Closed Loop

[Gowyn]

Just about to set up a 30x30x30 acrylic cube. Cubes are notoriously difficult for water movement.

With this tank being acrylic I'm considering installing a closed loop using a Neptune COR15. I'm thinking having two returns on the bottom of the tank near the front and another pair on the back wall pointing forward. This would create a circular movement throughout the tank. The COR15 flow rate can be modulated throughout the day using the Apex.

It wouldn't be horrendously expensive, basically the cost of one MP40 with a little plumbing.

Would appreciate anyones thoughts on this.

 

[CC13]

Just about to set up a 30x30x30 acrylic cube. Cubes are notoriously difficult for water movement.

With this tank being acrylic I'm considering installing a closed loop using a Neptune COR15. I'm thinking having two returns on the bottom of the tank near the front and another pair on the back wall pointing forward. This would create a circular movement throughout the tank. The COR15 flow rate can be modulated throughout the day using the Apex.

It wouldn't be horrendously expensive, basically the cost of one MP40 with a little plumbing.

Would appreciate anyones thoughts on this.

Closed loops are great but they also have some drawbacks you need to be aware of. If the bulkhead leaks, you at best will need to drop the water line below the bulkhead fittings to replace the seal. If the inlets or return to the closed loop is placed in the bottom panel, this means draining the entire system. For this reason alone, I try to stay away from closed loop systems, but I would consider using one if the inlet and returns were closer to the surface of the tank (maybe on the rear panel), but I would never have them on the bottom. Personally I would add 2 Tunze pumps and be done with it.

 

[Gowyn]

Very good point, thank you.

KISS looks like it may apply

 

[CC13]

Very good point, thank you.

KISS looks like it may apply

KISS is always the best lol

 

[pickupman66]

I have used closed loops in the past with much success. however never on the bottom of a tank. there are many out there though. as stated if you have a leak then you must drain the entire tank. My current system is a 32x24x 20. not quite a cube but qube-esque? I have tinkered and do alot of cross flows and bouncing off the glass to get a good random movement.

 

[H2Ocooled]

I had a closed loop on my 120g tank the tank had the euro bracing so I ran the closed loop up through the bracing and to the sea swirls. It did a pretty good job but I was never happy with the flow I got from it. The small powerheads are so easy to use now that they just seem a lot easier and you can move them around where you need them.