CLS / Sump

Foooz · 09/30/2015, 06:11 AM

I was researching a closed loop system today which looked interesting. What I could not find much info on is can you run a CLS and a sump? It would seem to me the CLS benefits are circulation but not really filtration while the sump is filtration (amongst other things). Seems having both would be the best of both worlds.
Scott

dbl · 09/30/2015, 06:27 AM

It won’t surprise me if you end up with several comments saying a CL system is an old way of doing things. Powerheads provide a greater range of internal flow and likely consume less energy. But you can certainly run one if you're using a sump – many do, including myself. When I set up my peninsula, I didn’t want to see powerheads so I went with a CL. You are correct; it is not a filtration method, it’s designed merely for internal flow.

zeusfc · 09/30/2015, 07:30 AM

I've done this in the past, to add extra flow, where the overflow can't take any more than I'm already putting through it...

I'm presently looking at the possibility of setting up a closed loop in our new reefspace 900, with a couple of intakes and outlets near the surface, mimicking the shape of the "gyre", but with the circulation pump (a big Hydor) safely tucked out of sight in the cabinet.

CLS obviously can't be connected to the sump, or it wouldn't be a closed loop would it?

dbl · 09/30/2015, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeusfc

...CLS obviously can't be connected to the sump, or it wouldn't be a closed loop would it?

Correct…I wasn’t implying it was connected to the sump, but merely the fact you can use a CL if you have a sump, which is how I interpreted the OP's question. I apologize if that wasn’t clear. Great point Zeusfc, and I'm glad you pointed it out for clarification.

Foooz · 10/01/2015, 02:12 AM

Thanks for the responses. My question was meant to be whether both a CLS and sump could be operating on a tank. Understand that these are two completely separate systems. There is a large tank for sale near me that is set up with overflows and CLS drains in bottom of tank which is what started my research.

Foooz · 10/01/2015, 05:22 AM

Can you have a sand bottom with a CLS if the drain is in the bottom of the tank? The couple pictures I saw of drain screens appeared to have holes larger than sand grains. I would assume that having mesh with fine enough mesh might prevent adequate flow to the pump. I do understand what I am calling a drain is actually a pump suction.

MFerrell · 10/01/2015, 05:32 AM

Following along as I purchased a tank with a center overflow and a loved loop. I have three holes in the overflow (One return and two drains to the sump) and three holes in the display area for the closed loop (1 drain 2 returns) is what I assume.

zeusfc · 10/02/2015, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foooz

Can you have a sand bottom with a CLS if the drain is in the bottom of the tank? The couple pictures I saw of drain screens appeared to have holes larger than sand grains. I would assume that having mesh with fine enough mesh might prevent adequate flow to the pump. I do understand what I am calling a drain is actually a pump suction.

There's no reason that the "drain"(pump suction) has to be just a bulkhead on the base... It can have a standpipe, so it is well above the display tank's bottom.

Foooz · 10/03/2015, 04:55 AM

Great insight zeusfc I hadn't thought about that. Thanks.

Shawn O · 10/03/2015, 05:48 AM

If you watch the videos for Peter's Fish Tank you'll see his closed loop setup. He did what many CLS owners have done and built it into the rocks. In his video you can see the grilles for the intakes, as he wanted to be able to see when they were getting too encrusted with algae. You could easily have them completely hidden inside the rock-work if you don't want them visible.

Foooz · 10/03/2015, 10:31 PM

I assume you have clean the intake grilles at some frequency which means they need to be somewhat accessible?

09/30/2015, 06:11 AM	#1
Foooz Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Palm City, FL Posts: 135	CLS / Sump I was researching a closed loop system today which looked interesting. What I could not find much info on is can you run a CLS and a sump? It would seem to me the CLS benefits are circulation but not really filtration while the sump is filtration (amongst other things). Seems having both would be the best of both worlds. Scott

09/30/2015, 06:27 AM	#2
dbl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: SW Florida Posts: 258	It won’t surprise me if you end up with several comments saying a CL system is an old way of doing things. Powerheads provide a greater range of internal flow and likely consume less energy. But you can certainly run one if you're using a sump – many do, including myself. When I set up my peninsula, I didn’t want to see powerheads so I went with a CL. You are correct; it is not a filtration method, it’s designed merely for internal flow. __________________ David Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon Peninsula - My First Saltwater Adventure

09/30/2015, 07:30 AM	#3
zeusfc Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cyprus Posts: 352	I've done this in the past, to add extra flow, where the overflow can't take any more than I'm already putting through it... I'm presently looking at the possibility of setting up a closed loop in our new reefspace 900, with a couple of intakes and outlets near the surface, mimicking the shape of the "gyre", but with the circulation pump (a big Hydor) safely tucked out of sight in the cabinet. CLS obviously can't be connected to the sump, or it wouldn't be a closed loop would it? __________________ STOP TRYING TO READ THE INTERNET AND GO TO BED... Sleep is far more important! Current Tank Info: 16 months with a temporary tank... That Reefspace can't come soon enough!

10/01/2015, 05:32 AM	#7
MFerrell Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Valley of the Sun Posts: 27	Following along as I purchased a tank with a center overflow and a loved loop. I have three holes in the overflow (One return and two drains to the sump) and three holes in the display area for the closed loop (1 drain 2 returns) is what I assume. __________________ Soooo the adventure begins again. Current Tank Info: 29 gallon nano

10/03/2015, 05:48 AM	#10
Shawn O Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: People's Communist Republic of Massachusetts Posts: 1,474	If you watch the videos for Peter's Fish Tank you'll see his closed loop setup. He did what many CLS owners have done and built it into the rocks. In his video you can see the grilles for the intakes, as he wanted to be able to see when they were getting too encrusted with algae. You could easily have them completely hidden inside the rock-work if you don't want them visible. __________________ "55gal glass box full of water, rocks and some not-so-amused little fishes" 2x Occellaris, 1 Pajama, 1 Neon Dottyback. Current Tank Info: 55gal tank, sumpless, ReefOctopus Classic 90, Twin bulb T5.

10/01/2015, 02:12 AM	#5
Foooz Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Palm City, FL Posts: 135	Thanks for the responses. My question was meant to be whether both a CLS and sump could be operating on a tank. Understand that these are two completely separate systems. There is a large tank for sale near me that is set up with overflows and CLS drains in bottom of tank which is what started my research.

10/01/2015, 05:22 AM	#6
Foooz Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Palm City, FL Posts: 135	Can you have a sand bottom with a CLS if the drain is in the bottom of the tank? The couple pictures I saw of drain screens appeared to have holes larger than sand grains. I would assume that having mesh with fine enough mesh might prevent adequate flow to the pump. I do understand what I am calling a drain is actually a pump suction.

10/03/2015, 04:55 AM	#9
Foooz Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Palm City, FL Posts: 135	Great insight zeusfc I hadn't thought about that. Thanks.

10/03/2015, 10:31 PM	#11
Foooz Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Palm City, FL Posts: 135	I assume you have clean the intake grilles at some frequency which means they need to be somewhat accessible?