closed loop

My tank is what I consider a closed loop, but I must say that a key issue I run into is nutrient export, and keeping the slim off the surface.  The tank is not drilled, so I created my own little contraption to make it work.  I took 2" pvc pipe and made surface skimming device. 

***I removed the image and comments to not cause confusion on the topic.

Edited by WhiteReef

The only thing I don't like about the setup would be the introduction of bubbles into the system.  Other than that I really like the idea and might use it instead of my setup to see how it works.  The issues for me would be the cost of the SCWD and the Mag5/7 pump as all the other items are easy to come by.  I wonder if the bubbles are introduced because of the surface agitation or the intake for the pump?

Yes it is a surface skimmer, and everything is internal without a sump or anything external to the system.  So based on your definition of a closed loop, your right.  Also the 29 gallon tank used to show his closed loop does not have a sump - at least he does not show one, but he does have a skimmer.  Even at that the nutrient export would still need to be considered when designing or indigrating it into a new system, but that is basic to any setup of a new tank.

Hello everyone,

I would like to know if there is anything anyone has done that has been unsucessful and if there is anything I should avoid.

IMO there is a golden area for the intake. You want it high enough to prevent a syphon disaster should something in the loop leak. You also want it to be low enough to stay active if the return pump stops. Assuming of course that youre using a return and overflows.

Melev's system is of course the basic idea. Personally, I don't like his intake. It can easily satisfy the above conditions, however I find it to be an obtrusive eye-sore. I used simple 3/4 cone shaped screw in strainers for my intake and I'm quite happy.

Hope that helps,

Chris

Hello everyone,

the system would never have a syphon problem unless the system has a break in it.

Exactly, things go wrong. I'd rather avoid a disaster than clean one up.

FWIW, a small hole drilled near the water level could prevent a sphyon disaster. However this hole still needs to fall in the "golden area" to prevent problems when the return pump stops and the water level drops.

Hope that helps,

Chris

Bruce,

After Anthony's talk I am giving great consideration to trying a closed system.  I have a rio 2100 that I could use.  I have some sea swirls in the back of the tank but as I am finding out I need more coverage, meaning I need some flow from the front of my tank to the back.  Have you set yours up?  Any problems?  And did you follow the basic design in the site you addressed?

Thanks,

John

After Calfos presentation last night - I think a closed loop would be the perfect way to increase water movement. I've considered this before, but I think I'm going to try to incorporate a manifold of sorts. I do like the idea of removing powerheads from my display.

I just placed my scwd over my overflow the platic tubes fit so tight around the scwd that is doesn't leak at all.  They are near impossible to take off as well.  You shouldn't have a problem with leaking and if it is internal who cares if it leakes anyway.

Bruce,

How many 't's do you have for your 600??  I have a rio 2100 that pumps 600 but I don't think that more than one (i just have a 90) would produce enough flow.  With only one I am looking at nearly perfect (maybe a touch less than desired) flow.  I am planning on replacing the rio (it's the pump I use when doing water changes) anyway so I might buy a larger pump and put it on my cl and add a  't'.

Shane, you were right.  No need for brackets the tubing was snug enough!

The project took me about a half hour...the quickest and easiest tank project ever!!!  So, if anyone else is thinking about doing this, just do it!  It's fast, easy, cheap (except for an adequate powerhead, but we all have extras lying around anyway) and most important, turbulent water flow to the front of your corals!!

John

Bruce,

The jury is still out for me on whether I'm happy with this flow.  It seems to strike the corals fairly well but  I would like to 't' it so that the whole top of the reef is hit.  I thought about this last night...

Does anyone know if by placing an inline 't' actually increases flow?  I'm worried about decreasing the flow but thought I read somewhere that this might eliviate some of the burden (speed up flow)?

I'll probably pick up a few 't's on my way home and try tonight.

John