Should I Loop?

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asing

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 8, 2011
65
4
0
New Hampshire
Recently bought a tank in which the owner had the bottom drilled for a closed loop system. 4 returns with one intake/drain. I ordered new bulkheads because old ones had pvc glued in them, wondering if I should set it up as a closed loop or just plug the new bulkheads up. I have never used a closed loop before or know anyone who has one so basically would just like some opinions on them. Would it be better than jjust throwing a few powerheads in there?
 
Recently bought a tank in which the owner had the bottom drilled for a closed loop system. 4 returns with one intake/drain. I ordered new bulkheads because old ones had pvc glued in them, wondering if I should set it up as a closed loop or just plug the new bulkheads up. I have never used a closed loop before or know anyone who has one so basically would just like some opinions on them. Would it be better than jjust throwing a few powerheads in there?

Since the holes are there I would probably do it. Just make sure you set up the plumbing right, like completely closed, not going into the sump. You need to make sure it is fully sealed, because if it leaks you will lose all your water.

Closed loop is much more anesthetically pleasing than powerheads because you can disguise the outlets of the closed loop with rockwork.

I guess your plans with the tank would make a difference as well. The more you want to get into coral the more I would lean closed loop. If you are just doing a fowlr it proly isn't really necessary.
 
Thanks for the quick reply...Im probably sticking with a fowlr on the new tank. I am guessing I would need an external pump since it shouldnt be in the sump what kind of gph would I be needing for it to make sense to do a closed loop? the intake is a 2" bulkhead and the 4 exits are all 1", if that makes a difference. Though I am still on the fence because the intake is on the bottom and I am not sure how I feel having a giant pvc pipe jutting into the display area
 
btw its a 240 cube (4x4x2) if that makes a difference. I am guessing atleast a 3k/gph as theoretically I have 8 outputs (using thoe doble lockline things) giving each outlet 375gph a piece should I aim for more than a 3k pump
 
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