Closed loop from the top or the bottom?

[pdxmonkeyboy]

Wanting to get some opinions on a new closed loop system for my 600 gallon. In my 300 I had the closed loops coming through the bottom of the tank and this was terrific, I was able to focus flow from the middle and towards two "lagoons" that had all my sps on them.

Thought about doing the same thing on this build but I see a fair number of closed loops systems that are plumbed from the top. Is the biggest advantage eliminating the risk of a total tank drain if something fails?

I will probably be running a total of 6 outlets. thank you!

 

[C. Eymann]

Wanting to get some opinions on a new closed loop system for my 600 gallon. In my 300 I had the closed loops coming through the bottom of the tank and this was terrific, I was able to focus flow from the middle and towards two "lagoons" that had all my sps on them.

Thought about doing the same thing on this build but I see a fair number of closed loops systems that are plumbed from the top. Is the biggest advantage eliminating the risk of a total tank drain if something fails?

I will probably be running a total of 6 outlets. thank you!

I have always done closed loop intakes and outputs in the from the back panel, obviously wont work well if doing a peninsula though.


Are you going to be running an Oceans motions?

 

[ca1ore]

I long ago eschewed tank penetrations anywhere but along the top rim (other than ‘suffering’ reef ready tanks). Had a bottom plumbed bulkhead start to leak once and ended up having to drain the tank entirely to fix it. Never again. I see no inherent advantage to flow coming up from the bottom .... and plenty of disadvantages. Should anything go amiss with my current closed loop suction and returns I’d have to drain the tank down about 6 inches. More better!

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I have an ocean motions but it is only 4 outlets. I WANTED to run the derkamp or whatever the german made flow controller is but apparently they are out of business. So, that said, I will run the ocean motion on the "inside" or "central" four ports and run a Jebao with an apex integrator so it has pulse motion on four outlets in the corner of the tank.

This is going to be a peninsula style BTW.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I see no inherent advantage to flow coming up from the bottom .... and plenty of disadvantages. Should anything go amiss with my current closed loop suction and returns I’d have to drain the tank down about 6 inches. More better!

I feel that there are two distinct advantages.

1. You can hide the outlets in the rock work. This is how my last system was and it was pretty sweet. It does limit the amount of random aquascaping that can be done. So basically no black tubes hanging down into the water.

2. You can get the flow really low in the tank where all the gunk tends to hide or accumulate. I ahve gyres that stir up the top of the tank but I am sure you realize how rock work can affect flow.

Can I ask what precipitated your bulkhead failure?

 

[Feet4Fish]

For a peninsula bottom look is what makes sense to me for aesthetic reasons. Just make sure to use heavy duty PVC bulkheads.

 

[ca1ore]

I feel that there are two distinct advantages.

1. You can hide the outlets in the rock work. This is how my last system was and it was pretty sweet. It does limit the amount of random aquascaping that can be done. So basically no black tubes hanging down into the water.

2. You can get the flow really low in the tank where all the gunk tends to hide or accumulate. I ahve gyres that stir up the top of the tank but I am sure you realize how rock work can affect flow.

Can I ask what precipitated your bulkhead failure?

If you prefer the aesthetics then thats fine. Nozzles don’t really bother me. I use a quartet of MO60s so there’s very little concern about lack of flow. Bulkhead shifted (me clumsy) and would not reseal without being reseated.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I have a new tank in my garage it is 72"x30''x24" euro braced and two holes are drilled in the euro brace I also have two holes drilled on either corner in the back of the tank. So if I were to run a closed loop where would you put the inlet and how deep? How many holes in the back or would you go through the holes in the euro brace? plus add two more holes in the front?

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I would not drill through the eurobrace. I put my closed loop down near the corner

 

[JoshH]

I thought Derkroon was still in business? Although I did try and check out with a 4 way valve in my cart and the page wouldn't go any further. I've had zero luck contacting Ocean Motions for a 4-Way for my closed loop so far. I've thought about just skipping the Ocean Motion/Derkroon flow valve and running Dual Vectra M2s on opposite returns on two different flow patterns instead.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

Well, i cant find anything on Facebook or their website past 2014. I emailed twice..

I am a big fan of jebaos on my closed loop. For the cost they cant be beat. You can buy a module to make two of then pulse for $40.

Bummed about the derkroon though. That thing looked awesome!!

 

[ca1ore]

I've thought about just skipping the Ocean Motion/Derkroon flow valve and running Dual Vectra M2s on opposite returns on two different flow patterns instead.

If I were doing a closed loop from scratch, that’s what I’d do and skip the diverter. One less thing to break/leak. If/when my OM craps, I’ll just buy a second Vectra M. Mine is a day one vectra M1 so probably on borrowed time with that one too..

 

[JoshH]

If I were doing a closed loop from scratch, that’s what I’d do and skip the diverter. One less thing to break/leak. If/when my OM craps, I’ll just buy a second Vectra M. Mine is a day one vectra M1 so probably on borrowed time with that one too..

Well it's good to know my plan wasn't totally out there. Honestly it seems like an even better option than the OM with two different flow patterns clashing with each other all over the tank. And it's slightly cheaper as well lol

Maybe throw a few VCA RFG nozzles on the ends of those and see what happens.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

Im going to run mine with no inhabitants and a big micro airatone so i can see the patterns. Granted.. it may be awhile as i have not even built the tank yet

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

PDX I am bummed because I already have two holes drilled, I thought drilling the corners was common on ER braced tanks.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

Is it glass or acrylic. Dont sweat it but on acrylic tops, small radius holes can cause undue stress. I am quite certain its fine though.

 

[jda]

Here is my preference..

1) Back
2) Bottom
3)
4)
5) Over the Top

 

[mfinn]

I've done 3 tanks with closed loops and I prefer the back wall.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

My tank is glass with Euro bracing on the bottom and the corners are reinforced as well.

 

[JoshH]

My tank is glass with Euro bracing on the bottom and the corners are reinforced as well.

I wouldn't sweat it, there are plenty of people who have there bracing drilled with 0 issues. I'm pretty sure the builder of your tank took these holes into effect when they suggested the appropriate bracing thickness and width.