Plumbing - where to learn more?

Vincero · 06/13/2019, 01:44 AM

Not new to the hobby, but looking to learn more about different plumbing set ups.

I'm particularly interested in learning about different configurations for a closed loop set up. (I think I understand the basic concept, but unsure about how it works with a sump).

Flirting with the idea of designing a new system, so keen to learn more. Are there any sites that go over this in depth? -- I can only seem to find plumbing info on open loop set ups.

mcgyvr · 06/13/2019, 04:36 AM

A closed loop has nothing to do with a sump..
A closed loop setup is simply an external mounted pump/plumbing system that circulates water in the display tank..
Its very basic form is just an inlet and outlet somewhere in the display tank where water is pulled/drained from the tank.. Goes through the pump and pushed right back into the tank again..

Its just creating circulation much like a powerhead does..

Sk8r · 06/13/2019, 10:17 PM

And a powerhead is WAY less complicated. They solve the problem closed loops were designed for. In one sense your sump is one grand closed loop with water conditioning somewhere in the sump, but we don't consider it as that, because a sump does additional things, such as provide room for a skimmer.

Vincero · 06/14/2019, 02:55 AM

Thanks for the info. I'm aware that the sump doesn't qualify as part of a CLS. However, most CL set ups on here seem to feature a sump as well? (So I guess they're not 'true' closed loops).

So basically, you'd run the closed loop pump(s) as a substitute for wavemakers. And then, if you wanted a sump, you'd plumb it in to the display using a separate return pump?

I know the closed loops aren't fashionable these days, but again, the plumbing side of things interests me. It looks like there are a lot of ways to skin the cat, so to speak.

mcgyvr · 06/14/2019, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincero

So basically, you'd run the closed loop pump(s) as a substitute for wavemakers. And then, if you wanted a sump, you'd plumb it in to the display using a separate return pump?

Yes

2000se · 06/14/2019, 07:05 AM

@Viscera - If you have a central HVAC installed in your home, that setup is the equivalent of a closed loop system. The return (where the filter is) pulls air into the AC unit (pump), then push it back out all the returns throughout the house. Your home is the main display aquarium!
The return is where the water would enter a pipe that is connected to an external pump (need not be located in a sump - can be mounted anywhere) which pumps the water entering the return back into the tank through the supply lines. You're just moving water around.. Hope this helps.

06/13/2019, 01:44 AM	#1
Vincero Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Posts: 120	Plumbing - where to learn more? Not new to the hobby, but looking to learn more about different plumbing set ups. I'm particularly interested in learning about different configurations for a closed loop set up. (I think I understand the basic concept, but unsure about how it works with a sump). Flirting with the idea of designing a new system, so keen to learn more. Are there any sites that go over this in depth? -- I can only seem to find plumbing info on open loop set ups.

06/13/2019, 04:36 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	A closed loop has nothing to do with a sump.. A closed loop setup is simply an external mounted pump/plumbing system that circulates water in the display tank.. Its very basic form is just an inlet and outlet somewhere in the display tank where water is pulled/drained from the tank.. Goes through the pump and pushed right back into the tank again.. Its just creating circulation much like a powerhead does.. __________________ Who me?

06/13/2019, 10:17 PM	#3
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	And a powerhead is WAY less complicated. They solve the problem closed loops were designed for. In one sense your sump is one grand closed loop with water conditioning somewhere in the sump, but we don't consider it as that, because a sump does additional things, such as provide room for a skimmer. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

06/14/2019, 02:55 AM	#4
Vincero Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Posts: 120	Thanks for the info. I'm aware that the sump doesn't qualify as part of a CLS. However, most CL set ups on here seem to feature a sump as well? (So I guess they're not 'true' closed loops). So basically, you'd run the closed loop pump(s) as a substitute for wavemakers. And then, if you wanted a sump, you'd plumb it in to the display using a separate return pump? I know the closed loops aren't fashionable these days, but again, the plumbing side of things interests me. It looks like there are a lot of ways to skin the cat, so to speak.

06/14/2019, 07:05 AM	#6
2000se Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: charlotte Posts: 532	@Viscera - If you have a central HVAC installed in your home, that setup is the equivalent of a closed loop system. The return (where the filter is) pulls air into the AC unit (pump), then push it back out all the returns throughout the house. Your home is the main display aquarium! The return is where the water would enter a pipe that is connected to an external pump (need not be located in a sump - can be mounted anywhere) which pumps the water entering the return back into the tank through the supply lines. You're just moving water around.. Hope this helps.