View Full Version : Pentair Aquatics Customflo Water System


f1504b4
12-02-2006, 07:38 PM
- Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store (http://www.marinedepot.com/md_searchitem.asp?strSearch=Pentair%20Aquatics%20C ustomflo&IdCategory=FIFT&vendorname=Pentair+%28Rainbow+Lifegard%29&text=Pentair+%28Rainbow+Lifegard%29&step=2&itemsonpage=15&Clearance=)

Has anyone tried this or could I ask if some would check it out and get back to me?
In my last post I talked about my GPH and it was mentioned that I put a power head in the tank to increase the circulation.So I ordered a Maxi Jet mp1200 (295gph) along with a new CPR CS100 overflow (800gmh)
I talked to a rep from Marine Depot and all he could do is give me there phone# as he was not familiar with it.
I keep thinking that it was like a closed loop system that I have been reading about but it doesent look like it will go deep enough in the tank.
Just doing allot of thinking while I wait to get started again.
I have the return going into my display tank on the same side as the overflow with 2 sets of line-loc about 22 inch's out into the tank so I can adjust them where I want and suggestions?
Ill stop rambling on now,thanks for everyones help.
Phil

PSH
12-03-2006, 12:52 AM
Are you going to use the MJ 1200 for a return pump? Or the closed loop? Honestly I don't think it will be enough for either. For the price of the customflow you could buy lots of PVC and fittings and build your own closed loop. It's really not too hard. Plus it will turn out just the way you want it.

Seahorsedreams
12-03-2006, 01:11 AM
Build it yourself. There's a lot of us on here that could help you along the way. Is your tank acrylic or glass?

f1504b4
12-03-2006, 09:02 AM
Thanks Chuck and Renee.
I guess what I was looking at was that it is black and looks neat.My Tank is glass 48" long x 18" wide x 18" deep.
This will be a room divider so I am trying to make everything look neat.I have a Hang-on Overflow on the side by the wall with my 3/4 PVC from my return pump in the sump coming up on each side of the overflow to 2 90 degree elbows at the top of the tank.From there I have 1/2" Loc-Line (will be 3/4" when I get it)running about 22" out into the Tank.
These loc-lines are flexible so I can put them where I want,just not sure where?
With just this set-up I have 648 GPH,it should increase a bit once I go to 3/4 loc-line I think.
So as was suggested to me I ordered the Maxi-jet mp1200 power head (295gph) to put in my tank to increase the circulation.
As long as I am just adding circulation my overflow that is rated at 800 GPH should be okay right?
I was just thinking that a neatly done closed loop system would be better in the long run.
But as I said earlier not sure where to put my returns and then where would I put the CL System as this is going to be a room divider aquarium.
I plan on using a DSB and putting my LR in the middle.
Hope this make sense,any help and suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks Phil

Seahorsedreams
12-03-2006, 01:59 PM
Any chance of some pictures as to where the tank will be going?

If you are looking for the neat approach CL is the way to go. I don't like artificial stuff in the tank.... it bugs me to no end. The CL would nix the need of the powerhead. You won't see any of the CL... all you will see is the nice black bulkheads and whatever black fitting you choose. The overflow thing above may look alright when it is nice and black but wait until corraline grows on there and maybe some other algaes... that will stick out like a sore thumb and will be super hard to clean while in the tank.

I have such a hard time when I can't visualize something.

f1504b4
12-03-2006, 06:51 PM
Hi Renee,Thanks for getting back to me.
I have looked at your tank journals and can't tell you how much how much you impress me in your knowledge of saltwater aquariums.
And thank you for agreeing with me about the CL system.
I am working on and old PC right now while I wait for my slow friend to upgrade mine and give it back to me LOL, Hope I have it for x-mass.

This part of your reply I don't understand.

The overflow thing above may look alright when it is nice and black but wait until corraline grows on there and maybe some other algaes... that will stick out like a sore thumb and will be super hard to clean while in the tank.

f1504b4
12-05-2006, 07:54 PM
"^^bump^^"

f1504b4
12-05-2006, 07:56 PM
Thanks Chuck and Renee.
I guess what I was looking at was that it is black and looks neat.My Tank is glass 48" long x 18" wide x 18" deep.
This will be a room divider so I am trying to make everything look neat.I have a Hang-on Overflow on the side by the wall with my 3/4 PVC from my return pump in the sump coming up on each side of the overflow to 2 90 degree elbows at the top of the tank.From there I have 1/2" Loc-Line (will be 3/4" when I get it)running about 22" out into the Tank.
These loc-lines are flexible so I can put them where I want,just not sure where?
With just this set-up I have 648 GPH,it should increase a bit once I go to 3/4 loc-line I think.
So as was suggested to me I ordered the Maxi-jet mp1200 power head (295gph) to put in my tank to increase the circulation.
As long as I am just adding circulation my overflow that is rated at 800 GPH should be okay right?
I was just thinking that a neatly done closed loop system would be better in the long run.
But as I said earlier not sure where to put my returns and then where would I put the CL System as this is going to be a room divider aquarium.
I plan on using a DSB and putting my LR in the middle.
Hope this make sense,any help and suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks Phil

