Sharkey18 June 14, 2011 June 14, 2011 So I am planning a new tank. 180 in the wall and am getting ready to order the tank. Question. Add a closed loop system or not? If you have one, do you think it's worth it? Appreciate the input! Laura
Supernova26 June 14, 2011 June 14, 2011 I believe this is more of a preference. If you don't like the way powerheads look inside the tank, then closed loop is the way to go. The only problem I see with closed loop is more plumbing part = more failure points for leaks.
Chad June 14, 2011 June 14, 2011 I think it is a question of priorities, and no one can really tell you what your priorities are but you Closed Loop Pros: Can be silent, non-invasive to tank space, no wires in view Cons: Less energy efficient for the same flow rate, not versatile, tough to perform maintenance on, high consequence in failure PHs Pros: very efficient, versatile, easy to maintain, can be silent Cons: very visible, some a quite large I would choose the attributes that are important to you and go that way.
trockafella June 14, 2011 June 14, 2011 I agree with what was said above, if youve got the money go with multiple vortechs. The have a sleek design, very versatile, great flow and no wories in the tank.... But a group of them gets pricey..
Max Ivers June 14, 2011 June 14, 2011 I agree with Chad, but personally its not even close for me. Going the powerhead route allows for repositioning, alot less power consumption, and the powerheads are expandable as they are not permanently modifying the tank, and if you go the Vortech route (2x MP40W possibly?) you have many options as to wave modes/intensity. Plus the undertow is unmatched by ANYTHING I've ever seen.
rocko918 June 14, 2011 June 14, 2011 i am a closed loop guy. mine is low maintenance as i only have to clean 1 pump. If you do the plumbing right you wont have any leaks and you can remove the pump by turning 2 valves. I also have my closed loop plumbed into the house drain. So when i do a water change it as simple as turning a valve. No pipes showing as they are under the sand bed and above the tank rim. I think my tank looks much cleaner with out power heads in the tank. Also you dont have to worry about anemones getting sucked into them. yes its not as power efficient.
F&Fmgr June 14, 2011 June 14, 2011 i am a closed loop guy. mine is low maintenance as i only have to clean 1 pump. If you do the plumbing right you wont have any leaks and you can remove the pump by turning 2 valves. I also have my closed loop plumbed into the house drain. So when i do a water change it as simple as turning a valve. No pipes showing as they are under the sand bed and above the tank rim. I think my tank looks much cleaner with out power heads in the tank. Also you dont have to worry about anemones getting sucked into them. yes its not as power efficient. +1 new tank customerws go with this option much more IME because it is much less hassle and a nice clean aquarium with no cords. the vortechs are another option but if you cost it out long term(part replacement, accesability, and efficiency a close loop works great for oscillating water currents.
zygote2k June 14, 2011 June 14, 2011 speaking from experience of fixing a closed loop- I had to drain the entire tank to fix a leaky bulkhead that leaked continuously for 6 months on a CL system. If you live somewhere where the possible leak might occur and do thousands of dollars of damages, then skip the CL. If leaking tanks aren't a worry, then go with it. On a 180, you'll spend nearly the same amount to build a nice CL as you would if you were to buy 2 Mp40's. Vortechs never leak.
mogurnda June 14, 2011 June 14, 2011 Vortechs don't leak, generate less heat, make less noise, provide a lot of different flow patterns, can be moved easily, and don't cost a whole lot more once you add in the expenses of wavemeakers and your time. I would never go back.
Reefoholic June 15, 2011 June 15, 2011 Vortechs don't leak, generate less heat, make less noise, provide a lot of different flow patterns, can be moved easily, and don't cost a whole lot more once you add in the expenses of wavemeakers and your time. I would never go back. +1 I love my Vortech! Best purchase ever!
rioreef June 15, 2011 June 15, 2011 (edited) The intake for my closed loop sits behind coral up against the overflow chamber and goes up and over the back of the tank. The return is up and over too. I do not see any plumbing except for the return which I can reposition the flow direction. As far as plumbing, clean your connections prior and glue them up, never a problem. I also have full unions on the in/out of the pump for easy maintenance. So far it has been running 6+ years and no problems, now where is that piece of wood to knock on. Edited June 15, 2011 by rioreef
DaveS June 15, 2011 June 15, 2011 I'd say that Vortechs are the only powerhead that comes close to being a good replacement for a CL. But the one I used for a month was pretty noisy! I could hear that thing winding up/down all day long. Maybe I didn't align it properly but I tried a few times with the same result.
Der ABT June 15, 2011 June 15, 2011 If the vortech is used there seems to be a few quick fix problems and one that takes longer 1 often the wetside assembly works itself loose and a two second check can confirm this. 2 Mis alignment is the number 1 cause i think, basically your supposed to turn it up all the way and move the wetside around till it goes silent 3 Often its set up for glass that is thinner then what you have and it seems to make alot more noise if its not on the space correctly. other one is a dryside fix, there bearings (just like a wheel bearing on a car) that are a wear item and need to be replaced, if there is an almost clicking noise from teh dry side even when no wetside is connected then its time to replace, on reef2reef or RC there is a good DIY fix for it or you can always send it back. another thing to think about with closed loop is resale of the tank, if you ever go bigger/smaller/out it seems tanks that are not drilled for a CL will sell faster as they can be used by more people (freshwater, those who dont like closed loops, etc) i like the look of CL alot better though.
F&Fmgr June 15, 2011 June 15, 2011 If the vortech is used there seems to be a few quick fix problems and one that takes longer 1 often the wetside assembly works itself loose and a two second check can confirm this. 2 Mis alignment is the number 1 cause i think, basically your supposed to turn it up all the way and move the wetside around till it goes silent 3 Often its set up for glass that is thinner then what you have and it seems to make alot more noise if its not on the space correctly. other one is a dryside fix, there bearings (just like a wheel bearing on a car) that are a wear item and need to be replaced, if there is an almost clicking noise from teh dry side even when no wetside is connected then its time to replace, on reef2reef or RC there is a good DIY fix for it or you can always send it back. another thing to think about with closed loop is resale of the tank, if you ever go bigger/smaller/out it seems tanks that are not drilled for a CL will sell faster as they can be used by more people (freshwater, those who dont like closed loops, etc) i like the look of CL alot better though. w/e hater
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