Return flow comingfrom the bottom instead?

[prsnlty]

I'm considering changing a few things around in my set up as I have general concerns the way my flow is in the peninsula.

I have an additional mag 9.5 coming next week and a HK PH for the far end of the tank also.

Typically in a peninsula the return flow is at one end and not the middle of the tank. Mine is typical. I also have a hob overflow on the same end so my retun in placed low in the water. So here is my thinking and I would LOVE your thoughts and suggestions. This is a mixed reef and I also plan to separate SPS from LPS and softies.

I have heard of spray bars for return water but that would be unsightly in a peninsula. Not only that but I think fresh water coming into the tank at the surface might be somewhat counter productive. So here is my question....

What if the return pipes spanned the length of the tank with holes like spray bars under my rock work like being spring fed from the bottom? Pros & cons?

I'm thinking it would also make for some nice flow through the rocks also.

125g mixed reef Peninsula

 

[bucksfan1976]

One big issue would be if power went out If you don't have a fail safe your tank would drain out completely, you could construct a closed loop system

 

[prsnlty]

One big issue would be if power went out If you don't have a fail safe your tank would drain out completely, you could construct a closed loop system

Great point, thank you! I'll have to find some info on closed loop.

Right now my return lines (I have 2, 1 to each side of the overflow) are at midway and 2/3 down in the water. I have a pinhole in the pipes just below the water surface. When the power goes off and the water drops below the holes it stops syphoning to the sump. So far it has worked well

125g mixed reef Peninsula

 

[feh]

Yep. You need a way to break the siphon when the pump is off. Check valves aren't exactly always reliable.

 

[prsnlty]

Oh, if anyone tries this pinhole idea, there is a right way and a wrong way to drill the hole! You have to drill into it downward on a 45° angle and it only works if your surface level stays exactly the same. The top of the holes on mine are 1/16" below the surface. And I have 2 in each pipe. Just to be safe if a snail happens to be covering one of them.

125g mixed reef Peninsula

 

[prsnlty]

The hole is just big enough to fit a tooth pick in it. I placed one in the hole so you can see the angle. When the water lowers to the hole as the pump is off, it sucks the air in and it stops the syphon. Just make sure it stays clean

125g mixed reef Peninsula

 

[mcarroll]

FWIW, my spray bars are vertical, with 1/4" holes in the lower half only and a couple (redundancy) just at the water line to break siphon in a power outage. (Look out for potential splashing upon restart.). I usually use 1" PVC.

-Matt


Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[prsnlty]

FWIW, my spray bars are vertical, with 1/4" holes in the lower half only and a couple (redundancy) just at the water line to break siphon in a power outage. (Look out for potential splashing upon restart.). I usually use 1" PVC.

-Matt


Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

That's interesting Matt I haven't thought of that.

The flow on the return end of the tank is super strong and doesn't quite reach the whole 6' length of the tank. And if I place a sprayer bar under the rocks with uneven direction holes in it I thoughtit would:

1/Create water movement within the rocks without the use of power heads

2/A seamingly natural under current

3/blow detrious up and out keeping them clean

4/no dead flow spots

Then the wavemaker power heads on the glass will do the rest.

125g mixed reef Peninsula

 

[prsnlty]

I am also placing a small powerhead below the overflow box and building the rock up to it. Like a normal rock wall to the back glass, but keeping the "hilly" ridge the full length of the tank. The 1st 1/3 of the tank nearest the overflow will be SPS, middle softies and a mix of all that require a little less strong lighting, and the last 3rd LPS corals.

125g mixed reef Peninsula

 

[prsnlty]

Update

I did make a SB spraybar from one of the 2 returns and am VERY pleased with it It does a terrific job of keeping the flow going within the rock and no one is bothered by it. The fish actually seem to love the flow

Pictured is all you can see of the spraybar. It really can't be seen without the camera on zoom

125g mixed reef Peninsula