"^^BUMP^^"

Seahorsedreams
12-05-2006, 08:24 PM
Hey Phil. Anything you put in your tank can grow coralline on it along with nuisance algaes if that should ever be a problem. So, instead of being stealth black and blending in with your background.... it could grow stuff on it so that it actually "sticks out like a sore thumb". The stuff it easy to get off a flat surface, like the black wall, but the pipes themselves will be really hard to clean underwater and I suspect would need to be removed to be scraped properly.

f1504b4
12-05-2006, 09:04 PM
Hi Renee,
Dam there is so much to learn in this Hobby.I have done allot of reading but obviously not enough.Guess I've been trying to figure out how to get my plumbing right and not reading to much as to what happens after I get my 75 Gallon FOWLR Aquarium up and running and cycling.
I have had fresh water for years and don't think I will have trouble taking my time and getting the water parameters right.
So coralline is the first thing I should see on the LR.
And this being a room divider the glass can be scraped but any round plumbing inside the tank will be a pain in the ass to keep clean?
Phil

CarmieJo
12-05-2006, 09:12 PM
Phil, that is basically it. As a matter of fact, if you are like most of us you just can't wait to start growing coraline and then you wonder why you thought it would be so great!

f1504b4
12-05-2006, 09:25 PM
your right carmie I can't wait to get my plumbing right and start this aquarium.
I just want to get the plumbing right,circulation and all that first,ifyou know what I mean.
Phil

CarmieJo
12-05-2006, 09:27 PM
I've had my current tank running for 11 months and I am still playing with powerhead placement!

f1504b4
12-05-2006, 10:02 PM
Thats what I am trying to decide but Renee was replying to my CL versus powerheads and was just trying to decide witch way to go?
Phil

f1504b4
12-05-2006, 10:03 PM
I have had powerheads in my FW aquariums and didn't like them.

CarmieJo
12-05-2006, 10:08 PM
I've never used a CL but I think this would be like many questions, there are pros and cons with each.

f1504b4
12-05-2006, 10:15 PM
I understand what you are saying and me being new to this hobby am just trying to figure out how to make my 75 gallon room divider aquarium look the best I can at the same time have the circulation right.
Phil

CarmieJo
12-05-2006, 10:59 PM
I hear you. :) In some ways I think that powerheads might look better because they are all inside the tank. But then you have all the cords to deal with.

Seahorsedreams
12-06-2006, 11:13 AM
I hear you. :) In some ways I think that powerheads might look better because they are all inside the tank. But then you have all the cords to deal with.

But you can't actually see the plumbing on a closed loop.

Are you able to get a pic of where the tank is going Phil?

f1504b4
12-06-2006, 07:54 PM
As soon as I get my computer back I will,just waiting on my slow poke friend.
Phil.
Can u give me an idea of how to go about a CL system you are thinking about?
Phil

Seahorsedreams
12-07-2006, 01:45 AM
How much flow are you going to be needing? What are you going to keep in the tank?

f1504b4
12-07-2006, 06:58 PM
Thats a good ? I have 648 GPH now it's going to be FOWLR.And I havent got so far as to decide what I want in it.
It's going inbetween the dinningroom and living room in this small house I rent.

f1504b4
12-07-2006, 08:52 PM
Have some diagrams of the plumbing and the 20 gallon sump (not 30) in my 75 gallon journal.
Just called my friend and got his machine,just wanted to make sure he at least ordered the parts, NOT LOL but thats all I'm going to do right now and not piss him off and myself at the same time.Next time I will go else where.
It,s Thursday and still have not received my overflow from Marine Depot, if it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have any LOL.

Seahorsedreams
12-07-2006, 09:33 PM
I'm beginning to understand, I think. This is going to be a room divider but no side is going to be in the wall? I was thinking plumbing would be hidden by one wall.

f1504b4
12-07-2006, 09:39 PM
Your right I have some diagrams in my 75 in the tank journal section.
The overflow and return is on the end by the wall.
Phil

Seahorsedreams
12-07-2006, 11:06 PM
K, I'm going to run over and have a look.

Seahorsedreams
12-07-2006, 11:18 PM
Sweetie, you sure have a lot of threads going for the same tank :-)

Okay, so no coral if it's a FOWLR. Flow won't be such an issue. If you have the marine depot setup coming you won't have to worry about drilling for a closed loop. I'd plug it all in and see what happens at this point.