Spraybars for a 55g

Phishnoob · 10-27-2004, 09:26 AM

On Mrs. Phish's tank we are currently sumpless but would like to get rid of all of the powerheads and install spray bars. I did a search on spray bars and was overwhelmed.

My questions are:

1. Is it better to install the bar along the top of the tank or in back along the top of the SSB.

2. How do I match the right pump to the right HoB overflow? Can I just install a ball valve to throttle down a bigger pump then we think we need?

3. Is this setup too small to consider using an external pump? Would it be better to just stick a 10g under there as a sump? (We have a stand with a center support piece cutting the room down there in half)

4. Will four spray outlets be okay. Do I need SCWD/s?

5. Are these self priming vacuum type overflows the way to go (we are worried about a flood).

Geoff · 10-27-2004, 10:00 AM

if you are just trying to get rid of the PH then a CLS is the way to go. you do not need OF or sump for one of these. there are several plans for over the top CLS's out there. here is a pic of my wifes on her 75. it is a little difficult to see, but follow the pipes to and from the Quiet One pump.

G~

motorslave · 10-27-2004, 08:52 PM

I have a spray bar in my 55 and it is ran as a CLS powered by an external pump. Since the tank is a BB the spray bar sits on the bottom and blows forward and up against the back glass also. I have holes drilled every two inches. For a sand bed Im not sure how you would want to set it up. The main purpose of mine is to keep the detritus out of places I cant get to. For the SSB maybe you could slightly elevate it or aim the flow slightly up so as not to disturb the sand. I can say that mine does its job great, it realy simplifies house keeping!

Robert

Phishnoob · 10-28-2004, 12:05 AM

Geez 2000 posts and I don't know what a CLS is. Also...do I do the top facing down or the bottom going across?

Well at least my beer fridge chiller project is finished. One down about six in progress.

Doug1 · 10-28-2004, 01:17 AM

Closed Loop System
Bottom going across is a good way, tho with a powerful nuff pump you can have some point in up at an angle to move water as well

wanareef · 10-28-2004, 06:09 AM

http://www.internetsyndicate.com/per...nightfront.jpg Here's a link to a spray bar/LR rack

http://www.internetsyndicate.com/per...frontclose.jpg
Here's another with a CL and the spray bar/LR rack

http://www.internetsyndicate.com/per...ightopdown.jpg A nice shot of it top down

Phishnoob · 10-28-2004, 07:05 PM

I think for our long 55g tank going from the top would look tidier and work just fine.

Can you glue those black spray nozzle pieces they have from Marine Depot to PVC? Also, is a closed loop just taking the return off your tank as the supply to an external pump and putting the water back in via spray nozzles or is it more complicated? Can you just avoid an overflow of any kind altogether?