Close loop/powerhead GPH/Wattage

Rhodes19 · 06/29/2011, 04:05 PM

Hi All,

Ok, lets see if this makes sense. Are there really any big differences between the flow characteristics of using multiple power heads vs a CL system? Currently, I have 3 power heads, a koralia 4 (1200 gph at 12w), a Koralia Evolution (1400 gph at 6w), and a Sicce 4 (1600 gph at 14w) in my 180 and was looking at replacing them with a CL system hanging under the top rim of the tank with an external pump. My power heads push 4200 gph at 32w combined and a comparable external pump would use about 180w. I like the cleaner look of CL and I want more flow to keep the detritus in the water column for filtration but I don't want a higher electric bill. If there isn't much of a difference, I'll probably stick with the power heads but if there is a bigger flow benefit using a CL, I'll go that way. What do you all think? Thanks.

Rhodes19 · 06/30/2011, 06:58 AM

I guess a better question to ask is the flow created from a closed loop system is better or worse than the flow created from power heads. Any one have experience with both systems? Thanks.

reefmanmatt · 06/30/2011, 07:14 AM

a dolphin 5600 is only 135 watts i believe , but even at that your not saving anything . you can use locklines on a closed loop and get the same adjustability of the powerheads , especially if going over the top . it will look cleaner , but the pumps your looking at arent quiet by any stretch of the imagination . i think you will get more current down to the sand bed with the more powerful pump for sure , after all most decent pumps will push that volume for 20 - 40 feet where the powerhead is only moving water like that inside the cage of the propeller . ive been looking for the right pump for a month and really like the dolphins a bunch . reeflo has some great combo pumps worth looking into as well , really low wattage in the lower flow setup of the combo's . keep us posted

Rhodes19 · 07/01/2011, 05:17 AM

Hi reefmanmatt,

Thanks, I appreciate the information. I didn't think about the distance the water was being pushed. It sounds like I can get more current (stronger current) into the center of the tank with the CL than I can with power heads. I think that's the way I'll go. I'll check out the dolphin 5600. Thanks.

06/29/2011, 04:05 PM	#1
Rhodes19 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 971	Close loop/powerhead GPH/Wattage Hi All, Ok, lets see if this makes sense. Are there really any big differences between the flow characteristics of using multiple power heads vs a CL system? Currently, I have 3 power heads, a koralia 4 (1200 gph at 12w), a Koralia Evolution (1400 gph at 6w), and a Sicce 4 (1600 gph at 14w) in my 180 and was looking at replacing them with a CL system hanging under the top rim of the tank with an external pump. My power heads push 4200 gph at 32w combined and a comparable external pump would use about 180w. I like the cleaner look of CL and I want more flow to keep the detritus in the water column for filtration but I don't want a higher electric bill. If there isn't much of a difference, I'll probably stick with the power heads but if there is a bigger flow benefit using a CL, I'll go that way. What do you all think? Thanks.

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06/30/2011, 06:58 AM	#2
Rhodes19 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 971	I guess a better question to ask is the flow created from a closed loop system is better or worse than the flow created from power heads. Any one have experience with both systems? Thanks.

06/30/2011, 07:14 AM	#3
reefmanmatt Registered Member. Join Date: May 2011 Location: pennsylvania Posts: 396	a dolphin 5600 is only 135 watts i believe , but even at that your not saving anything . you can use locklines on a closed loop and get the same adjustability of the powerheads , especially if going over the top . it will look cleaner , but the pumps your looking at arent quiet by any stretch of the imagination . i think you will get more current down to the sand bed with the more powerful pump for sure , after all most decent pumps will push that volume for 20 - 40 feet where the powerhead is only moving water like that inside the cage of the propeller . ive been looking for the right pump for a month and really like the dolphins a bunch . reeflo has some great combo pumps worth looking into as well , really low wattage in the lower flow setup of the combo's . keep us posted

07/01/2011, 05:17 AM	#4
Rhodes19 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 971	Hi reefmanmatt, Thanks, I appreciate the information. I didn't think about the distance the water was being pushed. It sounds like I can get more current (stronger current) into the center of the tank with the CL than I can with power heads. I think that's the way I'll go. I'll check out the dolphin 5600. Thanks.