I have a question on the inflo PVC, does the mag actually suck from the tank through this pipe or does it have to be gravity fed somehow. I would assume you fill with water before starting pump, if it actually pulls the water from the tank. If not how do you feed the water through.
Closed loop system questions
- Thread starter richtpe
- Start date
It does suck the water from the tank. The full design on melev's site (the link to his site is in my first post) has a cap on the top of the inflow pipe that you use to prime the pump. That and the perforated pipe that goes in the tank isn't in the designs I posted here because I only had questions on the outflow part. You should check out his site if you haven't already. It's pretty cool and very extensive.kraze said:
reefrash
bartender another round of skimmate
Success!!!!
Finally got this project done last weekend and am very happy I did it. Assembling, testing, and installing took about 7 hours, although I did also give the tank a good cleaning during it, which I'm sure added a lot to the time.
I went with 1 1/4" pipe on the inflow (1 1/2 looked too big in the tank), 1" on the pump outflow, and 3/4" out of the scwd. I really have no idea whether the different sizes added anything but difficulty to it, but the scwd is switching every 6 seconds (which I think means there's a good flow rate) and the flow out of the loc-line feels good, so I figure I done good 'nuff. The directions with the mag did say to use 1 1/2" plumbing, but who likes to pay attention to directions.
The total cost came to about $280:
Here's a pic of the layout before I started putting it together. The pipes aren't all cut to length, but you can get an idea of the different fittings that went into it.
Here's a not-so-great pic of it installed. Can't really get a good angle for pictures. I've got the pump sitting on a trunk and it makes a fairly loud humming noise. I put a towel underneath and that worked a little. Anybody have any tips to reduce noise?
Here's a before picture. Notice all the powerheads hanging precariously by their suction cups, almost taunting me....
And here's after. I think it looks tons better and not having to worry about a powerhead falling off and kicking up a sandstorm or chewing up a coral is very nice.
Finally got this project done last weekend and am very happy I did it. Assembling, testing, and installing took about 7 hours, although I did also give the tank a good cleaning during it, which I'm sure added a lot to the time.
I went with 1 1/4" pipe on the inflow (1 1/2 looked too big in the tank), 1" on the pump outflow, and 3/4" out of the scwd. I really have no idea whether the different sizes added anything but difficulty to it, but the scwd is switching every 6 seconds (which I think means there's a good flow rate) and the flow out of the loc-line feels good, so I figure I done good 'nuff. The directions with the mag did say to use 1 1/2" plumbing, but who likes to pay attention to directions.
The total cost came to about $280:
- $74 for the pump (mag 9.5)
- $32 for the scwd
- $72 for the loc-line (man that stuff is expensive)
- About $100 for the pvc, which includes all the pipe, fittings, valves, tools, glue, etc. I've also got enough left over to build a two-family house
Here's a pic of the layout before I started putting it together. The pipes aren't all cut to length, but you can get an idea of the different fittings that went into it.
Here's a not-so-great pic of it installed. Can't really get a good angle for pictures. I've got the pump sitting on a trunk and it makes a fairly loud humming noise. I put a towel underneath and that worked a little. Anybody have any tips to reduce noise?
Here's a before picture. Notice all the powerheads hanging precariously by their suction cups, almost taunting me....
And here's after. I think it looks tons better and not having to worry about a powerhead falling off and kicking up a sandstorm or chewing up a coral is very nice.
You aint kidding. A few scotches did compliment it nicely though. Also that cutting tool worked great. Thanks for everyone's input on this. It's always much appreciated.mogurnda said:
Thanks very much. It really does make the tank look bigger on the sides, probably because you get a lot more reflection off the sides now.
The mag itself isn't really loud at all. My problem is that I've got it sitting on a cheap trunk and it's making a humming noise from the vibration on the lid. The towel dampened it some, and I may try putting a piece of plywood or something under it. Right now you only notice it if you listen for it, so I'm not worried.
None so far. I was very generous with the primer and glue and used teflon tape on all the threaded connections. I figure I'll be pretty screwed if I get one, especially if I'm not home. I'm thinking that if it hasn't leaked yet I'm good to go, right? Or are there spots that may develop leaks over time?
I use pieces of an old wetsuit, but a mousepad will also work. Really quiets things.
If it doesn't leak now, you're good to go!
Isn't it nice when things work?
Thanks. I'll have to try the mousepad trick. Unfortunately I only got into diving last year so my wetsuits haven't been worn out enough to be made into shorties yet (hoping to get enough dives in this year to get to that point though).
Very nice and a little unbelievable. I had to keep telling myself to do it slowly during this so I wouldn't screw anything up.mogurnda said:
