Closed Loop (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

I am considering a closed loop system for my 75G system. Can you point me to a web site or a thread that details the how/why of such a system. I like the idea of not having a bunch a powerheads blocking the tank and heating the water but am a little concerned on how you clean pipes that are fixed in the system and likely covered with live rock and sand.

 

[Guest]

Here's a good place to start:

http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

 

[Guest]

just happen to have that up in another page thanx

 

[Guest]

Since that is an over the back closed look and not a drilled loop it did not address my main concern -- which is How do you keep the return tubes cleaned if they are fixed and covered with sand/rock?

 

[Guest]

A typical closed loop has a bulk head with screen which allows water to drain to a pump, that pumps it back into the tank. The returns ususally go over the top of the tank. So there is minimal cleaning. I guess you are referring to people like me, who have their returns buried under sand and rocks. In either case the interior of the tubes stay fairly clean, except for some bacterial slime. the exteriors usually become encrusted with coraline algea. The only things you will have to clean is the pump and the screen. The screen actually requires more maintence than the pump. Thats why I recommed your bulkhead and screen be about a 1/3 way from the top. That way you can hide it with a rock or something yet have easy access to it. I'm using a dolphin 800 for my closed loop on a 75 gallon.
Closed loops are wonderful. you don't have to worry about them over flowing when the power goes out and your tank will look a million times better without all those powerheads in there.

 

[Guest]

I am combing the web looking for designs for my 75G that will provide enough flow to keep cyno and such from settling in without blowing away all the corals. I really like the idea of most of the return tubes buried under sand and rocks In the 29G that I have set up now the overflow box and 2 Aquaclear 4000's take up entirely too much room and really distract from the view.

 

[Guest]

Cyano is not your enemy in fact it is very natural. It is a very good indicator of what going on in your tank. In the beginning it tells you that you're cycling normally and when it gone you are good to go. After your tank has cycled, if you get a cyano bloom you know that something was/is wrong and your tank is trying to get back in balance. Any increase in flow will help control cyano.
If you are have problems with cyano, something is wrong with your tank IMO.