Filter output - Nozzles or Spray bar

[toofewfish]

What is everybody's preference for filter output in their tanks? Nozzles or Spray bars? Pro's and Cons of each.
If you use a spray bar, is it a DIY or purchased?

 

[Quagulator]

I use a combo of both (I typically use at least 2 filters on a tank, if not I usually split the return into 2+ outputs)

12" Spray bar in the middle of the tank - came with a Rena XP3 filter. Aimed up at the surface to create good agitation.

I then use normal shaped lily pipes for creating the bullk of the flow through the water column. I play around with positioning to get good overall water movement.

 

[Art]

I used to hate the spray nozzle for a long time and used Lily pipes. Then I realized that the nozzle creates a great gyre flow that is very beneficial. I know use it again.

Unlike many of you, I don’t use multiple filters. The bulk of my flow is done via a powerhead. What I’m after is broad flow but enough to disrupt the cuticle that forms over the plant leaves and that circulates CO2 throughout the entire aquarium.

The lily pipe can provide the broad flow but for my setup it was not enough.

 

[GreggZ]

I have used spray bars for many years. I have two of them just under the water line aimed up at about 45* to the surface. This creates constant surface agitation/rippling which generates good oxygen levels.

It also creates a good flow pattern. My flow ripples across the surface, down the front glass, then across the substrate to the back of the tank. Most all of my detritus ends up along the back glass and is easy to vacuum out, and the substrate remains nice and clean.

Here is a video of the rippling effect.

 

[toofewfish]

Thanks for your input. I am thinking that spray bars make the most sense for me. Now to find some black tubing and fittings to make a couple 22" bars for each side of my center overflow.