Directing return pump flow ???

So I have the standard split return with the adjustable flex lines. They sort of point to the sides of the tanks. Tried bouncing them off the front. Hard to get them right with my two Kor PHs. With the m pointing to the sides, seems they just sweep stuff into the LR. Doubt I'm getting any real flow through my LR.

What I was thinking was using some PVC to make a spray bar. Distribute the flow down the back of the tank along the length of it. Then have the power heads moving the top and outside of the rock.

Is this common???

What other options do I have besides the standard split return???

Just for reference. The return lines, powerheads on both sides of the tank, and the rockwork.

 

Sea Swirl

 

Oceans Motions has a set of moving nozzles to direct flow, if the flow stream is intermittent, such as when a 2, 4, or 8 port oscillator is used on the return lines...

 

The trouble that your going to go through drilling the holes in the pvc, you might as well just buy the spray bar from LocLine. Not to mention, you wont be able to adjust the flow of each opening like you would be able to with the LocLine spary bar. Each "link" in the spary bar can be pointed in diffenent directions. I have a Mag18 with about 3'-1/2 of spary bars and its great. Food for thought. Luna

 

Thanks a lot guys. The solenoids are quite cool. Maybe in the future. Wow... the possibilities are endless.

Luna... this is why I ask. Drilling holes sounded good, but I didn't even think about possible jacked up flow direction that might result. LocLine stuff would be much better. I can see that there are a lot of possibilities out there, but this will do exactly what I want for now.

 

Not to mention, alot cheaper. Luna

 

Went to the LFSs today. They had some standard fittings, but nothing special. I'll have to order on line.

However, it was time for my WC and maintenance. The LFS said to put the power head on the lid pointing down. Sounded stupid, thought that would be way to much flow.

I pointed the power head back at the wall angled down. Holy crap. I knew it would stir stuff up. I take a power head I use for my WCs and blow off rock and back behind them. However, it is brilliant!

Every bit of rock I have has flow out of it. It gets split up and stuff by the rocks in back. Was able to adjust my other flows perfect. With all the crap in the water I could see every coral getting what it needed with out getting hammered. There is even a weird current that changes from time to time and gives things a little blast.

I'm so happy. I just wanted to know I had good flow across the rocks for filtering and there wasn't a huge dead pile of crap back there. It turned out better than I thought.

I still might order some parts and do something else. I at least know I am on the right track. Free is awesome!!! Thanks for the help.