Closed loop Design help

[joelbegt]

I'm considering a closed loop on my new setup and I'm trying to decide the best places to drill the aquarium. The aquarium if smaller than most closed loops I have seen at 48x18x18. Any extra heat is welcome as it is cool in my basement. I have a dart/snapper from a previous setup and would like to use this pump if possible.

My current thoughts are outputs and maybe input on the back pane. I'm also not sure if I should keep the 2" feed on the back or bottom pane of glass. This is also a Rimless Aquarium and I don't want to compromise the strength too much and I must also drill be back for an overflow.

 

[TaylorPilot]

Closed loops are great when when setup right. Are you going to do anything to vary the flow?

 

[joelbegt]

I was considering building a sinusoidal valve or using an OM 4 or 6 way if I feel I really need the varied flow.

 

[TaylorPilot]

Cool. I thought a few years back when all these DC pumps came out that closed loops would make a come back. Honestly, I don't see the appeal of the controllable pumps if not being used in a closed loop. Especially since they are all designed for max flow at minimal head pressure.

I guess the design really depends on how you are planning on laying out your rock work.

 

[joelbegt]

I agree it would be ideal, but unfortunately one of my reefing buddies has had all sorts of issues with his DC pumps and it has made me lean away from them until quality improves a bit.

The rock layout will be maybe 11-12" at the highest points. It will be bare bottom and hopefully a sps dominated mixed reef

 

[mfinn]

I would go with the top picture, but place the suction side hole down lower in the tank so it is easier to hide. Even off center. I like the middle to be wide open.
On each of the return holes I'd go with a y with 1/2" outlets on each.
I did.

 

[mfinn]

On the back wall.

 

[ca1ore]

Only thing I would add is that I no longer put in bulkheads open to a substantial volume of the tank (i.e., below about 6" off the top rim). I do run a closed loop, but both the suction and returns are along the top of the rear panel. Bulkheads tend to leak, and draining down the tank to service one is not fun.