Closed Loop Question

I've heard of a decent number of problems with closed loops, especially if you don't regularly maintain them by disassembling everything and doing a good vinegar bath on all valves/equipment etc.
Little bits of sand/algae etc get sucked in occasionally and clog things up, valves develop some precipitation and freeze or get stuck open so you can't disassemble the system easily anymore without plugging up the outlets in the tank or draining the tank to the level of the lowest input in the tank, stuff like that. On top of that it's more electricity to run than powerheads.
I know you're invested in this already but just some things to be cautious about, plan for and hopefully prevent from happening to you.

 

thanks. good point - maybe make sure all holes are along top of tank...
or have valved disconnects on both ends of each return line

 

Check out the way I did my loop system with the pvc. I have flow coming out in 8 places with the lock lines from top and bottom. Its on the front page. Any questions just shoot me a pm and let me know how I can help.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/scenario1313-120reef-build-55711.html

 

1313 thanks - cool thread/tank. it looks like all 8 returns run simultaneously off the return from your sump, is that right? seems like it works well. how much flow do you have (how big of a pump?)?

any trouble with maintaining the lines for the return? any trouble with lockline being in the sandbed (does it get stuck in position?)

thanks!

 

No problems what so ever with the lock lines getting stuck and they are all running on one big pump. I have the reef flo dart pump. Here is a site with some specs on it. Phishy Business Dry Goods

 

Good thread 1313. How is that Dart & CL running? I'm buying a Barracuda for 2-90g.

 

Never any problems and the pump is quiet. Wouldn't change a thing. Thanks for the comment.

 

Did you have your Dart modified "down" or did you actually want crazy flow?

 

Wanted lots of flow and am actually going to increase my flow more with a couple K4's

 

Holy CaCa!! I think I'm gonna cal the peole at ReeFlo though and give them all my measurements and equipment I'll be running off the pump. :thumb_up: