PiscesExoticPets
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2018
- Messages
- 4
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- What state or country do you live in
- California
I am ordering an 84" x 30w x 24"h 260gallon reef. It is viewable on all 4 sides. I am trying to decide if I should go closed loop: with minimal, powerheads, cords and wires on the viewing glass. And for installment of a large UV on the closed loop for direct sterilization of the display. I plan to install a UV on the closed loop.
Reasons to do closed loop/ benefits:
1. Cleaner appearance of the tank. Since this is viewable on all 4 sides, I don't want to have 4+ powerheads with magnets and cords floating in space. Maybe just 2 Tunze, or 2 MP40.
2. I have 2 large UV's {TMC 110w uv (effectively kills parasites at 1,000GPH), and Pentair 80w Smart HO UV that effectively kills parasites around 1,000 GPH} I believe in sterilization of a tank. I can plumb one on the return line and one inline with the closed loop. Or both onto the closed loop.
3. I believe the sucking force of a closed loop with 1 or 2 inlets effectively moves water. Yes powerheads, have wide broad flow; but the small inlet sucking in 2,000GPH pulls in a large volume. Put in a UV and you have direct sterilization.
4. Can also install the chiller on the closed loop for direct cooling of the tank.
Reasons no to do closed loop/drawback
1. The company im ordering the tank only has 1.75" drill bit for standard 1" bulkhead. I will use 3/4" SCH 80 bulkheads which usually call for slightly smaller than 1.75" but I've been told a SCH80 3/4" will work fine in a 1/75" hole
2. Risk of a leak... If the bulkhead start leaking for whatever reason, or if I accidentally crack or shift the bulkhead while moving around rocks and aqua scaping, I will have to take all 260g and sand out! I would feel better if I could install the inlets/outlets on the back wall, but the bottom panel is the only option.
3. More electricity costs to power a closed loop pump.
4. Limited adjustability.
Reasons to do closed loop/ benefits:
1. Cleaner appearance of the tank. Since this is viewable on all 4 sides, I don't want to have 4+ powerheads with magnets and cords floating in space. Maybe just 2 Tunze, or 2 MP40.
2. I have 2 large UV's {TMC 110w uv (effectively kills parasites at 1,000GPH), and Pentair 80w Smart HO UV that effectively kills parasites around 1,000 GPH} I believe in sterilization of a tank. I can plumb one on the return line and one inline with the closed loop. Or both onto the closed loop.
3. I believe the sucking force of a closed loop with 1 or 2 inlets effectively moves water. Yes powerheads, have wide broad flow; but the small inlet sucking in 2,000GPH pulls in a large volume. Put in a UV and you have direct sterilization.
4. Can also install the chiller on the closed loop for direct cooling of the tank.
Reasons no to do closed loop/drawback
1. The company im ordering the tank only has 1.75" drill bit for standard 1" bulkhead. I will use 3/4" SCH 80 bulkheads which usually call for slightly smaller than 1.75" but I've been told a SCH80 3/4" will work fine in a 1/75" hole
2. Risk of a leak... If the bulkhead start leaking for whatever reason, or if I accidentally crack or shift the bulkhead while moving around rocks and aqua scaping, I will have to take all 260g and sand out! I would feel better if I could install the inlets/outlets on the back wall, but the bottom panel is the only option.
3. More electricity costs to power a closed loop pump.
4. Limited adjustability.
) as powerheads. 
