[orion]

Originally Posted by Ninong

If you switch to a pump with a 1" inlet, you would still need two 1" bulkheads in the tank to properly feed it for a closed loop. This is one of those, yes, you could do it but it would be better if you were drawing from two different 1" bulkheads at different ends of the tank.

To be honest, I think you will have more flow than you can handle if you try to run an Ampmaster 3000 into a 75-gal tank with the full force of that pump coming out of only two 1" outlets at a time. It will be especially tricky to manage if you have a sand bed.

I am going to take the tank back and have it drilled for one more now anyway after the education I just got. Have never attempted a closed loop. I think you are right to about the force. I am not using a DSB though anyway just a thin layer of carribsea. I am going to sell the big pump now and go with something more reasonable.

What would you recommend. The flow will be returned via four 1 inch alternating line through the oceans motion. my return pump is a mag 9.5.

Should I go with an Iwaki pump? if so which one?

[Ninong]

Ryan,

I don't want to make any pump recommendations. Maybe someone else will jump up and suggest something.

There are too many variables. It really depends on what's important to you:

• How quiet is the pump.
  
• Does it add a lot of heat to the water.
  
• Is it reliable.
  
• Does it require a lot of maintenance.
  
• Does it have a reputation for leaky seals.
  
• How much electricity does it use.

[orion]

Quiet!

thats a big consideration!!

I know mag drives use a lot of electricity for their output.

[golfish]

IME, if you get the input up where it should be I still think your in for less flow they you think using the AM3k. These pumps move a lot of water through 1.5" pipe, once you drop down to 1" your cutting the flow almost in half. I think adding 2 more hole would look just as bad or worse then using a U-tube. If I were you I'd just make a U-tube out of 1.5" PVC and be done with it. No drilling, no bulkheads, just a U-tube with a strainer on the end.

[orion]

not a bad Idea at all actually. are you serious though? I can hide it behind the live rock structure if need be.
how would you prime it though?

[golfish]

You know, I've read so many post about people asking how they would prime their closed loop. I never thought about it. I never had to prime it either. Just make sure you run the pipe down far enough so a vortex (I think that's the right word) doesn't get started. If that happens you'll suck in air. Start the pump and the water starts to flow.

I always thought my old 150 was ugly from the front but here's a front shot with the U-tube on the right, The pump returned to two 1" Sea Swirls.

This was a newer shot of my old 150...You realize I'll have to post a later side shot right behind it





If you need any more info feel free to e-mail at sf49er1959@aol.com

[orion]

thanks golfish,

I sold the ampmaster and instead am going to get a iwaki pressure rated pump. I think that it may have been overkill even on a 75 gallon tank.

On a positive note I did not loose money on it!!

Have you ever used an Iwaki? if so recommendations?

[golfish]

Originally Posted by orion

thanks golfish,

I sold the ampmaster and instead am going to get a iwaki pressure rated pump. I think that it may have been overkill even on a 75 gallon tank.

On a positive note I did not loose money on it!!

Have you ever used an Iwaki? if so recommendations?

Bummer, I think you would have been happier with the AM..Unless you don't ay the power bill.

I've never used an Iwaki pump. I've seen a few and heard a few (sometimes they can be screamers)