How do closed loops work? | The Aquarium Solution

How do closed loops work?

Question:

Good Day,

I really need some help understanding the one area of this hobby that has proven most challenging and nebulous for me- closed loop circulation. I have missed the mark twice in my builds, and my hope is third time is the charm.

I could perhaps easily solve this problem by spending loads of money on Vortechs or Tunzes, however I believe visible powerheads take away from overall aesthetics. I look upon Stuart Bertram¹s and David Saxby¹s tanks as the model standard to which I strive for. My query of circulation revolves around mostly the position of their outlets (nozzles).

In David¹s display (as of Chris Chilton¹s writing), he has all 9-outlets placed on the bottom. Stuart has 4-outlets on the bottom, while the other 4-are up higher along the backside. Are there any reasons for the different positions, other than personal ideas and/or tank shape? Also, in either display, are the nozzles pointing up, hitting the surface causing a gyre effect? Are they hitting each other with the desire to cause a turbulent, chaos effect?

Thank you so very much for your time, I appreciate it!

Daniel

Answer:

Daniel
The nozzles are positioned before the rock build to point towards where we thing the rocks will be, as we have an idea of this before we start. By pointing them upwards it tends to bring any sediments up to the surface where the can be removed over the overflow.

The important thing is to accelerate the water with a nozzle at the end so that you get good throw through the water but this needs a powerful pump.

We also have multiple pumps, at least two, so that we can surge between them and create a more turbulent alternating flow.

Personally I hate to see anything like a pump in my tank which does not look natural and the nozzles allow me to hide them

Stuart