Closed loop vs powerheads?
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randomfishdude
Valuable Member
Not shure I understand. Can you explain more please?
OP
OP
Sure, sorry for being vague.
I will have a custom tank built and can design a closed loop or loops.
The dims are 96 x 30 x 25 with euro bracing (so far it looks like Glass Cage).
This will be an SPS dominant tank thus flow is a major concern.
The closed loop was always my preference but my data is 10 years old
I will have a custom tank built and can design a closed loop or loops.
The dims are 96 x 30 x 25 with euro bracing (so far it looks like Glass Cage).
This will be an SPS dominant tank thus flow is a major concern.
The closed loop was always my preference but my data is 10 years old
Red_Beard
Valuable Member
Pros and cons to either method, if you scape right and hide all the plumbing closed loop can provide really good even coverage and keep the equipment out of the tank. But, there is a single point of failure ie one pump vs a couple powerheads, and a few extra leak points with plumbing.
Powerheads are much more flexible overall depending on how many and what kind.
Powerheads are much more flexible overall depending on how many and what kind.
randomfishdude
Valuable Member
I would go with using powerheads.
There is still plenty of ways to hide them. I have a powerhead hidden in a rock. Along with both of mine in a black back wall. They aren't all that noticeable ether.
There is still plenty of ways to hide them. I have a powerhead hidden in a rock. Along with both of mine in a black back wall. They aren't all that noticeable ether.
Red_Beard
Valuable Member
That is probably a factor in their wide popularity. I personally love the AI Neros, but gyres are also pretty neat. They do probably require a little more maintenance to keep clean so you gpms stay up though, but if you dont like your flow, it is way easier to dramatically change with powerheads.
Closed loop: Its easier to hide and will look more natural. You dont have to take your rock apart to clean the pumps every 6 months. Pumps will quieter, and can even be in another room. But it will use more power and be harder to reposition later. Plus holes in the tank unless you run it over the top.
Power heads: Stick them any where and point them where you want. There are tons to choose from. Most are controllable. But they are louder, harder to hide, usually in your face and the cords....and oh god all the apps.
I went with closed loop.
Power heads: Stick them any where and point them where you want. There are tons to choose from. Most are controllable. But they are louder, harder to hide, usually in your face and the cords....and oh god all the apps.
I went with closed loop.
OP
OP
Leakage issue is definitely a concern but minimal if bulkheads are installed properly.
Probably the wise thing to do is plan the closed loop and if I need more I can always add a PH.
Probably the wise thing to do is plan the closed loop and if I need more I can always add a PH.
dstockwell
2500 Club Member
Since I have zero experience at closed loop I still don;t understand how you incorporate safety. I like the idea of being able to hide wave makers or power-heads, the rest I'm not sure.
OP
OP
This is how they work.
A single drain bulkhead is connected directly to the pump.
The pump then returns the water to one or more holes in the rear of the tank.
They can be located at any depth you desire. Because the loop is closed you do not impact the water level.
hope this helps.
A single drain bulkhead is connected directly to the pump.
The pump then returns the water to one or more holes in the rear of the tank.
They can be located at any depth you desire. Because the loop is closed you do not impact the water level.
hope this helps.
Since it's going to be glass and the material is likely going to be no thicker than 3/4" I would opt for powerheads if something like vortechs aren't out of your budget.
A closed loop will be a lot cheaper but you really need to plan the hole locations + aquascape way in advanced or you will end up regretting it and have to get powerheads anyways to make up for the poor positioning.
A closed loop will be a lot cheaper but you really need to plan the hole locations + aquascape way in advanced or you will end up regretting it and have to get powerheads anyways to make up for the poor positioning.
Adamc13o3
Active Member
I would go with a closed loop on a large euro braced tank. First off you can always add power heads even though you have a closed loop. I don’t know if you plan on using a canopy (I’d like to say that most tanks with those dimensions do). If you are going with a canopy I would have them dril the euro braces for over the top returns and maybe even closed loops. One issue that I find with euro braces and power heads is, that besides vortech pumps the cords are way more noticeable since they can go flush against the glass due to the euro-brace. With today’s DC pumps and their controllability you will have a lot of different modes and patterns using them for a closed loop. As far as leaking, I really don’t think that’s an issue if plumbed correctly.
OP
OP
Probably end up with either a suspended shroud or full canopy.
I am an old timer and always used halides and T5.
From what I have seen thus far LEDs appear to be an obvious choice.
Leaning towards 4 x Radion XR Pro. Later if I see a need two rows of T5s flanking the Radions.
I am far from a final decision and appreciate all the input.
Happy holidays and happy reefing
Dan
I am an old timer and always used halides and T5.
From what I have seen thus far LEDs appear to be an obvious choice.
Leaning towards 4 x Radion XR Pro. Later if I see a need two rows of T5s flanking the Radions.
I am far from a final decision and appreciate all the input.
Happy holidays and happy reefing
Dan
PlumberDude
Community Member
- Joined
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I have a 96” x 24” x 24” tank and i run a Red dragon speedy 230 watt for my closed loop. Its quiet and moves alot of water. My returns are ran over the top in the canopy. My tank is an in wall with viewing from both sides. If yours is only 1 sided viewing panel up against a wall, 4 sea swirls would give pretty good random flow mounting them on the back wall. But if your tank is euro braced im not sure if the mounting design of sea swirls will work.
Another thing to think about is detritus settling under rocks and in dead spots. Im dealing with that right now. I just removed all my sand because i couldn’t get enough flow to move the waste out from under rocks. Also the sand would just pile up or blow around with the strong flow.
Bare bottom seems to be the way to go if you have a lot of big tangs like myself.
Maybe add bulk heads along the bottom of the back wall… or ive seen people run them through the bottom glass and hide in rock structures.
I also run gyres to help move more water because i only have one modular marine overflow on one end. If i decide to redo it, i will do an overflow each end. 96” is tough to really get a lot of push from one side to the other without blasting corals etc.
For what it is worth i really like ecotech mp60’s as well. They are a great powerhead.
Anyway I’m rambling.
Another thing to think about is detritus settling under rocks and in dead spots. Im dealing with that right now. I just removed all my sand because i couldn’t get enough flow to move the waste out from under rocks. Also the sand would just pile up or blow around with the strong flow.
Bare bottom seems to be the way to go if you have a lot of big tangs like myself.
Maybe add bulk heads along the bottom of the back wall… or ive seen people run them through the bottom glass and hide in rock structures.
I also run gyres to help move more water because i only have one modular marine overflow on one end. If i decide to redo it, i will do an overflow each end. 96” is tough to really get a lot of push from one side to the other without blasting corals etc.
For what it is worth i really like ecotech mp60’s as well. They are a great powerhead.
Anyway I’m rambling.
OP
OP
Thanks PD. Great input from someone with a similar sized tank. I really appreciate it.
Could you advise what lighting you are using and how you like it.
Be well
Could you advise what lighting you are using and how you like it.
Be well
Cichlid Dad
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I run both, and the only issue I have with my closed loop is it is constant flow, my Nero 5's are synced and I can get ocean like movement in the tank with them easily.
PlumberDude
Community Member
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No problem.
I am running this equipment
4 ecotech xr30 g5 blues —they are good
Skimmer is royal exclusiv BK 250 deluxe
My Return pump is red dragon eco 5 130
Pentair UV sterilizer
Icecap large turf scrubber
Gfo reactor
2- 150 watt heaters
1 hp chiller
Kamoer dosing pump from ro water barrel to a geo kalk stirrer
Alktronic and apex, trident for auto testing
Two maxspect gyres, 350’s i believe
Generac 22k auto transfer natural gas generator
