Advice on return & closed loop plumbing

skr791346 · Apr 24, 2018

I'm in the process of selecting return pump & a closed loop pump for a ~400G tank and would appreciate any advice.

For the return, I was thinking of using an Abyzz A200 (44ooGPH) Vertically it will travel about 4 1/4' and horizontally about 6' and 4 elbows and a tee in total, splitting the 1 1/2" to (2) 1" returns.

For the closed loop, I was thinking of using a Vectra L1 (3100GPH) with 1 1/2" drain and (2) 1" return, both reduced down to 3/4" loclines with Y splitters. Vertically it will travel about 2 1/2'. Tank is approximately 8' long / 36" wide and I was thinking of having the closed loop returns at 6' and 4' mark in the center.

Any issues with the above plan? Should I be going with stronger pumps? Should I do (4) closed loop returns in total with (2) at 6' and 4' or will a single return at each mark be enough?

gcarroll · Apr 24, 2018

In today's day and age, I think there are much more efficient ways of providing in tank flow than a closed loop. Many of the people I know regret drilling their tanks for closed loops as those bulkheads are another potential point for a leak. The flow provided by a couple Gyre 280s would certainly outperform your closed loop.

mfinn · Apr 24, 2018

skr791346 said:
I'm in the process of selecting return pump & a closed loop pump for a ~400G tank and would appreciate any advice.

For the return, I was thinking of using an Abyzz A200 (44ooGPH) Vertically it will travel about 4 1/4' and horizontally about 6' and 4 elbows and a tee in total, splitting the 1 1/2" to (2) 1" returns.

For the closed loop, I was thinking of using a Vectra L1 (3100GPH) with 1 1/2" drain and (2) 1" return, both reduced down to 3/4" loclines with Y splitters. Vertically it will travel about 2 1/2'. Tank is approximately 8' long / 36" wide and I was thinking of having the closed loop returns at 6' and 4' mark in the center.

Any issues with the above plan? Should I be going with stronger pumps? Should I do (4) closed loop returns in total with (2) at 6' and 4' or will a single return at each mark be enough?

I'm very happy I had my 233 drill for a closed loop. If I ever set up another big tank, it will have a closed loop. I had a 180 that was drilled for a closed loop. Tank was setup for 10 years and never had a problem. Guy I sold it to changed out the bulkheads and had it for 4-5 years and never had a problem. Lost contact with him a few years back.
I hate using powerheads and such in my tanks.

As long as you are looking at a Abyzz for a return pump, why not another for the closed loop. Or maybe a Red Dragon. I'm very happy with my RD3 150 watt on my closed loop.
The Vectra L1 has had some issues with overheating and locking up, so I would skip that pump. Although I have read that there were some changes made on the impeller for more cooling or something.

I would go with at least 4 returns. On the inside you can split the loc-line and go 8 different directions.

skr791346 · Apr 30, 2018

gcarroll said:
In today's day and age, I think there are much more efficient ways of providing in tank flow than a closed loop. Many of the people I know regret drilling their tanks for closed loops as those bulkheads are another potential point for a leak. The flow provided by a couple Gyre 280s would certainly outperform your closed loop.

I've had so many Gyres break down on me and Coralvue customer service is not the greatest but I did consider MP60s. My main concern was being able to fit two or more on the panel as this will be a peninsula style tank. With the overflow box plumbing and returns at 1.5" / 1", it might be a tight fit or hard to access though not impossible.

mfinn said:
I'm very happy I had my 233 drill for a closed loop. If I ever set up another big tank, it will have a closed loop. I had a 180 that was drilled for a closed loop. Tank was setup for 10 years and never had a problem. Guy I sold it to changed out the bulkheads and had it for 4-5 years and never had a problem. Lost contact with him a few years back.
I hate using powerheads and such in my tanks.

As long as you are looking at a Abyzz for a return pump, why not another for the closed loop. Or maybe a Red Dragon. I'm very happy with my RD3 150 watt on my closed loop.
The Vectra L1 has had some issues with overheating and locking up, so I would skip that pump. Although I have read that there were some changes made on the impeller for more cooling or something.

I would go with at least 4 returns. On the inside you can split the loc-line and go 8 different directions.

I had concerns about having holes drilled on the bottom but with SCH80s, I think it will be fine. I was trying to save a bit of $ by going with only one Abyzz

I know the issue you're referring to with Vectra L1s, had to have a few swapped out with previous earlier units though it's been fine for about two years or so.

My main concern with having 4 returns (2 at 4' and 6' mark) was that with the tank width, returns would be too close to the viewing panels.

DCR · Apr 30, 2018

For those high capacity pumps I would increase the returns to four 1" or increase the diameter. Two 3/4 loclines are going to restrict the flow quite a bit.

pdxmonkeyboy · Apr 30, 2018

Dont buy into the naysayers, my closed loop system ROCKS!! I have two outlets along the back wall and two outlets center middle.

