Closed Loop

Basically, a closed loop is a water intake, exit and pump...an open ended pipe runs from within the tank back outside the tank, and returned into the tank as an exit, with a pump in the middle of it providing the circulation..

It gets the name "closed loop" becasue the water is continuously in a loop out and in the tank...

To specifically answer your question, no, they dont have ends..

Niko

Basic Loop.jpg
 
The main difference between a closed loop and the normal plumbing layout of a system with a sump is that there is no filtration at all with a closed loop, its purely there to provide fast water circulation which gives the ability to remove unsightly powerheads in the tank.

In essence, its the same principle layout, however more functions are provided with the sump plumbing as a whole than a closed loop..

Niko
 
Is there any reason that you shouldn't combine the two if your pump will support it?

It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Some sumps have refugium chambers and less flow is desired. If you were going for more flow through the sump then you could design a closed loop to also go through your sump but you could also just get larger overflows/larger pump. If you are looking to add a wave like device (SCWD) or just want multiple outakes you could mix things up.

Again, just depends on what your going for.]

I originally built my closed loop with the intent of getting rid of my power heads but the pump I went with was to small to accomplish what I was going for and I ended up breaking it down. I'm going to build it again when I have cash for a bigger pump.
 
Is there any reason that you shouldn't combine the two if your pump will support it?


The main reason you would not combine these is flow and the extra chance of flooding from the closed loop. You need a lower speed of flow for the sump plumbing, and a good faster speed for the closed loop...

Niko
 
AquariaCentral.com