF

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...threadid=12002

[Trinity]

What would be the advantage of a closed loop system? Other than less evaporation and noise? Just seems like to me with a open system you have more options.

[TimBeR]

Adding a "Closed loop" to a system is mainly to increase water circulataion and movement. The "Closed Loop" is intended to eliminate the need to use Bulky and unsightly powerheads and such. Since Most "Closed Loops" are Drilled into the back Wall they are usualy hidden from sight by your LR and such

Hope this helps a little
Clay

[Mnemic]

Few Reasons I decided to go with a CLS system.


1) rather then having a cord and additional devices (Powerheads) taking up space in the tank, I can just use pipes.

2) Don't have to worry about taking powerheads out to do cleaning on them.

3) Use one Large pump with multiple outlets that I can control (doing this with that modular Plumbing stuff).

I don't know of the cost benifits for this setup, as I've had to purchase additional unique plumbing parts (the modular parts) to do this project, but I think it will turn out rather well.

I've got all the parts to do the CLS now, just a matter of time to get it done..

-Paul

[platapus]

Mnemic - Are you going to use as actuator 3-way valve to control current?

[Mnemic]

Not at this time, no the CLS I'm building is for pure circulation.

Those valves seem to be on the pricey side too! :P

[Rick O]

The closed loop does not eliminate the need for a sump. A sump is still used to house a skimmer, heater, and any other mechanical equipment that you don't want in the tank.

[Minnreefer]

We are going to be adding a closed loop to our 135 very soon. THe only advantage to a closed loop especially if you don't have the back of the tank drilled (like us) is highly increased circulation which is important for sps and other corals. They are expensive and not easy to set up but when done they should do a great job in circulation. HTH

Jon

[MyReef]

It really depends on what typ eof setup you are planning on having or what type you currently have. If you have SPS, then you want high flow in the tank, but maybe not as much go through the sump. If you have softies, then you might only need the flow from your return pumps. CLS are not for every tank. You have to know what you want to achieve with your system. My latest tank is going to be primarily SPS, so I want high flow. That is why I went with two CLS and one return pump.

IMO, they are best placed when setting up a new tank. That way they can be drilled and planned with the construction of the tank. I have added some to existing tanks and they take a little more thought and creativity.

What type of setup do you have or are you planning? I think that will determine if a CLS is right for you.

[Rick O]

Does anyone have a suggestion for adding a CLS to an existing tank. I would really love to get the Geminis out of the tank. They work great but they take up a lot of room and they actually make waves on the surface which break over the center brace causing salt buildup.

[MyReef]

Rick, do you have any room in your sump to sit a pump for CLS? IF you do it should be fairly easy. If not, we can always do something like I did on my 150 at home. Put a pump on top of the tank or mount it in your hood somewhere. There are a lot of people, me included, that have pumps above the water line. You just have to prime them first.

[Minnreefer]

Like my normal operation I have planned less and jumped more . I am waiting on delievery of an Amp 3000 for a closed loop on our existing 135. I am planning on doing 1 1.5" intake and 4 3/4" loc line returns over the back of the tank. I hope and think that this will work well. We will see some of the pvc pipe into the tank, but we will try to hide it. Any comments?

Thanks

Jon

[Geoff]

MyReef-How do you prime the pumps when they are above the water line? Do you run into problems if the power goes out?

Thanks,

G~