Closed loop help

[stang69]

Ok guys im gonna throw this to you folks im so flustered im goin nutts. I have a blank 60x18x24h tank with dual 5x10 inch overflows so that leaves 40 inches between the overflows. i would like a closed loop but just cant picture it or draw it for that matter. I am going to run dual mag 12's on 2 SS's for my return. I would like to have the pump behind the shelf on one end for ease of maint etc. I dont wanna spend a fortune on a external pump but around 150 to 200 bucks would be nice. I want to have approx. 1500 to 2000 gph. can anyone help me decide where to drill? I know im asking alot but I have stewed on this too long. Thanks in Advance.



Jeff



If I rambled im sorry just wanted to cover all the bases.

[tendar]

Have you considered a Ampmaster 2100 for around $220?
Then you would only need one drian hole in the middle for it. I would go with a 2" drain though and reduce it at the pump to the 1.5" inlet at the pump.

[stang69]

OK the how many returns 2 or 3 or 4 spaced in the center top to bottom on the tank? How big on the returns? Would I have to use lok line or just shoot the water back in with no varience in flow?


Jeff

[tendar]

I fugured you could run both the 3/4" or 1" sea swirls with the ampmaster 2100

[stang69]

I am going to mount the SS's on the front corners of the tank blowing back. What would be the best for holes in the back See this is the delima I am in hehehheh


Jeff

[tendar]

Ok lets see if I have this straight.
Your going to run 2-mag12 returns from your sump each going to a sea swirl on each of the front corners of the tank. That is going to be one noisie sump.
So you want to hock up a closed loop with another 1500-2000 gph on the back of the tank.
Is this a glass or acrylic tank?
What you can do is drill a single hole for a 2" bulkhead drain either in the bottom of the tank or about 1/2 way up the back. The 2" drain will handle about any pump you want to add and just reduce it down at the pump.
For returns you can either drill a few holes or hang them over the back.
Where and how many is really up to you and how strong of return pump you will have. If I where to use the ampmaster 2100 I would have 2- 1 1/2" reuturns my self or 4- 3/4" with lock line for that much flow.
I personally have just ordered a tank today that is 60x18x23. I am having a single center overflow that will run around 500 gph though it to the sump. The return will go to a single sea swirl or a SCWD over the top either way.
For my closed loop that will run around 800-1000gph
I had a single hole drilled for a 1 1/2" bulkhead since this is for a LPS tank so dont need a ton of flow with 2-3/4" returns holes near the top that will be on a SCWD also so I will have good variation in flows.
The returns will have locklines on them with 2 outs per hole so I can change direction of flows as needed.

[stang69]

Your going to run 2-mag12 returns from your sump each going to a sea swirl on each of the front corners of the tank. That is going to be one noisie sump.

I have 2 mags running now and it's not loud at all



Is this a glass or acrylic tank?


Acrylic

The 2" drain will handle about any pump you want to add and just reduce it down at the pump.

I dont know bout the bottom but the back should work

I would have 2- 1 1/2" reuturns my self or 4- 3/4" with lock line for that much flow.


What would be better in your opinion?1 1/2" bulkhead since this is for a LPS tank

Mine will be a sps dominated Im pretty sure

Thanks for being patient with me on this

Jeff

[tendar]

I would figured the noise would be from all the water running down into the sump but hey if it is quite all the better.
As for returns on the closed loop the larger out the lets the better since you get the flow but it is dispersed more like waves than jets at a carwash. So I would probably go with 1.5 returns or even reduced down to 1" returns at the most that way you will loose less water flow due to head from going to smaller pipe than the pump is using if you use a ampmaster that is anyways. I would bring the returns from the closed loop over the top also instead of drilling return holes that way you can always change your mind on where you want them and how big you want them later on with out much trouble other than changing out some pvc.

[stang69]

I would bring the returns from the closed loop over the top also instead of drilling return holes that way you can always change your mind


Good answer I never thought of it like that hmmmmmm

[organicreefer]

i like the idea of two drains for the closed loop -that way the suction is less powerful and less chance of getting clogged.