Powerhead

[helcat17]

Im trying to figure out if there is a way to do a powers head system where I can have one big pump and have multiple returns coming off of it with adjustable heads? Does anyone know where I could get the materials to do this?

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[zigzag1]

Search for 'closed loop' on the RC search.

[helcat17]

Ok I have searched but I still haven't seen anything showing me how or what I need to build it

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[aandfsoccr04]

a closed loop is basically (in a nutshell) holes drilled in the back of your tank with an external pump moving the water in your tank which acts as a powerhead.

[jx4hansen]

Do a search on the internet for Melev's reef. He has some information on doing a very simple closed loop system cheap.

[lordofthereef]

You use the word "powerhead". I am guessing you want an actually powerhead and NOT a closed loop. In short, there simply isn't a powerhead strong enough to do this with the proper form factor. The maxijet is about the only pump I can think of that has the form factor necessary for this type of setup, but it won't be strong enough, unless of course we are talking about a very small tank. This is why people are recommending a closed loop. Keep in mind, you are going to have to drill the tank.

[laugh]

With the exception of the pump everything you need can be found in the plumbing section at home depot. Every application is defferent so there really are no instructions. You just buy the fittings you need to fit your pump and make as many outlets as you want where you want.

[calbert0]

Local hardware store and some elbow grease!

[peppie]

Here is a pic of my very basic Closed Loop

The tank is drilled in two places. One for the intake, one for the outlet.
You could drill more holes for the outlets. The more out lets you have the bigger the pump you will need to push larger volumes of water.
You do not have to drill your tank however, You can run all the plumbing over the top if you desire. If you do it that way you need to add a T to the top of the intake pipe so you can prime your pump then you can cap the T with a threaded plug.
If you give us some more info on what you are trying to do with your tank we will be able to give you better advise.

[Photo_John]

get your self a magdrive pump, the bigger the better IMO...the mag12 does 1200gph at 0 head and would probably make a decent in tank closed loop pump. Make a pvc pipe network to distribute the water and add ball valves to each arm to make the flow controllable. Go one size bigger on the ball valves to prevent restricted flow, if you care about that, may not matter in this situation. connect the pump to the pvc network, crank it up and adjust your flow...you might be able to add some scwd but i dont know if they can be installed under water. I am interested in an in tank closed loop...sounds like a cool idea

[IslandCrow]

I believe melevsreef.com has a design that incorporates the SCWD so you can vary the flow between nozzles. You just have to do some modifications to get it to fit with the plumbing. I'm a big fan of closed loops, and I was very happy with mine. They're really not hard to build at all. You don't even have to drill the tank if you don't want to. Of course, all else aside, drilling probably is the way to go. If for no other reason, you don't have to worry about priming the pump to get the water flow going. . .which was always a bit of a pain, but fortunately was only necessary about once every 6 months when I cleaned my pump.

If you do go this route, another thing you may want to look into is an eductor. It's basically a venturi type device you attach to the end of your outlet that increases your overall waterflow. They seem too good to be true, but they work wonderfully. I made my own from directions I found here on Reef Central, but you can also buy them (I believe Aquatic Eco-Systems sells them).