What are some options of over the top return lines?

[Piper1]

Right now, I am looking at using one of the U-Tube directions flow pieces that I can just hang on the back top edge for my return. It has a duckbill type nozzle on the end, and the return line just slides onto the other end of it, it is in a u-shape and just hooks right onto th top edge. What are some other options, or is there something better to use, that will allow me to come over the top with the return? (too late to drill it)

[serpentman]

Personally, I would make my own out of PVC and loc-line.

[Piper1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11964186#post11964186 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by serpentman
Personally, I would make my own out of PVC and loc-line.


Do you know of any links to show something like that and how to build?

[memorysan]

Not to hijack your thread, but I was planning on using an Eheim spray bar for the return, does anyone see a problem with this?

(The one on the right)

http://a1272.g.akamai.net/7/1272/1121/20060106161316/www.drsfostersmith.com/images/Categoryimages/larger/lg_12791_FS19579D.jpg

[JoeMomma]

I use pvc and loc-line but I will note that going over the top will limit your fish selection as you won't be able to completely cover your tank (unless you get creative).

I have had to forget about any eels and potentially firefish and etc.

[A.VOID]

Bumping this up for any more pix of loc-line/ pvc set-up pix. I need to get my return built up and I need a couple ideas on the loc-line components. It appears that loc-line is the best way piece to come out of the pump. The rest appears to be pvc for the least expensive alternative. What am I missing?

[Piper1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11964464#post11964464 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JoeMomma
I use pvc and loc-line but I will note that going over the top will limit your fish selection as you won't be able to completely cover your tank (unless you get creative).

I have had to forget about any eels and potentially firefish and etc.


I have a hood canopy over my tank, and can put gutter guard/eggcrate over the back, so jumping is not a concern

[Nanz]

Basically it works like this...

Return Pump - Insert Fitting - Hose - Insert fitting - PVC - Ball Valve - PVC. The ball valve is in there to fine tune the pump to the right speed for your tank. It can redirect water to a refugium or just put back pressure on the pump.

At the end of the PVC you will need a FPT fitting to screw the Locline into. Most people use a Lockline MPT fitting with a Y and then two loc lines and then to output nozzle. Locline is only used in the water because its not waterproof. Its a line you can use to direct your flow.

There are also some that use penductors to get an increase in flow and I think locline makes a flow accelerator.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b152/uahpimp/IMG_0841.jpg

Then there are some who use sea swirls or wavy sea to move their flow from left to right.
http://www.aquacave.com/images/wavysea%20motion%201.jpg

and finally there is some who build manifolds to direct the water.
http://forum.marinedepot.com/Uploads/Images/1159556f-efda-4c3b-9efd-dbd2.jpg

[A.VOID]

HMMM >>
- So Loc-line is not a solution for the main return because it's not waterproof. (Good to know)
- What are the fittings to get from the pump >>> the PVC? I assume 3/4" PVC is correct?