Why use power heads when you can go closed loop? - Page 2

Toddrtrex · 09/10/2008, 09:39 PM

One reason I like powerheads is because they are easy to move. May ask way I would want to move them --- as corals grow, the flow direction is going have to be changed. Plus, I have a couple of powerheads on the sides of my tanks, think that closed loop pipes would look even worse.

firebirdude · 09/10/2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Toddrtrex
One reason I like powerheads is because they are easy to move. May ask way I would want to move them --- as corals grow, the flow direction is going have to be changed.

Decent point

sjm817 · 09/10/2008, 10:00 PM

Closed loops are not cheap. You would be surprised at the cost of a pile of sched 80 bulkheads, unions, valves and flow switchers such as an Oceans Motions in addition to a big pump.

You need to drill a bunch of holes in the tank.

Serviceability: How do you get to all that plumbing in the back of the tank unless you have an inwall?

Visible plumbing: How do you hide that octopus of plumbing on the back of the tank unless it is an inwall, or situated that you dont see the tank from the sides?

Electricity costs can be high for a large pump

ILoveReefer · 09/10/2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Toddrtrex
One reason I like powerheads is because they are easy to move. May ask way I would want to move them --- as corals grow, the flow direction is going have to be changed. Plus, I have a couple of powerheads on the sides of my tanks, think that closed loop pipes would look even worse.

You can change the flow direction in a closed loop easily with Loc-Line.

cloak · 09/11/2008, 02:15 AM

What's a closed loop?

If you can tell what the temperature is by putting your hand in the water...

98.6

otrlynn · 09/11/2008, 04:36 AM

IMO the most obvious advantage to the powerheads is that the water stays in the box!!!

No, I don't have a sump either. As a newbie, the first requirement for my tank was "no floods". Maybe 5 years from now I'll wish I did it differently but at the moment my tank is thriving and I'm happy with it.

awholelota · 09/11/2008, 08:31 AM

i drilled a closed loop into my little 3' tank. i don't think i'd do it again unless i get something bigger than 6'. you also have to think about how much space you have behind your tank. mine needed an extra 6' becuase of the pipes running behind it. about the only think i like about a closed loop is that i don't need to run as may powerheads in my tank which i guess will help with heat issues.

garnto · 09/11/2008, 10:16 AM

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firebirdude · 09/11/2008, 11:45 AM

So how much is too much flow in a 55-gallon reef tank? I've heard shoot for a minimum 10 x tank size rate. If you're going to pack it with corals, then shoot for 15-20 x tank size rate?

Kinda wondering how to balance my needs with my power head flow added to my overflow/sump/return flow amount. How much of each?

r0bin · 09/11/2008, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LisaJill
As a non-diy'er (I didn't even have a good grasp of attaching tubing to my Mag 5 to help with the water changes!) there's no way I would ever drill anything; I'd rather buy 50 powerheads than have to drill.

The cost of finding good labor that has experience with this and then paying them can be quite a bit higher than few powerheads.

Then again, I have an HOB skimmer and refugium and no sump. I may be quite on the extreme end of "scared to do that" in this hobby. When I someday have a larger system, it'll have to be built and installed by someone else. I can start the tank, I can maintain it, I can not put the pieces together.

Just one point of view; being a reefer =/= being diy-savvy.

You and I have A LOT in common, lol.

MarineGirl411 · 09/15/2008, 12:00 AM

Closed loop all the way for me. I've stuck power heads in my tank and the cords drive me nuts. If you get a good quality pump like a Reeflo, you should not have large bills etc. Yes, they use more watts, but where I live it doesn't come up being that much. I like the look of a clean tank with no cords, or bulky power heads. The Vortech is very nice. It is a very good investment. I unfortunately had to sell mine to pay for some bills. =( That is the only powerhead that I could live with. Putting it on the back of the tank is excellent. Even if it takes you a while to save for it, I'd get one. You can also find good deals here on used equipment. I picked up a used Dart for only 98.00. They are usually 230.00+shipping. I think that's a pretty sweet deal. Drilling the tank is really not that hard. If you get a practice tank to try it on first, that may be the best bet. It's a personal choice though.

LisaJill · 09/15/2008, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by r0bin
You and I have A LOT in common, lol.

I am really happy to hear that; reading these forums it often seems like you have to be DIY-capable to run a reef.

Phew, I'm really not alone!

09/10/2008, 09:39 PM	#26
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	One reason I like powerheads is because they are easy to move. May ask way I would want to move them --- as corals grow, the flow direction is going have to be changed. Plus, I have a couple of powerheads on the sides of my tanks, think that closed loop pipes would look even worse. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

09/10/2008, 10:00 PM	#28
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Closed loops are not cheap. You would be surprised at the cost of a pile of sched 80 bulkheads, unions, valves and flow switchers such as an Oceans Motions in addition to a big pump. You need to drill a bunch of holes in the tank. Serviceability: How do you get to all that plumbing in the back of the tank unless you have an inwall? Visible plumbing: How do you hide that octopus of plumbing on the back of the tank unless it is an inwall, or situated that you dont see the tank from the sides? Electricity costs can be high for a large pump __________________ - Scott

09/11/2008, 04:36 AM	#31
otrlynn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chester County PA Posts: 1,508	IMO the most obvious advantage to the powerheads is that the water stays in the box!!! No, I don't have a sump either. As a newbie, the first requirement for my tank was "no floods". Maybe 5 years from now I'll wish I did it differently but at the moment my tank is thriving and I'm happy with it. __________________ Lynn 1 horse, 1 dog, 2 cats, small pond with a few koi. The fish tank is gone.

09/15/2008, 12:00 AM	#36
MarineGirl411 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,583	Closed loop all the way for me. I've stuck power heads in my tank and the cords drive me nuts. If you get a good quality pump like a Reeflo, you should not have large bills etc. Yes, they use more watts, but where I live it doesn't come up being that much. I like the look of a clean tank with no cords, or bulky power heads. The Vortech is very nice. It is a very good investment. I unfortunately had to sell mine to pay for some bills. =( That is the only powerhead that I could live with. Putting it on the back of the tank is excellent. Even if it takes you a while to save for it, I'd get one. You can also find good deals here on used equipment. I picked up a used Dart for only 98.00. They are usually 230.00+shipping. I think that's a pretty sweet deal. Drilling the tank is really not that hard. If you get a practice tank to try it on first, that may be the best bet. It's a personal choice though. __________________ I am a reefaholic and there is no cure. =) Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef, Cardiff Nano Seahorse tank.

09/11/2008, 02:15 AM	#30
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	What's a closed loop? If you can tell what the temperature is by putting your hand in the water... 98.6

09/11/2008, 08:31 AM	#32
awholelota Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 149	i drilled a closed loop into my little 3' tank. i don't think i'd do it again unless i get something bigger than 6'. you also have to think about how much space you have behind your tank. mine needed an extra 6' becuase of the pipes running behind it. about the only think i like about a closed loop is that i don't need to run as may powerheads in my tank which i guess will help with heat issues.

09/11/2008, 10:16 AM	#33
garnto Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 54	...

09/11/2008, 11:45 AM	#34
firebirdude User and Abuser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,836	So how much is too much flow in a 55-gallon reef tank? I've heard shoot for a minimum 10 x tank size rate. If you're going to pack it with corals, then shoot for 15-20 x tank size rate? Kinda wondering how to balance my needs with my power head flow added to my overflow/sump/return flow amount. How much of each?