Return design options

[UBOMW]

Hi all. Not really new to the hobby, but figured this was the best place for this.

Looking for some ideas for how to plumb the water return from my sump. Not the actual header, etc, but the bit that actually returns the water to the DT, and is visible.

I've tried a few different configurations in the past, using the black "ball joint" flexible lines (don't recall what they are called), I've used a pipe the length of the tank with holes drilled a long it's length, various things, but have not been overly happy with any of them.

Looking for something that will provide water movement to the entire tank (not focused on one or two areas), and something minimalist looking for aesthetic purposes.

Thanks in advance.

 

[thegrun]

My favorite option by far is to use a Sea Swirl, expensive for sure but they deliver great water movement.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Sea_Swir...for_Aquariums-Sea_Swirl-AU1113-FIWMEW-vi.html

 

[UBOMW]

Nice idea, the price is inhibitive though.

 

[kmbyrnes]

What are you expecting the returning water to do? As long as the water gets from the sump to the DT, you should be happy, since the alternative is onto the floor.
Flow in your tank should be provided mainly from your powerheads.

 

[billdogg]

What are you expecting the returning water to do? As long as the water gets from the sump to the DT, you should be happy, since the alternative is onto the floor.
Flow in your tank should be provided mainly from your powerheads.

What they said. Although it is possible to provide all the flow needed from just the return pump, it would be wasteful from an energy usage standpoint, as well as incredibly noisy.

If you don't want to have a return come up over the top, then drill the back of the tank and bring it in that way.

 

[UBOMW]

I was not intending for the return to provide the water movement for the DT, I was simply looking for some examples of how others have designed their returns.

"As long as the water gets from the sump to the DT, you should be happy" - I don't think I agree with this comment, I would also like the design to be as unobtrusive to the overall tank look as possible, and if possible direct the return flow to more than one area of the tank. However I am open to options, so kmbyrnes, please describe or upload a photo of your return design. Thanks.