Drains for a Closed loop?

[jason the filter freak]

I want to set up a CL system on what ever tank I get next, he's my question. I'm looking for something like 2400 gph turn over on the CL system. Would I be better off with 2 Larger drains or 4 smaller drains. Here is my concern. If I use larger drains I'm going to have to scale down the drain pipes a whole lot and t them off to fit the input for the pump, if I do smaller drains I won't have to scale down the drain pipes so much, but I'll have more to T off. Whats my best solution here?

[Rascal]

Assuming that in either case you have enough drain capacity to match your desired flow (which you should if you are thinking 4 x 1" or 2 x 2"), I think it just comes down to some of the same considerations that go into deciding how many outlets to have on the CL. More drains/outlets = more dispersed flow but less velocity in those areas. A lot also depends on how the drains will work into your aquascaping scheme. So . . . it depends. How's that for a wishy-washy answer?

 

Here's more food for thought for you though. If you decide to go with a Sequence (Dart or Snapper), you would actually need to neck up your plumbing to get to the 2" intake on the pump if you went with the smaller drain sizes. Just something to think about.

[Guest tgallo]

since its a closed loop, head pressure will not be a factor.

 

Go with whatever gives you the least work as far as plumbing.

[jason the filter freak]

what about scaling up and down pipes, will that not be an issue?

[dandy7200]

single 2" intake and ditto what Tony said.

[Rascal]

I would go with at least 2 drains if it were me, just to spread out the flow. 2400gph is an awful lot of flow to be going through one spot, IMO. Granted it will be flowing into the pipe rather than out, so you won't be blowing sand all over the place, but you will still be creating a lot of current in that one area and probably a lot of suction as well, which could cause problems for some of your critters depending on what you decide to keep.

[Guest tgallo]

rascal has a point, two drains/intakes would be a good idea, i would hate to peal a fish off the one intake if it gets to close .

[Gatortailale]

Dart pump is like 3200gph and inlet is 2 inch. You could do 2 x 2" drains.

 

What ever size you do, make sure hole is drilled for schedule 80 instead of normal schedule 40. You will really appreciate how much better the 80 is - especially when you have 100+ gallons pushing on it.