Closed loops for circulation

[mrok12]

I have decided to use a close loop set up for circulation. I have an extra mag12 laying around so im gonna use that. Any ideas on how to build a manifold to disperse the flow? I am using a mag 18 for te return. I estimate near 2500 gh between the two pumps.


MROK12

[myreef]

When i built my closed loops, I used one mag 12 and one mag 18. I originally had 2 outlets each, but then ended up capping one on each becasue the flow was not what I wanted with two. What size tank do you have again? I am forgetful. Depending on what kind of flow you have, you might want to consider using the MAG 12 for return and MAG 18 for the loop. Esecially if you keep mainly SPS. I have a MAG 18, Iwaki 40 RXLT for recirculation through my sump and a MAG 18 on a closed loop and also a MAG 12 on a closed loop. The loops alternate on/off every 6 hours to simulate left to right then right to left movement in the system.

[Ltspd]

Here is a shot of my manifold. The closed loop is on a am3000, and I have (4) 3/4" lines breaking off of that with the potential of (2) more in each end (I dont use)

[mrok12]

It is a 120 gallon myreef. I am going to ue a system very much ike the on you used. Having the pumps above the tank is a good idea. I am mounting mine in a vertical orientation with the intake pointing down at the water. So you only have one outlet? Did you branch seperate nozzles from it or does all water flow from one point? I am thinking of having 2 return lines on the loop and 2 from he main pump from the sump. I have a band new set up with the wavemaster and powereads but this seems like a better way. Thanks to the hand book to coral propogation I am doing it this way now.

MROK12

[myreef]

Here is a pic of one of my loops. You can see two outlets in this picture. I ended up capping one as I stated previously. In the second picture, you can see it before I installed the loop. It works very well. I am about to add a SS with the loop, to get better movement across the tank. Luckily a friend gave me a 1" SS for free. Now I just have to buy one more.

[mrok12]

Andy,
Did you mount the pvc to the canopy ay all or shall I say secure it. Also is the pump just sitting on the glass? I think I can get another mag 12 or atleast a 9.5 for dual loops too. seems so much better than powerheads.

MROK12

[myreef]

I didn't secure it at all. What you see is what you get. The pump is sitting on the cover of my overflow. The PVC is just resting on the acrylic top. One thing I like about this is the corner. I used electrical conduit for the turn. It was a sweeping turn and works much better than a hard 90. The MAG 12 would be good!

[mrok12]

Andy,
So do you think one or two closed loops along with the return from the sump? I plan on mostly sps with a few frogspawn and torch corals for good measure. Also, have you ever used you sump to prop such things as xenia? I dont want to do it the main tank but was thinking maybe throwing some in the sump.


MROK12

[myreef]

If you are going to put them on timers, be careful. The MAG was not made to withstand the on/off cycle of a traditional wave maker. This is one reason I went with 6 hours on 6 hours off. They do alternate soone of them is on at all times. I have even had them both on at the same time as well (really turbulent ). So in other words, if you want them to cycle on/off, I would do two and at least give them time to cool off. To make along story short, i would do two.

[mrok12]

Andy,
I think I am going with th cosed loop for sure. Thanks for the advice.

MROK12

[mrok12]

Andy, here is a pic of what I came up with.