What are some options of over the top return lines?

Piper1 · 02/28/2008, 08:07 AM

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 · 02/28/2008, 08:09 AM

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

Piper1 · 02/28/2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted 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 · 02/28/2008, 08:51 AM

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)

JoeMomma · 02/28/2008, 09:01 AM

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 · 02/28/2008, 09:18 AM

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 · 02/28/2008, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted 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 · 02/28/2008, 11:41 AM

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.

Then there are some who use sea swirls or wavy sea to move their flow from left to right.

and finally there is some who build manifolds to direct the water.

A.VOID · 02/28/2008, 01:04 PM

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?

02/28/2008, 08:07 AM	#1
Piper1 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 103	What are some options of over the top return lines? 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)

02/28/2008, 08:09 AM	#2
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	Personally, I would make my own out of PVC and loc-line. __________________ BS in Marine Bio ('96), First SW tank in 1992. Current Tank(s) 300g SPS with 90g frag tank and 40 anemone tank - decommissioned 46g LPS/Softy Cube 300g FOWLR under construction - decommissioned

02/28/2008, 11:41 AM	#8
Nanz Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,389	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. Then there are some who use sea swirls or wavy sea to move their flow from left to right. and finally there is some who build manifolds to direct the water. __________________ S.G. = 1.025, Temp = 78.5, pH = 8.00 Ca = 550 ppm, Alk = 176 ppm (9.85 dKH), Mg = 1300 ppm NO3 = 0.97 ppm, PO4 = 0.07 ppm Nuvo 30, Razor Nano LED, Tunze ATO, Tunze 9004 skimmer, Vortec mp10,

02/28/2008, 08:51 AM	#4
memorysan Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Yokosuka, Japan Posts: 177	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)

02/28/2008, 09:01 AM	#5
JoeMomma Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 619	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.

02/28/2008, 09:18 AM	#6
A.VOID Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Columbus Posts: 985	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?

02/28/2008, 01:04 PM	#9
A.VOID Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Columbus Posts: 985	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?