closed loop/ Overflow questions

MFerrell · 09/22/2015, 06:33 AM

I have recently purchased a 125 g tank that has been drilled for both a closed loop and overflow to a large sump. I have been debating whether or not to cap the closed loop and just use the sump and circulation pumps I had in my previous tank. I have a mostly FOWLR tank. This tank is waiting for me to decide what to do. I would love some input from these who have done a closed loop. Would have do it again? And why? Both for and against.

thegrun · 09/22/2015, 10:32 AM

My personal opinion is that with the advances in power head technology it is more efficient to move water with power heads than a closed loop system, so unless you find the look of an in tank power head overly distracting I would not use the closed loop and opt for good power heads.

UNCsalt · 09/22/2015, 11:01 AM

agree, I have a rimless starphire 90 gallon that is a closed loop and I love the clean look of not having a power head and with the three returns bars I have on the bottom I can get better water movement lower in the tank. As mentioned with the advancement of power heads it really depends on what you like, the look with out power heads or with....

Shawn O · 09/22/2015, 11:08 AM

If you decide you don't want the closed loop, you can always cap the bulkheads or use the closed loop to run a reactor of some type.

ca1ore · 09/22/2015, 03:40 PM

I agree. The closed loop is a historical holdover from when either there were no powerheads or they stunk. Likewise for all these swirls, motions devices. When I up sized my tank a couple of years ago, I dutifully had holes bored for a CL, installed my plumbing, a pump, and an oceans motions device. Waste of time! Makes absolutely no difference to the tank, and adds minimal flow to my Vortech's. Had I to do it again, no CL for me.

thegrun · 09/22/2015, 03:43 PM

Simon, I have to admit I do like the Sea Swirl I use on on my return pump discharge.
-Mike

ca1ore · 09/22/2015, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegrun

Simon, I have to admit I do like the Sea Swirl I use on on my return pump discharge.
-Mike

Yeah, sorry, the perils of generalizing. I used a swirl when they first came out and the thing was always jamming up on me. Don't doubt they are better now but I'm quite happy to direct my return straight down behind my rocks and drink the vortech cool aid.

MFerrell · 09/22/2015, 08:07 PM

I was wondering about the cost to run the large pump needed compared to 4 Korella type pumps. My hubby is thinking he would like the look of the closed loop but I am the thrifty type so not sure on the cost to run things.

09/22/2015, 06:33 AM	#1
MFerrell Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Valley of the Sun Posts: 27	closed loop/ Overflow questions I have recently purchased a 125 g tank that has been drilled for both a closed loop and overflow to a large sump. I have been debating whether or not to cap the closed loop and just use the sump and circulation pumps I had in my previous tank. I have a mostly FOWLR tank. This tank is waiting for me to decide what to do. I would love some input from these who have done a closed loop. Would have do it again? And why? Both for and against. __________________ Soooo the adventure begins again. Current Tank Info: 29 gallon nano

09/22/2015, 11:01 AM	#3
UNCsalt Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: eastern NC Posts: 196	agree, I have a rimless starphire 90 gallon that is a closed loop and I love the clean look of not having a power head and with the three returns bars I have on the bottom I can get better water movement lower in the tank. As mentioned with the advancement of power heads it really depends on what you like, the look with out power heads or with.... __________________ Fowlr, I barely know her...... Current Tank Info: 180 Gallon fowlr, 34 ruby trigger sump, SRO 3000 int 20 gallon nano reef

09/22/2015, 11:08 AM	#4
Shawn O Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: People's Communist Republic of Massachusetts Posts: 1,474	If you decide you don't want the closed loop, you can always cap the bulkheads or use the closed loop to run a reactor of some type. __________________ "55gal glass box full of water, rocks and some not-so-amused little fishes" 2x Occellaris, 1 Pajama, 1 Neon Dottyback. Current Tank Info: 55gal tank, sumpless, ReefOctopus Classic 90, Twin bulb T5.

09/22/2015, 03:40 PM	#5
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	I agree. The closed loop is a historical holdover from when either there were no powerheads or they stunk. Likewise for all these swirls, motions devices. When I up sized my tank a couple of years ago, I dutifully had holes bored for a CL, installed my plumbing, a pump, and an oceans motions device. Waste of time! Makes absolutely no difference to the tank, and adds minimal flow to my Vortech's. Had I to do it again, no CL for me. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

09/22/2015, 08:07 PM	#8
MFerrell Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Valley of the Sun Posts: 27	I was wondering about the cost to run the large pump needed compared to 4 Korella type pumps. My hubby is thinking he would like the look of the closed loop but I am the thrifty type so not sure on the cost to run things. __________________ Soooo the adventure begins again. Current Tank Info: 29 gallon nano

09/22/2015, 10:32 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	My personal opinion is that with the advances in power head technology it is more efficient to move water with power heads than a closed loop system, so unless you find the look of an in tank power head overly distracting I would not use the closed loop and opt for good power heads.

09/22/2015, 03:43 PM	#6
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Simon, I have to admit I do like the Sea Swirl I use on on my return pump discharge. -Mike