What Is The Purpose Of A Spray Bar?

[Gvilleguy]

What would be the reasons to use a spray bar on a freshwater tank? Just curious. Thanks.

 

[ian]

We use spraybars in planted tanks to give a more even distribution of water, ie even distribution of ferts and C02.

 

[Josiee]

I use one in my Betta's tank to reduce the current for him

 

[Gvilleguy]

I was wondering about current issues. My Fluval 205 has an outflow tube that causes a circular current throughout the tank (due to the bow front curve). So I was going to experiment with turning the outflow to point backwards, but was also wondering if a spraybar could serve to spread out the inflow and reduce currents.

 

[chrisrm]

I use mine to agitate the surface

 

[elisew]

I was wondering about current issues. My Fluval 205 has an outflow tube that causes a circular current throughout the tank (due to the bow front curve). So I was going to experiment with turning the outflow to point backwards, but was also wondering if a spraybar could serve to spread out the inflow and reduce currents.

By the sounds of it a spraybar would be perfect for your tank

 

[Gvilleguy]

After vacillating between a DIY project, or just getting the Fluval branded spray bar, I decided to buy the Fluval spray bar. It was only $9 at Petsmart.com. I'm hoping it will reduce the current and make my Bolivian Rams and Neon Tetras more comfortable.

 

[Gvilleguy]

I installed the Fluval branded spraybar yesterday on my 205, and it did what I had hoped. The circular current is totally gone, providing a lot calmer tank. The spray bar itself does not include any instructions, and it's a bit awkward to put together. You end up with an L shape coming out of the output tube. I had to trim some length off each tube to get it to fit. The little holes on the tubes are all in a line, so I faced them to the back tank wall. There is hardly any noticeable current coming out of the back wall.

 

[elisew]

Glad it`s all working ok.

One thing I would suggest though as you still need to agitate the surface is to have the holes facing front so that the current flows forward. Raising the spray bar so that it`s just rippling the surface would be good for the oxygen level. Obviously it`s up to you but I just thought I`d suggest it from my own personal experience

 

[Gvilleguy]

The surface agitation is adequately covered by the HOB power filter that pours a waterfall into the tank. I think it's enough. But I appreciate the suggestion!

 

[elisew]

The surface agitation is adequately covered by the HOB power filter that pours a waterfall into the tank. I think it's enough. But I appreciate the suggestion!

No worries, didn`t realise you had the power filter as well