closed loop system?

[fishcounter]

Hey everyone:

Where can I go to learn about closed loop systems? I don't know anything about how they work and since I am planning my system I thought it would be a good time to learn to see if it would be right for me. Can anyone explain it, pros and cons, past experiences, etc? Thanks everyone!

[Jimm]

A closed loop is just another way to get more flow in your tank. It does the same thing that a power head does but it doesn't take up space in your tank. Basically water flows out of the tank into a pump and then back into the tank. This creates current. There are some options that you can have that make a closed loop better. You can add something like a SCWD or an OCEANS MOTIONS unit to make an alternating current that simulates natural wave movement.

I'm using a SCWD in my 55 and I really like it. I'm using white PVC piped over the wall which clutters up the tank a bit. Next time I'll go through bulkhead fittings and gray PVC.

[Jimm]

See the white pipe in the center with holes drilled into it. That's the intake for my closed loop. The Mag 7 pump in the back sucks water in through there and then send it to my SCWD which switches its output between the two sides. You can see the outlets on the left and right sides of the tank.

[Reefbaby]

ohh hoooohooooo...here's a great link for Closed Loop Manifolds! by Anthony Calfo....

[Reefbaby]

One of the greatest advantages of closed loops are the fact that you don't have ugly, cumbersome powerheads in the display tank. Rather the water is circulated by passing water through drains leading to outside of aquarium and then you can decide where the water gets put back in and at what flow rate (via pump).

[fishcounter]

I see. Well, maybe I will skip out on one then. I was planning on doing a Tunze turbell and one or two maxijets for my tank. Its a 90 gallon and I don't mind the look of powerheads. Thanks for the help!