New build planning

[ismvel]

Greetings,

I am looking at my next build and want to get recommedations.

It is gonna be a custom AIO system, i am now trying to decide whether or not to get a closed loop system. I have always wanted to try it, and not sure if this is the time to do it. I had been thinking of getting a gyre to help eliminate any dead spots, but to be honest, I don’t want too many cables and powerheads showing in the tank.

So now I am thinking of instead of the gyre, maybe getting an oceans motions 4 way and doing a closed loop with the outlets coming out the back of the tank shooting straight to the front pane.

If I do this would there be any issues with my not using loclines, just open bulkheads shooting water straight out with no directional flow?
How big of a pump would I need for a tank approximately 78 gallons? The display will be 30x30x20.

Should I do rear pane or bottome of acrylic tank for CL?

I was looking at Tunze Silence Pro 1073.11, 2906 gph, for a 37x turnover rate (not sure if that is still relevant). Is this too much pump for this size tank?

If I go with CL, I don’t want to have to come back later and add a powerhead, that would defeat the purpose of what I am going for.

[Dkray944]

Personally I'm not a fan of CL because you can't get good random flow. If I were to do a closed loop I would go with the Echotech L1 because you can dial it up and down throughout the day.

[ismvel]

I also posted this on RC and had someone say something to that effect, and Roger from Tunze brought up a good point in that I would double/triple the cost going with a external pump/oceans motions combo. So I may go back to my original plans of a maxspect gyre..

Thanks for your input Dkray

[alton]

If your plumbing goes south with a closed loop you will have a disaster. If you are taking votes I will second it

[ismvel]

I think I have made my decision...you don't know what you're talking about.....ha, kidding.

I decided to go with maxspect gyre(s). So now my question in a 30x30 tank, do I get one xf150 and center it on the back wall. I know it will hit the front panel, but with it being just as wide, will I have dead spots on the outer edges?

Or do I go with (2) XF130s affixed just off center?

Any of you guys have experience with these pumps?

And by the way Alton, I picked up 2x BML lights before they closed that door. Kara was AWESOME...

[alton]

I think I have made my decision...you don't know what you're talking about.....ha, kidding.

I decided to go with maxspect gyre(s). So now my question in a 30x30 tank, do I get one xf150 and center it on the back wall. I know it will hit the front panel, but with it being just as wide, will I have dead spots on the outer edges?

Or do I go with (2) XF130s affixed just off center?

Any of you guys have experience with these pumps?

And by the way Alton, I picked up 2x BML lights before they closed that door. Kara was AWESOME...

That's good news, I am hoping Louis gets my two in this week

[ismvel]

I have pre-ordered these x2. Awaiting the wi-fi aqualink. Also have a Tunze 9012 skimmer sitting in a box at home.

In 2 months I wil be home and build the tank.

[Justin]

Looks good man.I'm glad you decided to not go with the CL setup. Back in the day before reef technology evolved to where it is today, Closed loops were the best way to get a constant flow through the tank in addition to what the return would bring. Powerheads now are so advanced that they make Closed loops look like undergravel filters in a reef tank. With the variable flows of either a vortech, tunzes, gyre's.....the flow patterns combos are so robust that closed loops only pose a threat with the multiple points of weakness that we add by drilling holes in our tanks. In my own tank, I use a flurry of different combinations between my MP40's and WP45's to create unique flow patterns in my reef.

Keep showcasing your progress man. I love reading tank builds!

[ismvel]

Thanks Justin, will do. Still being overseas, it will be a slow process. But lots of time for planning on build and equipment.