Anyone running closed loops instead of wave pumps??

[Triggreef]

Seriously debating trying to make a closed loop hybrid system of sorts. Haven't really thought much about it at all but with all these controllable DC pumps out now I'm sure I can rig something up with a much better and consistent flow and less maintenance than having all these ugly eye sore wave pumps.

Hiding it and having it still be effective on a tank that's not drilled for it is the obstacle.

 

[TUSI]

Mine is but if you are doing sps you still going to need power heads

 

[Triggreef]

Not with a big enough pump!

 

[TUSI]

It will be tough to get flow every were as corals grow

 

[TUSI]

I hate power heads cause as you said they are ugly. I fought it for years of not doing them but eventually I had to do them. My main pump is a reeflo dart for the closed loop and then I also have a reeflo Marlin for the chiller

 

[Triggreef]

I hate power heads cause as you said they are ugly. I fought it for years of not doing them but eventually I had to do them. My main pump is a reeflo dart for the closed loop and then I also have a reeflo Marlin for the chiller

Those are pretty large pumps. I would think with enough inlets pointing in different directions it should flow well.

What size tank do you have? How many inlets?

 

[TUSI]

180. Have four on the bottom that each split into a pair. You can check my tank thread to get an idea

 

[Triggreef]

Will do. I was thinking about running about 10 or so and my tank is only 4 feet. The more I think about it, I could throw some nuclear green zoas on the PVC and have it completely hidden in like 6 months

 

[Triggreef]

180. Have four on the bottom that each split into a pair. You can check my tank thread to get an idea

Well after the 4 years or so I have on my current set up, that just about makes me want to throw in the towel or completely start over from scratch.

Your tank is ridiculously amazing. I have to post it for others that may not go looking for it.

 

[TUSI]

Wow thank you. No you are not going to throw the towel, I don't consider my tank anything special. My tank is a working progress, what I find good about a closed loop is that the tank have cross currents from below that you can't get with power heads only which I think make a difference. Thank you for your compliments really appriciated

 

[Collinslice]

My 90 was closed loop Dave. Shoot me a text and let's chat haha

 

[Vaiodude]

Have you thought about rigging up a surge type setup?

 

[Triggreef]

Have you thought about rigging up a surge type setup?

I did and I actually have a great bucket that would be awesome for that. I don't know if I could get past all the bubbles that come with it though. I've seen a few of those, it is brilliant if there was a way to eliminate the bubbles.

 

[Suicideissleep]

Tunze wave box?

Just remember the more holes the less pressure unless you add more pumps

 

[TUSI]

Tunze wave box?

Just remember the more holes the less pressure unless you add more pumps

I have a wave maker attached to all loops which sends pressure to individual pipes

 

[mcarroll]

I don't see how a CL makes sense vs hiding pumps in the tank in 2016. Pumps in the tank are incredibly more efficient if you pick good ones. (Popular ≠ Good) Closed loops are incredibly inefficient and immovable. They are from before the era of propellor pumps.

Being able to move and aim a pump wherever you need it are crucial features....features which some pumps are better at than others. (...and which some pumps lack altogether)

Some ideas in case hiding a pump (for real) is really necessary:
Images for tunze rock

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Ten x return w two ph simple. Stock parts. Loop provides main laminar flow ph add turbulance. I did have it set as a gyre. Or raceway as the kids seem to call it.
Been thinking about surging the loop pump.
And yea. It beats up the water pretty hard on the sticks.