Output Nozzle or Spraybar?

[mayhem]

I guess my first question should be, what is the purpose of a spraybar and would I need one?

I plan on an un-planted tank, probally a tetra tank (maybe, still unsure).

I have 2 filters for my 55 gallon....Fluval 404 and an AC110 and I remember back then I thought it created quite a current with the Fluvals output nozzle. Does a spraybar eliminate this or is it mainly used in planted tanks?

 

[Sploke]

A spraybar is useful in spreading out the flow from the return - the small jets coming out of the spraybar are diffused more quickly as they enter the tank than the single large one out of the nozzle, and if you make a long spraybar, you can disperse the return flow over a much larger portion of the tank. i use them in both planted and unplanted tanks.

 

[Cory Keeper]

I use a spray bar for my Magnum 350 to keep dirt from settling on my sand bed, its work to an extent. now the only dirt left is back behind driftwood.

 

[PaulJ69]

i like the spray bar better bec it evenly distributes the water flow rather than having one powerful jet of water going in one spot all the time

 

[mayhem]

So from the sounds of it, a spraybar would probally be worth while...yes? I was not happy with the nozzle, as the fish went by, it hit them with great force and just wasn't good for the overall aquascape.

 

[Cory Keeper]

I made mine out of PVC piping, sadly though I had to get a barbed adapter from 3/4 to 5/8 because my hose is 5/8