Need help placing holes for closed loop!

revhtree · Mar 28, 2008

Hey guys I am in the process of getting info together for my new tank build. Right now I have Gulf Stream Customs looking into building this dream of mine. It's all pretty much figured out but the closed loop and holes. This is where I need your help.

The tank is 84 long by 36 wide by 24 high..roughly 315g. It will have one large over flow on the outside back of the tank to keep it clean on the inside.

What do you suggest for the closed loop? How many holes, and where would you do it?

Thanks a bunch!

PS. It's braceless and will be starfire glass.

revhtree · Mar 29, 2008

Wow I never knew I had those options......

Things that make you go HMMMM....

LOL!

bluegrass · Mar 29, 2008

you're changing tanks???

revhtree · Mar 29, 2008

Yes I am!! ME NEEDS BIG!!!!

anomie · Mar 29, 2008

I'll definately be following this thread. My new tank is almost done and will have an exteral coast-to-coast overflow. I'm planning on drilling my closed loop holes on the bottom (6) but I'm rethinking that because I worry that if a bulkhead fails that it will all end up on my floor. I didn't really want it along the back orginally because I really wanted a clean look but I'm reconsidering.

patedship · Mar 29, 2008

What sized bulkheads were you thinking of using? And what type of pump this should help up determine how many holes. Also what will the tank mainly keep? SPS high flow? LPS and zoas med flow? Or mixed a mixed reef with flow high in the upper part of the tank and lower in the bottom half?

143gadgets · Mar 29, 2008

revhtree said:
PS. It's braceless and will be starfire glass.

I wonder where that idea came from...

Just messin with you. That's gonna be a sick tank! I wouldn't do a CL though, but that's just my opinion. I would just us a wavebox and some Tunzes.

Pitcom · Mar 29, 2008

Im in the middle of the same process Rev. My tank dimensions are going to be 120"L x 30" w x 20" h, thats roughly 310 gallons. I had the same questions and have been getting alot of different opinions. I forgot to add Im doing to 1 overflow over the back as well.

KEEPERZ · Mar 29, 2008

Rev- take a look at my closed loops, plumbing through the back up high and then plumbing to the bottom with outlets where needed has worked great and if one of my darts springs a leak the water will drop only as far as the highest outlet which is right where the bulkhead enters up high-I have never trusted putting a hole in the bottom of my tank that could leak out every bit of water-closed loops are good at moving detritus out from under the rocks if you were to go BB.

143gadgets · Mar 29, 2008

Rev has never heard of BB...

KEEPERZ · Mar 29, 2008

143gadgets said:
Rev has never heard of BB...

Right,Right- well the CL is also helpful keeping flow to the deepwater acros also.

mofrags · Apr 15, 2008

I would call paul at oceans motions he will design flow systems for you with his wavemakers and they have a forum with build threads will bunches of closed loop plumbing examples. if they have not finished your tank I would looking into external closed loop boxes with screened wall closures it makes for a nice look if you are going to make fixed background reef walls with islands. also think about the new external wavemakers it may cost jsut a little more but will save in pump costs?