Need Feedback - CL vs powerheads

Bucket Boy · 03/15/2011, 09:45 AM

I'm having a new tank built - 60 x 30 x 24. The tank will be built into an entertainment center. I'm vascillating between a simple closed loop vs. powerheads (Tunze/Vortech). I'm nearing retirement and want to simplify/automate this tank as much as possible because traveling is in my future. My old tank had an OM 4-way powered by a Dart. I would utilize the Dart to power the CL. I don't want to set up the OM again.

Part of me likes the simplicity of the CL -- directing the CL and sump returns to provide a random flow. The other part likes the features of the powerheads but they will require regular maintenance and access may be somewhat difficult given the constraints of the tank being built into an entertainment center.

Another smaller factor is cost -- I already own the Dart.

I plan a mixed tank with LPS and a couple of the easier SPS. I think the flow provided by the CL would be sufficient for the types of coral I plan to keep.

I'm interested in any thoughts and feedback.

evsalty · 03/15/2011, 10:03 AM

Either would work flow wise. Up front cost would certainly be lower to reuse the dart for the closed loop. Energy wise over time I think prop type pumps would use less energy. A pair of or few Tunze streams in deco rocks on a controller would give you very random flow and allow you to place the pumps anywhere in the tank you want since they do not need to be attached to the glass/acrylic. This would also allow you to place them where you have easy access to them to clean them once in a while. You say you will be traveling so not having to worry about the closed loop springing a leak is a plus in my book.

03/15/2011, 09:45 AM	#1
Bucket Boy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 136	Need Feedback - CL vs powerheads I'm having a new tank built - 60 x 30 x 24. The tank will be built into an entertainment center. I'm vascillating between a simple closed loop vs. powerheads (Tunze/Vortech). I'm nearing retirement and want to simplify/automate this tank as much as possible because traveling is in my future. My old tank had an OM 4-way powered by a Dart. I would utilize the Dart to power the CL. I don't want to set up the OM again. Part of me likes the simplicity of the CL -- directing the CL and sump returns to provide a random flow. The other part likes the features of the powerheads but they will require regular maintenance and access may be somewhat difficult given the constraints of the tank being built into an entertainment center. Another smaller factor is cost -- I already own the Dart. I plan a mixed tank with LPS and a couple of the easier SPS. I think the flow provided by the CL would be sufficient for the types of coral I plan to keep. I'm interested in any thoughts and feedback.

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03/15/2011, 10:03 AM	#2
evsalty hmmmmmm Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NW Mesa, AZ Posts: 3,531	Either would work flow wise. Up front cost would certainly be lower to reuse the dart for the closed loop. Energy wise over time I think prop type pumps would use less energy. A pair of or few Tunze streams in deco rocks on a controller would give you very random flow and allow you to place the pumps anywhere in the tank you want since they do not need to be attached to the glass/acrylic. This would also allow you to place them where you have easy access to them to clean them once in a while. You say you will be traveling so not having to worry about the closed loop springing a leak is a plus in my book.