Closed / open loop

What is a closed loop and open loop system. what are the pro's and con's

 

A closed loop is often used in SPS tanks to increase circulation. Basically think of it as an external powerhead.

The water is sucked out of the tank through a drain of some sort and then run through a good sized pump and then returned to the tank. Here's a link showing a way of doing this without drilling the back of the tank. http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache...m/closedloop.html closed loop reef tank&hl=en

Scott has a thread detailing a closed loop in a drilled tank. http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/scotts-150-a-34452.html

An open loop would simply be draining to a sump with a return.

 

Thank you. closed is just extra circulation

 

Yup...extra circulation without headloss. Better to have most of your flow from a CL and then the small remainder from your sump pump.

billpa

 

Closed loops are (IMO) the best way to increase flow in your tank. No unsightly powerheads!