Closed Loop Question

I'm working on redoing my 75 gal (crashed recently, so all dry...)
I got an ocean's motions super squirt (4 outputs) and reeflo pump to run a closed loop.
i'm trying to figure out the best way to arrange the 4 returns from the OM into the tank.
Paul at OM pointed to a tank that had 2 CL returns in the mid-level rear panel of the tank and 2 coming in the front of the bottom panel pointing to the rear.

this is a nice set-up, blowing back-and-forth, but i can't drill the bottom of my 75.

anyone have thoughts on return locations for closed loop on a 75?

thanks!

 

You wouldn't have to drill the bottom of the tank if you didn't mind running 2 pieces of PVC across the bottom of the tank and burying them under the sandbed. Matter of fact, most close loop setups I've seen only drill the tanks for the drains, and the returns all come over the top edge of the tank. That's what i'd personally do seeing as now if I didn't like the placement, it would be easy enough to change with a couple cheap pieces of PVC instead of having to re-drill the tank.

 

I did a return in each rear corner of my 75. I would not do another closed loop though.

 

Reason being?

 

zach - why no CL?

 

Drill the back glass instead of the bottom. That is the way I done mine.

 

that's my plan, just trying to figure where's best - some options would be like discussed above, or the "four top corners" approach, or four rear returns. can't figure what pros/cons to each would be, so looking to see if someone has done any of these...

 

I have one on my 75.. If I were to do it over, I could have bought a Vortech MP40 and battery backup by now.. No kidding.. Save the hassle.. JMO

 

I agree, I know it's off topic since you seem set on the CL but is there a particular reason you're going with a CL on this tank? I'm not sure I understand the draw of the CL, with all of the added maintenance, work installing it, added electrical usage/heat, and potential for failure that comes with a CL I would have a hard time justifying it compared to some nice powerheads.

 

the tank was up for 2 years then crashed.
i had up to 3 koralia 4's in it and could never get (1)rid of dead spots (2)random water movement. I had trouble with almost every type of algae due to making every mistake in reefing possible. Now that i'm re-doing things, i wanted to make this setup as good as possible from the beginning (opposite of last time i started).

I like benefits of CL with the OM - you get the wavemaker type random water movement, no cords/PH's in the tank, and (i think) decreased maintenance once it's all set up.

i'm impressed on the strength of opinions for and against using closed loops.

Having followed advice of the people 'for' cl's, i now own all the parts, i just haven't installed anything yet cuz i'm not drilling till i'm sure i'm happy with the plan. Just having a hard time wrapping head around where this thing should blow.