spray bars!

[zack schwartz]

A guy at a lfs conviced my Dad and I to build and make a spray bar for our tank. My tank is listed below so the only filtertion we have is lr and ls. How imporant is a spray bar to a reef tank? He told us to use a pcv pipe, make holes in it, attach the power head. So is this project an easy one? How imporant is it?
Thanks a lot

 

[bluemarlin]

The project is very easy. To get a better answer on importance you should post this in the reef section. Using standard PVC piping you can drill holes in it and cap the end so the water is forced out through the holes. It will add a little oxygen to the water if the spray holes are located above the surface of the tank. It will add some water movement but the amount will depend of the size of the pump.

 

[maui]

Could you put the spraybar lower in the tank to provide more circulation?

 

[zack schwartz]

Baron VonKlyff, I was looking at your tank pics and was wondering if the spray bar was the one the white thing to the right of the tank? Another thing, its suppose to be at the top of the tank and coming doen. The guy at the lfs told us to put it low and blow through the rocks so it can clean out the back of th tank. But you guys are telling me to put it at the surface and place it dowwards ? Can you explain where to put it?

 

[rangermonroe]

spray bars above the water surface will accelerate evaporation/aid in cooling. Pro/con. Will add to salt deposit on tank lid(If you use one) $.02 worth

 

[marc42fe]

I havent mentioned this before because I'm not exactaly sure (I know pvc cement is toxic) But pvc oxidizes and produces a form of fosgene gas or something similar in very small quantities. I would be hesatant to use it. looks like lots of people do with great success but I have to wonder if they might be having mysterios problems as a result.... want to experience this for your self go take a breath through 10 foot of pipe, its called outgassing

 

[broomer5]

Hi Zack !
I like spraybars.
I use them exclusively - no powerheads in either tank now.
They can be placed anywhere in the tank - up high or down low .. all depends on what results you want.
You can get as creative as you care to, or just run one off of an in tank powerhead.
Pretty cheap project - and easy to change down the road should you wish.
Good circulation is important.
How you achieve this is not.

 

[zack schwartz]

Thanks for the replys! What does evryone recomend in placing in ti. Top or bottom?

 

[broomer5]

Place the spraybar near the top if you want to increase surface agitaion and circulation.
Place it near the bottom if you want to increase water circulation in the bottom of the tank.
Place it in the middle if ..... you get the picture

 

[new]

going to add one when i do my sump, got a mag7 return with a 3/4 return line going to reduce to 1/2 cpvc across back of the tank up high, if to much force through this i will tee off and place one low as well, cost about $5 for the materials that includes a 10' peice of pipe.

 

[zack schwartz]

TRhanks everyone for your help keep you updated!

 

[ironreef]

yup don't glue your spraybar. It will stay togather and you will need to clean it someday. Spraybars onm the bottom of your tank aimed up.. with a powerful pump provide good circulation. but if not done right you will drain your whole tank. pvc solvent is safe. ppl have used it for years. its in our own drinking water