return pump and spray bar question

Evil McToast · 10-06-2006, 04:38 PM

I currently have a mag 3 pump returning water to the display. Now that I got my rock lift (thanks again Fly Guy

), I want to install a spraybar under the rocks.

The tank is 3.5 feet from the top of the display, and I want the spray bar to span across about 24" along the bottom.

1) what spacing should the holes be apart?
2) what size should the holes be?
3) what pump should I use? Will a mag 5 be sufficient?

Keep in mind that I will have a SSB. Also, the pump is not for flow in the tank, but to keep the crud from under my rocks.

DevilBoy · 10-06-2006, 04:40 PM

my guess would be 1/2" to 1" apart with 1/8" diameter holes...

for the pump suggestion i have no idea sorry

afbengochea · 10-06-2006, 04:49 PM

remember that to space out the holes more on the closer side as the pump and as u are getting away from the pump, make the holes closer together

Fly Guy · 10-06-2006, 04:56 PM

IMO you dont want them in a straight line.....especially with your rock lifted. That way you can get flow both at and through your rocks as well as under it.
I think the spacing already mentioned is fine but stagger every other one 1/3 of an inch or so up and down and try to position you spraybar just under the level of your reef...so the low line of hoes shoots under and the upper line of holes shoots into the rocks. With the pump you are going to do it with you might want to start with a smaller than 1/8 bit and then you can open it up if youve got the flow to do so. Use a threaded fitting at the start of the spraybar so you can both adjust it directionally and fairly easily remove it in case you need to open up the holes

Evil McToast · 10-06-2006, 05:42 PM

Would the bar be best made into a T or an L shape. Would I get the best results out of having the PVC go down the center of the tank and T off 12" in both directions, or down one end and 24" long?

Should I go with a mag 5 or 7?

Fly Guy · 10-06-2006, 05:48 PM

How are you getting flow to the rest of your tank??

The T is by far the best way to go IMO. It will keep a more consistent flow throughout it than trying ot run it the length of your tank......

You should drill that sucker so you dont have to come over the back for it : )

Evil McToast · 10-06-2006, 05:53 PM

Actually, I would really rather drill it. The tank is a 29 gallon glass tank from wal-mart. I don't know if it is tempered though. It had a tempered sticker on the bottom, so I don't know if I want to risk breaking the tank.

For flow in the rest of the tank, I have to SEIO 620's on the way.

Evil McToast · 10-06-2006, 06:14 PM

How much will a mag 5 (500GPH) pump back into the system with a spraybar? It seems that the spraybar will take away a lot of flow.

Fly Guy · 10-06-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil McToast

How much will a mag 5 (500GPH) pump back into the system with a spraybar? It seems that the spraybar will take away a lot of flow.

There is probably a scientific way to figure it out...but i dont know it. Im not one for eductors or worrying about it...i tend to just buy bigger pumps.

I think your flow in that tank with two seios, the mag 7 driving the spraybar(s) both under and at your rocks would be sweet. Add that to the MH light you just added last week and you are left with a system that can happily support pretty much anything and do it well.

To be sure it could with the mag 5 as well, but id go with the 7....the cost difference is only a few bucks i think

Evil McToast · 10-06-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly Guy

To be sure it could with the mag 5 as well, but id go with the 7....the cost difference is only a few bucks i think

I think ill go with the mag 7 and put a ball valve in. Better to over-do than under-do. Plus it is only $5 more.

About drilling the tank. Are most 29 gallons tempered? I asked this question about a 10 gallon, but a 29 gallon might be different. I may have to find the phone number of the company to make sure, but some opinions would be nice. Again, it is the wal-mart 29 gallon setup.

Geoff · 10-06-2006, 09:52 PM

spraybars need a lot of flow to see like they are actually working. i usually recommend a Mag 12 on a 3-4' spraybar. anything smaller than that you will not be getting much force out of the holes to actually move the detritus forward.

G~

Evil McToast · 10-08-2006, 12:04 AM

In that case, a mag 7 seems reasonable on a 24" spraybar. Also, I found out that the 29 gallon display is completely tempered, so I will have to come over the back. This makes me aprehensive about drilling the 10 gallon, since I got them both from wal-mart.

If I don't use the spraybar, is there another way to keep the crap out from under the rocks? Can I run the return down one side and just direct it under the rocks? This would probably blow sand everywhere though. Should the two SEIO 620's be enough to keep the bottom clear with a mag 5 return.

reefermike1 · 10-08-2006, 11:41 AM

glass tanks are only siliconed togeather, if u have your heart set on drilling u could get a piece of glass the size of what u want, drill it and swap it out for the tempered piece. not saying id recommend it but it could be done

notatallhappygolucky · 10-08-2006, 11:44 AM

I drilled the bottom of my 29G from PetSmart. How did you decide yours was tempered?

Evil McToast · 10-08-2006, 01:22 PM

because there was a sticker on the bottom and back that said tempered glass. I only saw the one on the bottom, because the one on the back was hidden half way under the trim. I'll try to see if I can find a used 29 gallon for cheap that isn't tempered.