Return line options

[Drakon]

I'm trying to decide how I want to have the sump water returned and I've only come across a couple options. One or more flared loc-line pointing where I want the water to go typically a inch or so under water with a siphon break. Return pipe typically with elbow just under the water surface ,if deeper add syphon break. Bar with holes to spray water into the tank. And here today I seen a small bucket that fills then tips the water into the tank for a surge like effect.

What I thought I've seen before and can not for the life of me find is say a 3/4 line coming over the tank to about mid way on one side, then it would t down to say 1/2 inch pipe with a cap on each end. The pipe itself would have 1 or more long slits cut into the pipe across its length. This would give more of a waterfall effect then a spray if it was above the water line. I would have it right at the waterline on the opposite side of my tanks weir/overflow to maybe drive a rotating current in the tank. If its right at the waterline then it shouldn't have a siphon issue besides what's in the pipe and maybe a tad from the tank. I'm sure I'd have to play with the pipes length and some other factors so that the water that does come out has a bit of oomph to it.

I'm probably overthinking something that should be along the lines of "put water back in tank don't siphon"

You thoughts?

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

I use Sea Swirls on the returns & keep the outlets high to siphon a small amount of water.

 

[Drakon]

http://www.marinedepot.com/wavemakers_sea_swirl-ap.html these?

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Yes

 

[uncleof6]

Return to the tank over the top, with a single line, terminating with a 45° outletting just below the surface of the water. Everything else is a complete waste of time, and unnecessary complication, with no benefits at all. All that stuff does is reduce the net flow rate to and from the tank. Distribution in the tank, is what the power heads are for, let them do the job they are intended to do...because they do not add to the "turnover rate." Power heads are adjunctive, not supplementary or complimentary.

BTW, anti-siphon holes are not a failsafe. The only failsafe there is with powerout drain down, is enough volume in the sump to hold ALL the power out drain down, when the anti-siphon hole/holes get(s) plugged up. So in reality, there is no point to drilling them in the first place.

 

[Drakon]

Return to the tank over the top, with a single line, terminating with a 45° outletting just below the surface of the water. Everything else is a complete waste of time, and unnecessary complication, with no benefits at all. All that stuff does is reduce the net flow rate to and from the tank. Distribution in the tank, is what the power heads are for, let them do the job they are intended to do...because they do not add to the "turnover rate." Power heads are adjunctive, not supplementary or complimentary.

Sounds like "put water back in tank"

BTW, anti-siphon holes are not a failsafe. The only failsafe there is with powerout drain down, is enough volume in the sump to hold ALL the power out drain down, when the anti-siphon hole/holes get(s) plugged up. So in reality, there is no point to drilling them in the first place.

Totally agree with the point of having the volume available if it doesn't break. Never really thought about just not wasting time with the hole, but makes perfect sense. If you know there is a good chance that plan A will fail and plan B will succeed why even bother with plan A.

Thanks man.

 

[SloppyJ]

I utilize my return for surface agitation only.