Return flow

[Hilltopreef90]

I bought my aquarium used and the owner ran the return with a long pvc pipe across the top length of the tank with holes drilled every 4 inches so the water flow disperses across the entire length of the aquarium. It causes way too much salt creep but other than that I’m wondering if it’s good or bad to have that much water flow ?
I’m getting ready to replace the pipe because there’s no way to clean it and I’m not sure how long it’s been since it was put together and what all debris is built up inside. I’m debating about putting the same type set up back except adding a way to remove it to clean or using a regular type of return flow attachment.
I like that I get plenty of water flow and movement but I worry it’s maybe too much and I definitely do not want all the salt creep it creates
I’m curious what others think ? I only plan to raise soft corals and lps type coral

 

[Gtinnel]

If they essentially made a spray bar for the return it would actually decrease the return pumps flow rate because of the added head pressure. If that was your only form of surface agitation then it seems like an okay idea, but assuming you use power heads in the tank to add flow I would go with just a traditional return nozzle.

 

[Reef.]

What do you mean by too much flow?

The speed of the pump will limit the flow, not how many outlets there are.

If you have a powerhead then the return is not as important.

I personally would go with which ever you prefer, you can make either work

 

[homer1475]

A spray bar is what they are called.

If you have additional powerheads in the tank, they are pretty much useless nowa days, and as you noted a huge PITA to clean.

I have been running the RFG nozzles on my returns, and love them.

 

[CoralB]

I’ll bet it makes a lot of noise

 

[Lavey29]

A spray bar is what they are called.

If you have additional powerheads in the tank, they are pretty much useless nowa days, and as you noted a huge PITA to clean.

I have been running the RFG nozzles on my returns, and love them.

Do you have to increase return flow a lot to make those nozzles work effectively?

 

[Hilltopreef90]

I’ll bet it makes a lot of noise

Noise and horrible salt creep.
I have excellent flow with my vortech powerheads so the added flow isn’t really needed. I wasn’t sure if there was any other benefit to the spray bar
I’ll probably go with a traditional set up