Closed loop?

[smoothie]

I am getting ready to put up a 180 and am going to build a closed loop around the top with 6 points of return from loc-line that is y'ed off. My question is what size pvc and what size loc-line? Tank will be sps on top and softies and some lps on the bottom. And should I spend the money for flare nozzles on the ends of the line?

 

[xyzpdq0121]

What pump are you going with... that will decide what size line you want to go with...

Yes, I would use the flare nozzles.

This is the exact (almost) design of the CL that Calfo and I came up with. Works great for my softie and LPS tank. There are a few draw backs to doing SPS this way but it can be done.

You can PM me with some questions if you got them.

 

[jetchris]

2 each 1 1/2" drains and 6 ea returns, each return should be 1/2" all of your plumbing should be done with flex pvc. I reccommend a sequence dart for your CL pump.

 

[xyzpdq0121]

chrisjet;164341 wrote: 2 each 1 1/2" drains and 6 ea returns, each return should be 1/2" all of your plumbing should be done with flex pvc. I reccommend a sequence dart for your CL pump.

Juswondering why you say that all the plumbing should be done with Flex...

 

[jetchris]

better flow, when you have 90 degree elbows it limits the flow going out. Also with flex its much easier to work with and alot more forgiving.

 

[smoothie]

Man that was quick! Thanks.
I will probably go with the dart pump for it's gph and reputation. This tank is going to be in my living room so I want something with low maintanace and down time. The tank is drilled in the back about 1/2 of the way up on the inside of the two overflows. (overflows inside on the back not in the corners)
2in for inflow and 1 1/2 for return and 1/2 for loc-line? Please keep the input, ideas and feedback coming. The loop is new to me and I am spending all of my free time reading up on it, so please keep bringin' the pain.

 

[smoothie]

And by flex pvc do you mean the ribbed tubing or the vinyl? I know the ribbed flex tube can get kinda load.

 

[jetchris]

look at my thread with the closed loop, also the pvc is called "flex pvc" you can order it from

 

[smoothie]

Nice! Is anyone using the blue loc-line?

 

[jetchris]

ive only seen the black used

 

[smoothie]

Me too, but the blue is so cheap on savco.
I'm about to get my google on and check into it.

 

[smoothie]

Didn't really find anyone using the blue, but I did find a guy on ebay that sold 50ft of the 1/2in blue for 55 bucks.

 

[smoothie]

Any pics or suggestions still welcome on this. I am taking my time with the build to avoid as many problems as I can with the new setup.

 

[sagent3000]

how does this sound for a closed loop??

2 - 2" outlets in the corners at the top
2 - 1/2" inlets flowing to the left with 4 branches each
2 - 1/2" inlets flowing to the right with 4 branches each

on 2 mag 12's alternating 5 mins

 

[smoothie]

12's would be a little small divided up and traveling up the tank and around the rim, but multiple pumps would be a good idea in case one goes on the fritz. The options are becoming endless.