AM3000 Plumbing closed loop

[scubadude]

Ok I know I want to make a closed loop on 2 Seaswirls with the providing pump to both SS's being a AMPMaster3000 My question is How should I plumb it? I want to drill a hole in the back glass of my tank ( Tank is gonna be made soon Starphire glass on order ) The hole that I drill what is the smallest bulkhead that I can put in there to supply the intake feed to the AMPmaster3000? I want to try and get the full amount of GPH out of each of the SS's which is 1150 each. Another question is do I use flex hose? or hard plumb? what size of piping? unions? ball valves? The Amp3000 will supply both of the seaswirls which there will be one on each side of the tank (220, 72" long) The intake bulkhead will be approximately 3-4" underneath the water line with a strainer? Bulkhead placement comparison to the waterline is another thing im REALLY stumpped about, please recommend, and if the AM3000 is supplieng both SS's Im planning on mounting the pump in the back middle of the stand then a flex hose up about 2-3' then a Y splitting off to both SS's. Please critique my setup and advise. Thank you!

[golfish]

Dude,

You need to use a 1.5" bulkhead and 1.5" pipe. The tank builder should know what size hole to drill for the bulkhead. I would buy the bulkheads and find out for sure.

I would make the intake a littel deeper in the tank otherwise you'll get a vortex( I think that's the correct word) started and suck air down throught the top of the water.

You'll want to use 1.5" PVC or spa hose or both. I would use 95% hard PVC and 5% spa, the spa will take up any vibration. You'll also want to use 1.5" fittings (ball valves, elbows, unions) Use 1.5" as far as you can to the SS's then reduce down to 1"....pretty simple stuff

Mark

[organicreefer]

hey golfish,exactly how are you stepping down to youre sea swirls?the inlets are hose barbsdo you use avrylic tubing as the last connection?i was hoping to use pvc/union.
scuba,seems like evreyones doing the ampmaster on two seaswirls wish my tank was drilled in the back......im using two 1.5 inch u pipes,itll work.

[scubadude]

Thanx golfish

I decided to actually make two holes just for my intake on my closed loop. wats another bulkhead and hole! :P This way I dont have near the velocity and I have decided to put them halfway between the top of the SB and the top water line. I Think this will work

Organic

Yeah the U-tubes work fine....thats what I have on my closed loop on my 90 right now does a great job....I just wonder how much im restricting it with all them elbows? Proly quite a bit!

[golfish]

Dude, be sure and use 1.5" bulkheads. Don't think that its ok to use smaller bulkheads becasue your using two.....I"m sure yo know this, just wanted to make sure.


organicreefer, The last elbow that goes up to the SS's has a barbed fitting. I then used about a 2" piece of flex to attach to the SS's. I feel this makes it easier to service.

[Ironreef]

FWIW I belive you can get seaswirls with sch 40 pipe. Not a barb. at least this is what the instuctions same= they come in pvc. But I've only seen barbed. You probally can request. I know they will custom make to your specs.

[golfish]

Your 100% correct, You can order the SS's with PVC fittings or change them yourself.

[organicreefer]

hey golfish,so you can screw off the hose barb elbows or what?i just received my ampmaster and second sea swirl i already had a sea swirl and i must say the new 1" is way louder than my old one .ive had the first one for over two years and it works as good as the new one(better its quieter),why did they change the motorsanyway id like to use flex pvc and a union instead of acrylic tubing,so any advice is appreciated.

[golfish]

I'm not sure how to do it. I think Bajathree did it, He's over at Reeftalk.com

[scubadude]

Originally posted by organicreefer
hey golfish,so you can screw off the hose barb elbows or what?

organic:

Call Ed at Seaswirl and tell him you want to change it out, He will walk you through it....You will need channel locks, teflon tape, and some silicone I believe....Im gonna change mine out too....Make mine point to the side not to the back I spent alot of time talking to Ed, He is a Great Guy and will help you out!

Rocky

[organicreefer]

rocky,
thanks for that info,i think id like mine to the side as well .it specifically says in the instructions not to mount the sea swirl on top of youre overflows,this was the plan ,and i was wondering if you (or anyone)might know why that is?if it is because of moisture i was planning to put a peice of acrylic on the overflow liek a lid.other than moisture i cant think of a good reason.

[scubadude]

well i think that alot of it has to do with your intake and exhaust (wrong verbage probably) would be so close together, but im sure if you emailed Ed at SeaSwirl he would be able to tell you why.