Spray Bar Modifications

[drdud]

I have made the transition to a canister filter (SunSun HW 303B with UV light). This introduces my first spray bar. I am thinking about modifying the spray bar to have a 90 elbow and direct all return flow from the end of the tank to cause flow to go left to right vice back to front. I would make this out of PVC pipe and drill the holes. Seems like I could get better mixing of the entire tank. Ideas?

1) Most filter arrangements have the spray bar on the back wall. Is there a reason besides keeping the side glass unobstructed for better viewing of fish?

2) Should I vary the position of the holes so vary the direction of flow or should all the spray be directed in the same direction? I also have a HOB that is being modified to use plant roots (golden potho) as a nitrite filter. This breaks the surface tension of the water for oxygenation, so I am more concerned with water flow and agitation of the tank for filtration.

3) When building this from PVC, is there a recommended PVC cement and primer I should use or is the stuff that says approved for drinking water applications good enough?

4) What is the best way to mount a spray bar so it does not move all over the place. The little suction cups don't seem to work very well.

 

[drdud]

Opps. Forgot a question. I thought that while I was designing a spray bar, why not add a vent valve to the of the u-tube so that I could open the vent when I fill the canister after filter maintenance. This should speed up the fill/priming process.

 

[GEV83]

Hmmmm I don't got an answer for you but this is gonna be interesting since I will be in the same boat soon. I got pleco's and well would be benificial if the spray bar pushed the poop to the intake valve.

 

[dundadundun]

3) drinking water cement will be just fine.

 

[Haydn24]

I have a sun sun and its spray bar is quite unstable but I have my spray bar on the end like you have yours except my intake is on the end with the spray bar because I can't get it to the other end cause of space issues. It kind of creates a river sort of flow.

 

[Inglorious]

Your drawing is exactly how I have my Sunsun 302 set up, and it's been working fine for me.

 

[koipoloi]

I have the intake on the end and the spray bar as you have it. No elbow needed if intake is on the end of the tank.

 

[drdud]

Well, I guess putting the spray bar on the short side will work. I like having my intake on the opposite side as the spray bar.

Any comments on changing the spray pattern by drilling holes at different angles?

What about the vent idea? I am not sure how well the canister will fill after maintenance without an air vent.

 

[oscardelahoya]

I have the same set up just with an over flow system. I made my spray bar out of pvc and it works great. I got suction cups from lowes and then put them on the actual spray bar in the tank, holds it tight against the side.