Closed Loop Intake Pics

drblank1 · #1 10/26/2004, 07:06 PM

I am planning a new system that will have two closed loops, each flowing at 3600 gal/hr. I am concerned about protecting the critters from getting sucked into the loop.

I need ideas so please show me your creative ways on how you protect your critters from getting sucked into your closed loop intakes.

Rogger Castells · #2 10/26/2004, 08:18 PM

I am planning the same thing, My idea is to have 2 or 3 drains drill instead of 1, this way the suction pressure will be split, IMO this should prevent anything from being suck into the strainer.

benonmsn · #3 10/26/2004, 08:40 PM

its easy, with bulkheads u can get intake strainers for them. u have to worry about to much intake force, id say maybe 800gph thro 1inch bulkhead with strainer is good, any more suction and some freinds maybe get sucked in. u can always add more bulkheads / strainers and connect them with a t or use a large bulkhead strainer like 1.5inch. for my 1400gph pumps i use 2 1inch with strainers. for my 3200gph intake i use 2 1.5inch bulkheads/strainers.

djaz0503 · #4 10/26/2004, 09:52 PM

I was thinking of doing the same thing. One closed loop with intake and exits on the back of the tank and one with intake and exits on the bottom of the tank, both with strainers. The intake on the back of the tank would be located towards the bottom of the tank so I could build rocks around it so nothing like anemones can get sucked into it, same thing with the intake on the bottom.

dave

drblank1 · #5 10/27/2004, 04:11 PM

What is a strainer and look like? Do you have pics?

Highlander · #6 10/27/2004, 04:30 PM

I use one of these on the inlet of my closed loop.
Works very well.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=FT8672

golfish · #7 10/27/2004, 06:39 PM

I just used a small nipple so I could add a Tee to the bulkhead\closed loop intake.

RonSF · #8 10/27/2004, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Highlander
I use one of these on the inlet of my closed loop.
Works very well.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=FT8672

No issues with the fine screen being fouled with algae over time?
-Ron

Highlander · #9 10/27/2004, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RonSF
No issues with the fine screen being fouled with algae over time?
-Ron

The screen is not really too fine.
The open slots are 1 inch long by 1/10 inch high.

drblank1 · #10 10/29/2004, 09:43 AM

Highlander, is there much suction around the strainer?

Highlander · #11 10/29/2004, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by drblank1
Highlander, is there much suction around the strainer?

I am pulling about 1100 GPH through the strainer, so there is clearly quaite a bit of water being pulled in. The top of the strainer needs to be greater than 2 1/2 inches below the surface to avoid pulling an air vortex. I have seen no issues with smaller fish or inverts if that is your concern.

pbs911 · #12 10/29/2004, 10:57 AM

I use the same strainer on my closed loop with a T-3. It pulls about 850 gph. The suction at the strainer was was strong enough to hold a lawnmower blennie to its death. I would definately go with multiple inlets.

mikester · #13 10/29/2004, 02:12 PM

Same experience at pbs911 - I had one of those strainers and was flowing ~1000 gph, and I shredded 2 BTA's in my closed loop.

Highlander · #14 10/29/2004, 02:27 PM

Wow, I'm really surprised to hear that. Maybe I've been lucky, though I don't have any anemones in my tank, but my flame hangs about the intake quite a bit, and my snails crawl all over it.
If you think about it though, a Tunze 6100 pulls much more water (3200 GPH) through more compact inlet slots. I wonder, has anyone ever had a problem with fish, etc being caught up on these?

benonmsn · #15 10/29/2004, 08:19 PM

yes, alot of people have had tunze eat all sorts of their aquatic freinds. id say 600gph thro 1 inch bulkhead w/ strainer. thats about how i liek to keep it. i put about 1000 gph thro 1.5 inch bulkhead strainer, no one gets 'blackholed into it.

Highlander · #16 10/29/2004, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by benonmsn
yes, alot of people have had tunze eat all sorts of their aquatic freinds. id say 600gph thro 1 inch bulkhead w/ strainer. thats about how i liek to keep it. i put about 1000 gph thro 1.5 inch bulkhead strainer, no one gets 'blackholed into it.

That's about what I'm driving, 1100 GPH through a 6 inch by 1 1/2 inch strainer. Seems that has caused problems for some.

LittleBlueGT · #17 10/31/2004, 01:49 AM

I am running 5700 gph through a 2 inch strainer, no problems so far. I have two strainers and I switch them out once a month for cleaning.

drblank1 · #18 11/02/2004, 11:40 AM

My closed loops will flow 3600 g/h each. What size bulkheads and how many would you suggest (in and out)?

drblank1 · #19 11/08/2004, 12:17 PM

Any suggestions?