I have 1 1/2" plumbing to and fro and 1" distribution lines from a 4-way ocean motion. i use a jebao DCT 18000. 4500 gph, utterly silent and only $150.

remember that in a closed loop there is no head loss so you get all of the listed flow.

one word of caution.. get a decent sized inlet screen. my screen of death has claimed an anenome, a starfish, and a small.. and sickly blue throat trigger.

gcarroll · Apr 30, 2018

skr791346 said:
I've had so many Gyres break down on me and Coralvue customer service is not the greatest but I did consider MP60s. My main concern was being able to fit two or more on the panel as this will be a peninsula style tank. With the overflow box plumbing and returns at 1.5" / 1", it might be a tight fit or hard to access though not impossible.

So your issue is you want reliability? I don't think Ecotech is the best solution in an 8' long tank as they don't throw the water that far. Have you looked into Tunze or another you might want to consider is Hydrowizard. A few options here.

Hydrowizards will perform awesome in an 8' tank. they will easily push water the entire length of the tank. WWC has a couple on their 12' display along with their big brothers (ECM 63).
Panta Rhei ECM 42 Hydrowizard PRO
https://uniquecorals.com/collection...-hydrowizard-pro-in-stock?variant=53015973523

Tunze is known for reliability. Kind of like their middle name. Even if you have an issue, their customer service is second to none.
Tunze Smart Controller 7000 Bundle with 2 x Turbelle Stream 6155 Pumps
https://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_S...rium_Powerheads-Tunze-TZ715505-FIPHAD-vi.html

With the Stream 3 you have to get creative with mounting as the options are minimal. Good thing is they move a ton of water and require the least maintenance of any flow pump on the market as there is no friction due to the levitation rotor.
TUNZE Turbelle Stream 3 6150 Pump
https://www.marinedepot.com/TUNZE_T...arium_Powerheads-Tunze-TZ72900-FIPHAD-vi.html

skr791346 · May 1, 2018

Brian Bieger said:
Dont buy into the naysayers, my closed loop system ROCKS!! I have two outlets along the back wall and two outlets center middle.

I have 1 1/2" plumbing to and fro and 1" distribution lines from a 4-way ocean motion. i use a jebao DCT 18000. 4500 gph, utterly silent and only $150.

remember that in a closed loop there is no head loss so you get all of the listed flow.

one word of caution.. get a decent sized inlet screen. my screen of death has claimed an anenome, a starfish, and a small.. and sickly blue throat trigger.

Jebaos are great for the price but they always seem to die on me after about a year. I'm concerned about inlets with CLs too, in case something clogs it and I don't catch it in time.

gcarroll said:
So your issue is you want reliability? I don't think Ecotech is the best solution in an 8' long tank as they don't throw the water that far. Have you looked into Tunze or another you might want to consider is Hydrowizard. A few options here.

Hydrowizards will perform awesome in an 8' tank. they will easily push water the entire length of the tank. WWC has a couple on their 12' display along with their big brothers (ECM 63).
Panta Rhei ECM 42 Hydrowizard PRO
https://uniquecorals.com/collection...-hydrowizard-pro-in-stock?variant=53015973523

Tunze is known for reliability. Kind of like their middle name. Even if you have an issue, their customer service is second to none.
Tunze Smart Controller 7000 Bundle with 2 x Turbelle Stream 6155 Pumps
https://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_S...rium_Powerheads-Tunze-TZ715505-FIPHAD-vi.html

With the Stream 3 you have to get creative with mounting as the options are minimal. Good thing is they move a ton of water and require the least maintenance of any flow pump on the market as there is no friction due to the levitation rotor.
TUNZE Turbelle Stream 3 6150 Pump
https://www.marinedepot.com/TUNZE_T...arium_Powerheads-Tunze-TZ72900-FIPHAD-vi.html

I was trying to avoid having any visible wires in the tank and thought MP60s would be a good choice but now I'm concerned if they can't handle the full 8' length.

Tunze support definitely is fantastic and I've had great experience with their products. It looks like Stream 3 can't attach to 3/4" glass so 6155s might be more suitable.

gcarroll · May 1, 2018

skr791346 said:
I was trying to avoid having any visible wires in the tank and thought MP60s would be a good choice but now I'm concerned if they can't handle the full 8' length.

Tunze support definitely is fantastic and I've had great experience with their products. It looks like Stream 3 can't attach to 3/4" glass so 6155s might be more suitable.

Honestly, I would hold off for now. Intezoo is this month so I would wait to see what NEW is released. Especially from Tunze. Since they are discontinuing the 6255, there may be something else on the horizon.

mfinn · May 1, 2018

skr791346 said:
Jebaos are great for the price but they always seem to die on me after about a year. I'm concerned about inlets with CLs too, in case something clogs it and I don't catch it in time.

I was trying to avoid having any visible wires in the tank and thought MP60s would be a good choice but now I'm concerned if they can't handle the full 8' length.

IMO, a little planning on where the suction side of a closed loop comes out of the tank and maintenance is easy.
Set up the main flow using a closed loop and use other smaller powerheads ( Mp40?) for hitting the dead spots.
With just 2 return holes you can have flow going 8 different directions and with creative rock formations and coral growth very little will show.