Circulation pumps vs closed loop system.

[Bugeater281]

So I picked up a vectra pump at a good deal. I was planning on using as a return pump.

After looking at the cost of nice circulation pumps(mps). I just can’t afford as many as I’d want(hoping to have an sps dominated tank).

My question, I’m I the only one that thinks circulation pumps are highly overrated on their actual water movement? My vectra will throw water 2ft+ out of the bathtub. One of my circulation pumps rated around the same will maybe push water 1/2in.

This leads to my second question.

Anyone here have good or bad things to say about closed loops? I have a 6ft tank, and I’m thinking I’ll get more movement for the money with the vectra pump vs circulation pumps. I would be running a single vectra m1 pump on a 135g tank. For 120$ I can buy a new return pump and use the vectra for circulation(got the vectra for 150$). That’s cheaper than an mp10, and even if I need to replace the vectra pump ever. That’s still cheaper than an mp40.

 

[kireek]

Generally speaking you don't want to rely on a return pump as your main source of circulation.That said, you can absolutely use a pump instead of a circulation pump for water movement.A majority of people will use circ pumps through.It's hard to say if your pump will be adequate.Especially in a 135 gallon tank with SPS.I have used a pump in my 20 gallon display for years with good results.Not sure if this would work out so well in a large aquarium.You may need to just set it all up and try it out.