More thoughts about flow rates....

[wkopplin]

I can have my new tank drilled for a three or four hole closed loop system. My question is this. Several months ago, the Tank of the Month on Reefcentral had a rather nice water flow system that utilized the flow from the returns as well as the close loop system in which the guy used electric switching valves to alternate the flow. I am considering looking into this, but have no idea on the following:

1.) Where do you buy these valves?
2.) Are they reliable?
3.) Is there a better way to alternate flow? I do not like the look of powerheads in my main tank and they are too hard to hide if you want to be able to get to them for service.
4.) Should my closed loop system be three or four holes (one is for the outflow of water)
5.) Are these type valves a waste of money?

[wkopplin]

Sea Swirls are my first choice right now, but I have read they have reliability issues as well. I like the SCWD, but can you plumb that into pvc?

[Tim Marvin]

You can run PVC up to the SQWD then attach hose to it. They work great.

[wkopplin]

Would sure be nice if they would make a SQWD that could be threaded inline, but I guess you have to eventually replace them and hose is easier to replace.

[matt]

I don't know if there are sqwds big enough for your set up. Last I heard they only make 1/2" ones. As far as the switching valves, I'd post something on the DIY forum on reefcentral; I'm sure you'll get tons of responses, or just do a search. Probably McMaster-Carr has the valves.

I've never heard anything about reliability issues with the sea swirls; but they are pricey.

[Richard]

I had originally planned to order my 215 with a 5 hole closed loop system. One intake and 4 returns using 2 SCWD's. The SCWD's fit 3/4 hose so it should be pretty easy to use them.

I ultimately decided on no closed loop since my tank will be up against a wall and if a bulkhead were to start leaking it would be inaccessible. I guess having my 140 leak has made me leak shy. I think I will give the Wave2K's a try. www.wave2k.com

[Henry]

Richard, I too am interested in the wave2k. I'm working on getting a used one from someone on reefs.org.

The motorized valves are pretty cool. Just make sure if you get some that you get some that have no internal metal parts that are in contact with the water. There is another link about them being for sale in austin.

[bozack]

I am pretty curious now to how these wave2k's perform also. Seems alot easier than trying to replumb everything to add a SQWD in to the return