Return Pipe Flow Question

[mattruggiero]

I have a quick question for your guys. So I'm almost done putting my tank together. The last thing that I need to do is plumb the return line from the return pump. I'm excited!

Anyway, my question is what direction should the exit of the return pipe (in the tank) be? I've seen some instances where people have the return water flow go straight down with some 90 degree elbows (U shape) and some that direct the flow against the front of the tank. Is one better than the other?

I like the simplicity of just turning the water down with 2 90 elbows but I think it may cause a bare spot in the sand.

Anyway, any info is helpful! Thanks! :thumbsup:

 

[mmittlesteadt]

I use a "T" and one 45 degree elbow inside my tank for my return, so the direction is split. The "T" points down to direct water behind my rockwork, the 45 degree elbow stuck in that (neither are glued in) points up and towards the front of the tank to create surface turbulence. Along with my circulation pumps, I have almost no dead spots in my tank. Lots of ways to do it.

 

[CritterHeaven]

If you point it straight down you are likely to continually blow your sand around unless you have a really deep tank, very coarse sand or a low flow on your return. But you can split it and point it different ways, even put it on a spray bar etc. Lots of different approaches for sure. You need to take in to account also where/how your powerheads will be positioned. Goal is usually to get nice even flow all over with no dead spots. Unless you have a certain coral you want to protect from too much flow (like a bubble etc).

 

[mattruggiero]

If you point it straight down you are likely to continually blow your sand around unless you have a really deep tank, very coarse sand or a low flow on your return. But you can split it and point it different ways, even put it on a spray bar etc. Lots of different approaches for sure. You need to take in to account also where/how your powerheads will be positioned. Goal is usually to get nice even flow all over with no dead spots. Unless you have a certain coral you want to protect from too much flow (like a bubble etc).

My tank is 24 inches tall so pretty standard so thanks for letting me know about the sand. That is one of my main concerns. I'll see what I can do to minimize dead spots. Thanks Critter!

 

[mattruggiero]

I use a "T" and one 45 degree elbow inside my tank for my return, so the direction is split. The "T" points down to direct water behind my rockwork, the 45 degree elbow stuck in that (neither are glued in) points up and towards the front of the tank to create surface turbulence. Along with my circulation pumps, I have almost no dead spots in my tank. Lots of ways to do it.

Cool. Thanks for sharing your method! Definitely something to consider. My goal is to minimize dead spots so a straight down pipe doesn't seem to be the best method. I'll see what I can come up with. Thanks!

 

[mmittlesteadt]

Cool. Thanks for sharing your method! Definitely something to consider. My goal is to minimize dead spots so a straight down pipe doesn't seem to be the best method. I'll see what I can come up with. Thanks!

There was an excellent article I read about a year ago about tank circulation...I'll see if I can find it. Keeping the water circulating throughout the tank will keep things floating and moving instead of settling in dead spots. I have virtually no dead spots in my tank. I have two small places near the base of my rockwork where food and detritus somewhat settles, but still doesn't lie there, as it swirls around in an eddy.

EDIT: Here's the article on water flow. Worth a read.

 

[mattruggiero]

There was an excellent article I read about a year ago about tank circulation...I'll see if I can find it. Keeping the water circulating throughout the tank will keep things floating and moving instead of settling in dead spots. I have virtually no dead spots in my tank. I have two small places near the base of my rockwork where food and detritus somewhat settles, but still doesn't lie there, as it swirls around in an eddy.

EDIT: Here's the article on water flow. Worth a read.

You're awesome :thumbsup: Thanks man!

 

[Volcmreefer]

Great article! Every reefer should read!