suggestions on pump and bulkheads for nano closed loop (1 Viewer)

[Metzzen]

i built a 10 gallon nano (16x12x12) and am planning a closed loop for it in addition to the ~80GPH return from sump (slow for macro's to grow + small sump).

I am shooting for 230-270 GPH in the display. I was planning on using all 3/4 bulkheads and a SCWD. That being said, after all the loss of SCWD and 90's and approx 3 ft of head, what size pump should i shoot for?

I really like the "quiet one" pumps because they are threaded all around unlike magdrives. Only problem is they jump from 296gph in the 1200 model to 780 in the 3000 series. Im afraid the 296gph wont be enough, and 780 will way to much.

What gph rate should i shoot for in a pump? Any suggestions on pumps that will work for a closed loop in that range? I would rather use one that is to powerful and dial it back than one that just dribbles out.

 

[Metzzen]

alternately is there a way to use a mag 3 with threaded fittings? I know the pressure side is threaded, but the suction side is not and i dont feel comfortable with just a hose clamp around some vinyl hose. Maybe just epoxy on a threaded fitting? kinda hate to buy a brand new pump and then have to glue it and ghetto rig it but like the reliability and flow of the Mag 3

 

[R-BallJunkie]

you dont have enough volume to dissapate heat load of the pump. a mag 3 will heat up 10 gallons of water in no time. you might think of getting a scwd on the return line, instead of a closed loop.

c

 

[Rotarymagic]

To be honest, with all the money spent on drilling for the closed loops, scqwd, pump, bulks heads, and plumbing... you may as well just get a MP10 and be done with it. It'll be way easier with far less headaches.

 

[Metzzen]

hmmm

I have been thinkin about this alot and running into issues with that much plumbing behind the tank. Maybe i will think about a MP10 or something along those lines.

I didnt think about the heat from the pump....

And i dont want a SCWD on the return line because as stated, i want really slow flow through the sump, but 20x or more in the display.

I guess ill look up some pumps

thanks

 

[Rotarymagic]

The MP10 will do everything with as little or as much flow as you want lol.

 

[Metzzen]

wow them suckers are expensive.....
I think i may have to use some K1's for a while until i can save up for a vortech.

I need to come up with a super small overflow and return. I want the sump to flow under 100gph so i think i could use all 1/2 plumbing. Hmmmm

 

[Timanator]

K1's suck, and they are bulky for a nano. MP10 or 20. Best investment you will make for a Reef Tank.

 

[Metzzen]

Yes i know.....but until i can fork our $200 ill be using the K1's that i already have....

 

[flexrac]

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

 

[Metzzen]

flexrac that is essentially what i wanted to build except i woudl drill the back wall 3 times. As stated above i may run into problems with a return pump and a CL pump when it comes to heat since total volume is ~15 gallons. Im just uppin the overflow size and running a little faster flow through the sump and running the SCWD there instead. Makes plumbing 300% easier/neater instead of the return, overflow, 2 CL returns, and a CL intake all in 16" of tank width. It is physically possible but im going the easier, more elegant approach. Stay tuned. Write up soon as tank in quickly approaching setup.