Author Topic: FX5 - spraybar or standard return ?  (Read 2822 times)

Offline Maize-N-Blue-D

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 878
  • 48096
    • 48096 Romeo
FX5 - spraybar or standard return ?
« on: November 26, 2013, 08:52:53 AM »
So I got this FX5 and I was wondering if I should build a DYI spraybar or just use the standard FX5 return.  With the FX5 return it is similar to putting in a small wavemaker (albiet) not as powerfull, but you still get a nice current in the tank.  But with a spraybar you get a lot of small streams of water going into the tank with not much of a current.

Please note - I do have a HOB on the tank to keep the top of the water agitated...

What is the benefit of doing a long spraybar as apposed to using the FX5 return ? 
"If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking" - GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR.

Offline Ron

  • African Cichlid Aficionado
  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2739
    • Howell, MI
Re: FX5 - spraybar or standard return ?
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2013, 09:08:57 AM »
Surface disturbance is important for O2 transfer.

Current is beneficial for moving waste about the tank so a filter can suck it up and sometimes fish may enjoy "playing" in it.

Which do you need/want more?
"All men are equal before fish."
- Herbert Hoover
Planted 100 Gallon Tank
550 Gallon Hap Tank

Offline LoveTheFishies

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 527
  • Dawn
    • 48060
Re: FX5 - spraybar or standard return ?
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2013, 09:23:38 AM »
I've never used a spray bar.  Some more info or pix would be nice.

Personally, I use a long, bar type of aerator in my tanks.  Keeps the surface moving.

Offline Maize-N-Blue-D

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 878
  • 48096
    • 48096 Romeo
Re: FX5 - spraybar or standard return ?
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2013, 09:29:55 AM »
Surface disturbance is important for O2 transfer.

Current is beneficial for moving waste about the tank so a filter can suck it up and sometimes fish may enjoy "playing" in it.

Which do you need/want more?

Since I have a HOB to keep the surface agitated, then current is more important.  So the FX5 return would be the best option..

Cool, I don't have to spend any more $$ ... That is always a good thing !
"If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking" - GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR.

Offline LoveTheFishies

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 527
  • Dawn
    • 48060
Re: FX5 - spraybar or standard return ?
« Reply #4 on: November 26, 2013, 09:32:25 AM »
Surface disturbance is important for O2 transfer.

Current is beneficial for moving waste about the tank so a filter can suck it up and sometimes fish may enjoy "playing" in it.

Which do you need/want more?

Speaking of fish "playing", I had a ruby red fry that loved to swim through the bubbles of the aeration bar.  Would ride it up about 6 inches, turn around and do it again.  Cute.