Closed loop flow feedback (with space age 3D models)

[Travi]

I've been planning peninsula conversion and decided to re-purpose the existing bottom holes as a closed loop system. Using the finest programs available to man, I've come up with two basic flow ideas and would love feedback (not on the models, they're perfect ).

The brown is rocks, red and blue are both returns and the green will be the external overflow with main returns. Black is drain for the CL.

Option 1:

Option 2:

Both options would have the plumbing from the holes to the rocks buried under sand. Still deciding on pumps, if I need 1 for all 4 or split the CL into 2 groups each with their own pump?

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Closed loop systems are really nice! I'm no fire expert, but I think I like version 2 better. What made you decide on the deflecting patterns?

 

[mfinn]

I like the more wide open pattern of option 1
On option 2 once the flow hits the center rock pile it will lose most of the energy. At least I would think so.
I do like the idea of using 2 different pumps

 

[DeniseAndy]

Hey, those are some great designs. The title drew me in, well done.

Seriously though I had a closed loop and eventually tore it all down. I had a alternating pump and it was working fine, but my husband hated the noise, so it had to go. The sand kept getting in the pump and making horrible sounds. If you have a way to make sure sand stays out, do that.

Either set up looks good. I think I like the second one if you can get enough power to do the flow pattern you predict. You will have to just be careful about what you put where when it comes to animals.
Good luck. Cannot wait to see what you come up with for final product.

More super design work please. (I jest, but it is better than most of my sketching - still by hand).

 

[ca1ore]

Closed loops are awesome ….. and underappreciated. The sand problem is significant though. My closed loop suction is actually at the top of the back panel in my tank, though I appreciate with a peninsula that would not be ideal. How about putting the suction into the external overflow box? Obviously the overflow would have to be able to handle the extra flow, but that would solve the sand problem, give you one extra return and would improve surface skimming. As to the intricately modelled options …. no particular preference other than depending upon the length of the tank three rock bommies may be better than two. I'd personally use two pumps - with something like the Vectra or COR you can vary flow also.

 

[Travi]

Closed loop systems are really nice! I'm no fire expert, but I think I like version 2 better. What made you decide on the deflecting patterns?

Just trying to get as much random flow as possible.

 

[Travi]

Closed loops are awesome ….. and underappreciated. The sand problem is significant though. My closed loop suction is actually at the top of the back panel in my tank, though I appreciate with a peninsula that would not be ideal. How about putting the suction into the external overflow box? Obviously the overflow would have to be able to handle the extra flow, but that would solve the sand problem, give you one extra return and would improve surface skimming. As to the intricately modelled options …. no particular preference other than depending upon the length of the tank three rock bommies may be better than two. I'd personally use two pumps - with something like the Vectra or COR you can vary flow also.

Hmm, definitely an interesting idea worth considering.

I'm putting a COR20 on it for now and going to vary the flow using the Apex. I also have two return pumps and adding a Tunze Stream 3. I hope that's enough flow, but if it's not then I'll look at splitting the CL into 2 pumps.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Tunze Stream 3 can have a ton of flow depending on how you set it up. I have 2 on my 7ft 210g and they are beasts.

 

[Travi]

Tunze Stream 3 can have a ton of flow depending on how you set it up. I have 2 on my 7ft 210g and they are beasts.

That' what I've heard. With the peninsula, I wanted something that I could mount on the far wall and hopefully still generate a good bit of flow at the far end without blasting stuff right in front of it.