I would like to build a new tank with a closed loop to handle the flow, filtration and temperature. I am purchasing a Truvu 20 Aquarium, Eheim 2224 filter, Turbo-Sea 1090 external pump and a 200 Watt Hydor heater. I am not sure how to set up the closed loop. How many bulkheads should I drill in the tank back and what plumbing components will I need.
Reef Experts...
- Thread starter rcapps
- Start date
I would do one bulkhead for the outlet (the bulkhead that will suck water out of the tank into the pump), probably like 1-1/2". I would probably do (4) 1" bulkheads for the returns. The outlet I would put somewhere near the center of the back wall and the returns I would put one in each corner of the back... one in the upper left and upper right, one in the lower left and lower right.
Is this a standard 20g? 24"L?
Jesse
Is this a standard 20g? 24"L?
Jesse
It is not a standard 20g tank. It is an acrylic 20 R Rectangular (24x13x16) tank. Is it possible to drill five holes in the back of this tank? Also, what type of plumbing components will I need in order to complete this task. I am not sure about the types of bulkheads, return lines, valves and so on. Thanks for the assistance.
Robert
Robert
I think an acrylic tank would be fine with 5 holes... I could be wrong though. I would look into using a ball valve to fine-tune the flow of the pump, a union wherever you may want to take the plumbing apart for cleaning/maintenance, some sort of screen over the inlet bulkhead.... that's all I can think of right now!
I hope that helps... hopefully someone else can chime in with their advice too.
Jesse
I hope that helps... hopefully someone else can chime in with their advice too.
Jesse
I think Jesse's idea is pretty good. I have four inlets in my tank and they're all high. It would be nice to have to low returns as well, but now it's to late for me. however, because of this I do have some low flow areas that I can keep coral that desire lower flow. It seems like no matter what you do it's never going to be ideal for all types of fish and coral. Plan your flow for what your going to put in it.
Good luck, Its rough the first go around. The next one you can build on from your experience with this one.
Good luck, Its rough the first go around. The next one you can build on from your experience with this one.
For a closed loop setup, you only need one inlet and a return. A closed-loop is a direct line from the tank to the external pump and right back to the display tank. They are used mainly to add flow to the tank without having a pump inside of the display. A closed-loop setup doesn't have head pressure to deal with so you will get more flow through the pump. A sump (or refugium) sounds more like what you are wanting and will probably get better diagrams if you search the internet for those 2 keywords. I have no experience with a sump/refugium so I'm sorry that I can't help you there. Just wanted to point you in the right direction.
EDIT:
Here's a link to my tank setup with a closed-loop. The last few photos of the stand shows the pump how it is setup now. I had everything with rigid PVC and I cracked my pump housing so i switched to flexible tube. I used a spray-bar as my return that is made from Ø3/4" PVC. The inlet is Ø1" PVC and reduces to Ø3/4 right before the pump.
http://nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4040
EDIT:
Here's a link to my tank setup with a closed-loop. The last few photos of the stand shows the pump how it is setup now. I had everything with rigid PVC and I cracked my pump housing so i switched to flexible tube. I used a spray-bar as my return that is made from Ø3/4" PVC. The inlet is Ø1" PVC and reduces to Ø3/4 right before the pump.
http://nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4040