External return pump for circulation?

[Bugeater281]

I’m setting up a 180 gallon with a 75g sump.
I’m hoping to have an sps dominate tank.
After looking at the cost of circulation pumps($$$$$$) and complaining to a fellow reefer about the price. He mentioned I could just drill more holes in the back of the tank(acrylic) and run a secondary return pump That pulls from the main tank.

I’m curious, would anyone recommend this? Is there a name for this type of setup? I’m actually not a huge fan of circulation pumps, as I’ve lost 3 fish to them on my current tank. I would probably still run a couple on the sides of the tank. Would there be advantages or disadvantages? And what size would you run for a 180g. Current plan is a 2600-3200gph for the main return.

 

[WVNed]

That is called a closed loop. Search for info under that name.
You take water from the tank through inlets with strainers and shoot it back in for flow through several jets.

Flow pumps are a lot easier except on really big tanks.
Here you go. No I didnt read all this.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/are-closed-loops-becoming-obsolete.217544/

 

[C. Eymann]

Id only run a closed loop if I was using it to run a spray bar across the bottom/back behind the rockwork to keep inaccessable detritus piles from forming.

If in-tank coral benefiting flow was my goal, Id plumb the loop with either and oceans motions 4 way valve, or wavy seas/sea swirls.

Otherwise, in a 180, Id get two bigger Tunzes and call it a day.

 

[mfinn]

I think closed loops are awesome.
I did one on my 233 in my signature.
Great way to help keep all those powerhead out of the tank.

 

[Bugeater281]

I think closed loops are awesome.
I did one on my 233 in my signature.
Great way to help keep all those powerhead out of the tank.

I’m also planning a bottomless(tile actually). I really think the closed loop would help keep the tank clean(I’m kinda lazy when it comes to cleaning tanks, and the tank is deep and the top openings are small). It would make my life easier.

I’m currently looking at random flow generators. But most are wayyyyy out of my price range. Going to see if I can build one or find a diy version.

 

[JoshH]

I’m also planning a bottomless(tile actually). I really think the closed loop would help keep the tank clean(I’m kinda lazy when it comes to cleaning tanks, and the tank is deep and the top openings are small). It would make my life easier.

I’m currently looking at random flow generators. But most are wayyyyy out of my price range. Going to see if I can build one or find a diy version.

Going with some DC pumps with variable flow rates are another option but RFGs are still cheaper. I'm doing Dual Vectra M2s on my 4 outlet closed loop system and can't wait till it's all set up! The fact that my tank is a peninsula make the whole powerhead thing something I'd rather not get in to so my only other option really was a Closed loop system

 

[Bugeater281]

Going with some DC pumps with variable flow rates are another option but RFGs are still cheaper. I'm doing Dual Vectra M2s on my 4 outlet closed loop system and can't wait till it's all set up! The fact that my tank is a peninsula make the whole powerhead thing something I'd rather not get in to so my only other option really was a Closed loop system

I was looking at the ocean motion, there super cool. But also expensive. The derkroon look even cooler,but it sounds like they are no longer in business.

 

[JoshH]

I was looking at the ocean motion, there super cool. But also expensive. The derkroon look even cooler,but it sounds like they are no longer in business.

I was looking into Ocean Motions as well for my build but I emailed them a few times and never recieved a response. It could just be my bad luck but I decided that 2 Vectras would suffice with each going to two opposing outlets. And the two of them were cheaper than one and an OM which was a nice added bonus

 

[Bugeater281]

I was looking into Ocean Motions as well for my build but I emailed them a few times and never recieved a response. It could just be my bad luck but I decided that 2 Vectras would suffice with each going to two opposing outlets. And the two of them were cheaper than one and an OM which was a nice added bonus

Wish I could find some 1in plastic solenoids that could control flow. Founds some cheap 1/2in for 4$ a piece. If I could find larger ones at an affordable price I’d probably experiment with an Arduino. Would potentially be a cheaper option.

 

[ca1ore]

Variable flow pump like the vectra is the way to go with a closed loop .... two pumps if you can swing it. 2,600 + gph on the return seems excessive for a 180 (actual water volume is closed to 165 even before displacement by rocks and sand). What pump are you going to use?

 

[Bugeater281]

Variable flow pump like the vectra is the way to go with a closed loop .... two pumps if you can swing it. 2,600 + gph on the return seems excessive for a 180 (actual water volume is closed to 165 even before displacement by rocks and sand). What pump are you going to use?

I was debating between a Jabao 10000 or a hydor. I wanted a little bit larger pump so I don’t need to run it at max, and to give me the option to also run reactors and such off it also. What size would you recommend for a 180?

 

[mfinn]

I was debating between a Jabao 10000 or a hydor. I wanted a little bit larger pump so I don’t need to run it at max, and to give me the option to also run reactors and such off it also. What size would you recommend for a 180?

A Vectra M2 would be perfect for a return pump on that tank.