I was thinking about having a pvc tube off of a canister or wet/dry that went along the back of my tank. Would this added length cause need for more power or would the flow out just be less powerful than with a stock short spray bar?
Do i need more power with more plumbing?
- Thread starter diverbh4
- Start date
Would all depend.
Pump/canister output at tank height.
Size of pipe used.
Number and size of holes in the pipe.
Pump/canister output at tank height.
Size of pipe used.
Number and size of holes in the pipe.
would you mind elaborating a little? i am in all planning stages
Pump/canister output at tank height.
Size of pipe used.
Number and size of holes in the pipe.
-would an overpowered canister just null any problems?
-pipe would more than likely be the same size as stock...just going from a 12" spraybar to say 36" or 48"
-would 2 canisters covering half the length of the tank each be better?
or am i really overthinking this (i am planning on a stingray tank with some other fish tankmates)
Pump/canister output at tank height.
Size of pipe used.
Number and size of holes in the pipe.
-would an overpowered canister just null any problems?
-pipe would more than likely be the same size as stock...just going from a 12" spraybar to say 36" or 48"
-would 2 canisters covering half the length of the tank each be better?
or am i really overthinking this (i am planning on a stingray tank with some other fish tankmates)
The number and diameter of the holes is what you should really be concerned with.
Start with a certain pattern for, arguments sake say a 36" spraybar with hole spacing of suppose 1-1/2" or 2" apart.
Initially use say 1/8" diameter holes and test the pump or canister your are intending to use. If the force is too much go up a size to 3/16" holes, rinse and reepeat until you get the force or pressure you are looking for.
If the pressure is too high increase the amount of holes (decrease hole spacing), add length to the spray bar (increase the number of holes), or increase the diameter of holes. Or use smaller pump.
If presure is too low see above and do opposite. Or get bigger pump.
Start with a certain pattern for, arguments sake say a 36" spraybar with hole spacing of suppose 1-1/2" or 2" apart.
Initially use say 1/8" diameter holes and test the pump or canister your are intending to use. If the force is too much go up a size to 3/16" holes, rinse and reepeat until you get the force or pressure you are looking for.
If the pressure is too high increase the amount of holes (decrease hole spacing), add length to the spray bar (increase the number of holes), or increase the diameter of holes. Or use smaller pump.
If presure is too low see above and do opposite. Or get bigger pump.
A Spray bar only "sprays" when it's under pressure, otherwise it's a spill bar...
The pressure you build up in the bar will result in backpressure on the filter...
This is a commonly debated topic, but when teh input and output of a fitler are submerged there is no "head pressure" (althuogh other restrictions still exist). If your spray bar is not submerged, then your canister will be experiencing head pressure.
Though the backpressure from pressurizing the spray bar may be greater resistence than the head pressure thus canceling out the head pressure...
Ain't physics fun!
All in all, try it out, just don't destroy your original set up in the process. This way if it doesn't work out you can go back to your original set up.
As Fox3 suggested, start with smaller holes and go larger if necessary. It's a lot easier to make a hole bigger than to make it smaller...
The pressure you build up in the bar will result in backpressure on the filter...
This is a commonly debated topic, but when teh input and output of a fitler are submerged there is no "head pressure" (althuogh other restrictions still exist). If your spray bar is not submerged, then your canister will be experiencing head pressure.
Though the backpressure from pressurizing the spray bar may be greater resistence than the head pressure thus canceling out the head pressure...
Ain't physics fun!
All in all, try it out, just don't destroy your original set up in the process. This way if it doesn't work out you can go back to your original set up.
As Fox3 suggested, start with smaller holes and go larger if necessary. It's a lot easier to make a hole bigger than to make it smaller...