How to DIY my own closed loop system

[Booboo33062]

Can someone tell and show me how to build my own over the back of the tank closed loop system. I've never seen one in person, but have heard they cut down on dead areas in a tank. I'm getting a 150 gallon tank which is 6 ft. long. I don' t know about pumps that much either. I am new to all the mechanics of a tank.
Thanks, Booboo

[DaBear]

Here is a link to a site that has what you are looking for.
I never actually built one of these, but I saved the link b/c it looks like a sound design for a HOB closed loop. You could probably scale this up (it's for a 29g).
Personally for a 150g I'd drill.
http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

here is the main site.
http://www.melevsreef.com/links.html


Pumps? I swear by Mag drive, but that's my opinion.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...eme.asp?CartId=
hope that link works.

[Geoff]

another type that does not restrict water flow as much.

G~

[tims]

with the pumps look at the diffrenat sponsors here. they have there own forum area if you want to ask specific questions. myreefcreations is vert fast at getting back to you..
if you can drill or have your tank drilled for the closed loop that would be best. but look at the way the mantelmonster has the smaller closed loops..no drilling and out of site..
go can play with various designs for your tank. if you are not going to drill it, set it up in your gargage with water and test it out first. this way you can see how it works for you and if it is "just right"

[DaBear]

ya I like the cls lp on the mantelmonster.
simple, effective, and hidden.

I will mentally store that idea for later.

[Booboo33062]

instead of using a closed loop system in my tank wouldn't power head add a current in the tank? I can't drill the tank, because I was told it would void my warrenty. I thougth I read somewhere that the closed loop pvc was ran under the live rock and kept it all clean underneath.

[Booboo33062]

On the mantled monsters page you have a lot of good DIY ideas. Thought the CLS would show too much in the tank. I really want to stay away from a lot of pipes and things in the tank.

[kayaker97321]

Originally Posted by Booboo33062

instead of using a closed loop system in my tank wouldn't power head add a current in the tank? I can't drill the tank, because I was told it would void my warrenty. I thougth I read somewhere that the closed loop pvc was ran under the live rock and kept it all clean underneath.

The trend is starting to move away from powerheads. For a number of reasons.

1. They add heat to the tank. It's hard enough to keep a reef tank cool with all the lighting, why add internal pumps to make matters worse.

2. Closed loops can add much more flow that you could ever dream about with power heads. Once you get in to the larger tanks, say over 75 gallons.

3. No ugly powerheads in the tank.

I know that a few of the tank manufactures will drill the tanks for you and your factory warrenty will still be good. But does the factory warrenty really matter? Probally not, as most are only 90 days and you are stuck paying the shipping both ways. All-glass will custom drill their tanks and still give you a warrenty.

Looking back I would of had my tank drilled in the first place for the last 5 years I have been unhappy because I didn't want to spend the money in the first place. No on to the second tank this time drilled. I have just decided that for me having a drilled tank is worth more that any other part of the system. Having a drilled tank opens up all sorts of choices in filters and flow. I am sure in the long run you would be alot more happy having your tank drilled or returning it to the store you got it at and finding one that can be drilled or is already drilled.

I think that alot of the LFS shops that don't sell only fish would rather make a sale that tell someone the correct information. Rather that talking someone in to the right tank selling them what ever they feel like.

Did the shop even ask you if you were planning on having a sump below your tank so that you can hide your filters. Hang-on the back overflows tend to cause a flood sooner or later... Another reason to have your tank drilled.

Hope I didn't step on anyone's toes with this reply. But I learned the hardway, and it would of sure been nice to know about drilling my tank before I set it up and was unhappy..

Tyler