DIY over back CLS H.e.l.p.

[Fly Guy]

Looking for advice on a idea.

I CANT drill my tank and since i have spent my reefing budget for the next 5 years already this year, i cant buy anything else big until this coming fall.

SO, i want a CLS for 2 reasons.
1. Increase flow
2. eliminate powerheads
3. vary flow
4. be seen as "a much cooler guy" in TRT's eyes

SO.........

If i buy a big enough pump can i keep it under the tank and simply plumb the infeed to my tank? For that 5 foot drop (80 gallon tank, 35 gl sump LOADED with LPS and SPS)to where i would like to keep the pump, what pump would you recommend, money not really an issue(within reason, i know this pump is going to cost a few hundred + bucks)

To vary the flow i was thinking about utilizing some unused programming space on my automatic sprinkler system. Does anybody see any reason why i couldnt simply plumb 2 different water return set-ups which could be switched back and forth once daily via 2 solenoid valves operated by my irrigation computer?

Thanks

[Chief]

Here is some good info:

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

I don't know about the sprinkler control. There aren't any copper parts are there? Anything that might corrode due to the saltwater?

You will probably want to go with an external pump to decrease any heat issues. How many outlets? There are many great head pressure calculators out there that could help you determine the size of pump.

Happy plumbing.

Jay

[Fly Guy]

Thanks chief. I actually picked that guys brain when i built my last sump, but only was aware of his sump stuff.
I think i can make what im thinking work i just need to locate some solenoids with all plastic internal parts. Im sure they wont be cheap but it will be cool to be able to alternate the flows without manually doing anything.

[Geoff]

sprinkler valves can work, they are a little slow, but should work fine. i will be using one connected to a float switch to control my auto water change system.

as for the CLS, have you seen the simple one i ran before this rebuild. the only reason i am still not using it is because i drilled the tank.



does not lend itself real well to sprinkler control, but is easier to do than the over the backs.

G~

[Fly Guy]

Thanks Geoff. You dont know anywhere that is a good source to get solenoid valves that are good for saltwater use do you??

[Geoff]

do you have a price range you are looking for? the real ones are well over $200 for a decent sized one. looking at the sprinkler system ones, they seem pretty SW safe. i did not see any metal exposed during my initial look at them. i did not take one completely apart though since the one i am using is on the FW side of things. i would take one completely apart to double check that it is SW safe first before putting it into constant use on the aquarium.

G~

[Tim224DT]

Originally Posted by Fly Guy

4. be seen as "a much cooler guy" in TRT's eyes

Fly Guy who??

Just kidding.......Pics are a must when you get stared.


Tim

[nu2reef-n]

You might look into an oceans motions wavemaker device.they are reasonably priced and don't restrict water flow as much as other wave makers .