Spraybar info needed

[bkoz]

Im doing a bb tank and am looking to use a spraybar at the bottom behind the rocks to keep things from settling under the reef. The tank is a 36X12wX20h, 38 gal.

My ?'s are.....does anyone have any pics of spraybars installed??I'll be using the return pump from my sump to supply the spraybar (mag 7) so i'll have about 450gph going to it, is that enough?
What size PVC should I use?
How far apart should the holes be and how big?
Should I aim some of the holes up into the reef a bit?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[TIMMYE]

I woud drill your holes at 45 degree angles. But I would question if your pump is enough after head loss.

 

[Fish'InMN]

Are you going to feed this through a bulkhead or over the side of the tank? There are a number of problems with what you've said so far, but it all depends on the answer to the above question.

 

[bkoz]

With head loss the pump will give me around 450gph.

My tanks not drilled so i'll be going over the top with a single 3/4" line to the spray bar. Id like to put the spraypar against the back of the tank at the bottom.

Any input is appritiated, I want to make sure im doing this right or even need to do this?

 

[bkoz]

Monday morning bump.

anyone have any info or pics on the proper way to do a spraybar??? Or am I just kinda waisting my time?? Thanks.

 

[Fish'InMN]

Looks like you are pretty much there. I would recommend 1" plumbing over 3/4", you'll only get a little more flow initially but you will also have quite a bit of room if you ever decide to upgrade the return pump. (I hate Mag Drive pumps. Too much heat for not enough flow.)

Remember to drill a siphon-break hole just below the water line (1/8" should be fine), so you don't siphon the entire tank back into (and out of) the sump.

Try to use as much flexible tubing, or at least the fewest amount of direction-change fittings (like elbows, 45s, etc), to reduce the turbulence as much as possible.

As for the spray bar itself, I would just get a 12" long section of PVC and drill 1/4" holes in a few spots, like every 2-3" down the length of it. The more holes you drill, the less flow out of each. I've never used a spray bar, but I would say no more than 10 total. You can always drill more holes or plug with silicone if it is too much or too little.

Cheers,
Marty

 

[bkoz]

Thanks for the info!!

I'll go with the 1", no problem since im using 1" vinal tubing on everything I can anyway. Thanks again.

 

[sdp777]

You know if you think about this, if you reverse the hole size, and gradually increase it further down the length of the tube, the logic would be that the flow would essentially be the same the entire length of the tube. This equates in concept to how a mechanical duct works. Being an Architect this seems logical, but if no one recommends a spraybar, than whats the best concept to plumb the return system? I have a 4 yr old, 75g thats doing fine, but the squid split system has finally bit the dust and I just dont think Im pushing enough volume. I was running a mag7 in the squid with two feeds. I bought a mag12, and want to consider a spray bar for all the same reasons listed above. I have been searching this site for the last couple of days with little luck on this...what is everyone else doing?