getting rid of powerheads

[mathias]

I want to get rid of powerheads in my 55 gal tank..... so I guess what I need is a pump and some pipes.... and thats as much as I know :)


How do I do this? what type of pump?



and I just hook one pipe out of the tank to the pump and then a out from the pump then a 3 way connector so I can do more than one line back into the tank.....



as you can see I have no clue lol.... help please..

[JimD]

Do a search on "closed loop" or "scwd" you should find enough information to at least give you a clue... :-)

[mathias]

this process is better than powerheads right?

[JimD]

Much better, no powerheads in the tank generating excess heat, one external pump for flow, scwd for semi-random wave motion. I use a scwd along with a Mag 12 and only a single powerhead aimed behind the rocks.

[mathias]

yea did some reading an it looks a lot better now only question is where can I get a mag 7 or larger for a good price??? and I want a pump for a 55gal tank but I may change my 125gal to salt so I may move everything over so I guess a pump that would be big enough for that 125..

[JimD]

Mag24, dual scwds,,, perfect for a 125. On a 55 youd be better off with a Mag12 with a ball valve to adjust the flow if necessary...

[mathias]

now if Im right from everything I was reading having dual scwds means that I would have 3 returns?


also all the homework I was doing now Im looking into having a sump lol see what happens the more you read the more $$$ you spend.

[JimD]

Dual scwds = 4 returns... Each scwd has 2 outputs switching from one to the other.

[mathias]

right 4 returns but if one line out from pump goes to scwd then those 2 lines one into tank other one into the second scwd then from it 2 into tank.. thats how I got 3 but guess that isn't how you would hook it up.

[rocketeer]

If you want, you can come by and see how mine is set up. I'll pm you.

Jack

[mathias]

If your in san antonio I would love that...

[jrhein]

I run 4 maxijet 1200 in my 100 and dont like it, but I was told that I need lots of water movement. Two rose purlple tip anemones have already been sucked up by those lovely power heads.

Should I remove some of the powerheads in my tank?

[GaryP]

jrhein,

Just put some screens over the intakes of the powerheads. If you don't have the screens, some filter media will work. You can buy the filter media by the foot at Fintique. Just cut it and attach it with a rubber band.

[::pete::]

This (http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html) should help, but instead of putting the SCWD where it is you would use a "T" out to each SCWD and then continue.

[Sherri]

Awesome info reference Pete...it really helped me out a lot. Looking to do this to either/both of my 30 & 55...Thanks!!!! 30 is already setup but I want to get rid of powerheads. BTW - what would be a good choice of lights for a 30? Currently have a few softies - tiger pistol shrimp, Luther's Watchman Goby - will be adding 2 small clowns & hopefully a Green BTA in about a month or so. This will be all that will go in the 30.

Again - appreciate the info!

[JimD]

I much prefer to soft plumb a closed loop with nylon braided tubing as opposed to pvc, it eliminates all the elbows and tee's allowing much less restriction in turn the pump runs more efficiantly in conjunction with the scwd.

[GaryP]

I agree with Jim on this one. I installed a new external pump last week with almost all Tygon on the discharge side. I'm just waiting for some Y's to replace the T's I was forced to use. Y's don't restrict flow as much as T's do, resulting in less of a pressure drop.

Tygon also has the advantage of being easier to change out if it becomes plugged, scaled up, or if the tank is moved. I recently replaced all the PVC in my 75 with Tygon after the drain line became plugged.

Gary.

[::pete::]

Also using flexible plumbing reduces noise as well as vibration causing noise

[mathias]

K so I go to home depot for the tygon and use y's not t's and spend about $150 on the pump and about $20 on the scwd..... :)

[mathias]

...............

[mathias]

http://www.pondliner.com/PM24.htm

mag 24 $125

GPH 2400

then we got this one

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PW-50PX-X&Category_Code=Panworld

139.90

GPH 1110


Why would I pay more for less GPH?

isn't that the important thing to look for?