Partial Closed Loop

matt_longview · 11/05/2011, 07:18 PM

Quick question for plumbing guys.

I'm wanting to run a partial closed loop. Let me know if this will work.

I have a rack with three tanks, one on top of another and a sump below. Each tank has two bulkheads. I'm wanting one bulkhead to work an overflow and drain to the sump, and the other to tie into the external pumps (3600gph Dart) input to operate on a closed loop. I believe I would need to add a backflow valve on the bulkhead of each of the lower two tanks, and between the sump and the external pump. Then I can put a gate valve on the closed loop plumbing to choose my flow through the sump.

If anyone understands this well enough to give me some advise, please do! :-)

cherubfish pair · 11/05/2011, 09:54 PM

I don't think that's a closed loop.

matt_longview · 11/05/2011, 10:25 PM

It's not. I do know that. What I should have called it is... uhmmm...maybe... hoping to get some closed loop effects on my return pump? Haha :-)

I'm just wondering since those lines will keep suction and be elevated will it reduce the head loss? It will also allow me to use a larger return pump to get more flow, without having murderous 400x flow through the sump.

Two more questions.

Will it work properly?

Do check valves work well enough?

Ron Reefman · 11/06/2011, 06:59 AM

I don't think I really understand what you are doing. A photo or drawing might be helpful. But if the water ends up in the sump, it's not even a partial CL. And just what would a 'partial' CL be anyway? A CL with a leak which means it isn't 'closed' anymore. And you will not reduce head loss at all, at least as I understand what you are trying to set up. And unless check valves are pulled and cleaned regularly (soaked in vinegar until clean), they are very suspect at best. Most people with serious systems don't use them. I know, I know, some people do. But just because you use them, doesn't mean they will work when you NEED them to!

matt_longview · 11/06/2011, 07:25 AM

Thanks Ron,

I found a few issues with this idea... and ended up thinking of the many downsides that would come along with this setup. So... this idea is finished, tossed out. The new plan calls for an Iwaki 1200gph return pump with powerheads for flow. :-)

11/05/2011, 07:18 PM	#1
matt_longview Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 70	Partial Closed Loop Quick question for plumbing guys. I'm wanting to run a partial closed loop. Let me know if this will work. I have a rack with three tanks, one on top of another and a sump below. Each tank has two bulkheads. I'm wanting one bulkhead to work an overflow and drain to the sump, and the other to tie into the external pumps (3600gph Dart) input to operate on a closed loop. I believe I would need to add a backflow valve on the bulkhead of each of the lower two tanks, and between the sump and the external pump. Then I can put a gate valve on the closed loop plumbing to choose my flow through the sump. If anyone understands this well enough to give me some advise, please do! :-)

11/05/2011, 09:54 PM	#2
cherubfish pair Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Libby, Montana Posts: 7,061 Blog Entries: 1	I don't think that's a closed loop. __________________ pairo chero Thanks for looking at my build thread and subscribe to it if you already haven't yet! Current Tank Info: thirty rimless

11/06/2011, 06:59 AM	#4
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	I don't think I really understand what you are doing. A photo or drawing might be helpful. But if the water ends up in the sump, it's not even a partial CL. And just what would a 'partial' CL be anyway? A CL with a leak which means it isn't 'closed' anymore. And you will not reduce head loss at all, at least as I understand what you are trying to set up. And unless check valves are pulled and cleaned regularly (soaked in vinegar until clean), they are very suspect at best. Most people with serious systems don't use them. I know, I know, some people do. But just because you use them, doesn't mean they will work when you NEED them to! __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

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11/05/2011, 10:25 PM	#3
matt_longview Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 70	It's not. I do know that. What I should have called it is... uhmmm...maybe... hoping to get some closed loop effects on my return pump? Haha :-) I'm just wondering since those lines will keep suction and be elevated will it reduce the head loss? It will also allow me to use a larger return pump to get more flow, without having murderous 400x flow through the sump. Two more questions. Will it work properly? Do check valves work well enough?

11/06/2011, 07:25 AM	#5
matt_longview Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 70	Thanks Ron, I found a few issues with this idea... and ended up thinking of the many downsides that would come along with this setup. So... this idea is finished, tossed out. The new plan calls for an Iwaki 1200gph return pump with powerheads for flow. :-)