Return manifold question

[cweber]

I got my return manifold finished and installed. I have my pump rated at 380 gph for a ten gallon. My manifold is made out of 3/4 pvc and has 5 outlets. The turnover rate is there but the jets of water arent. It just doesnt seem to have enough turbulance in the tank. Im not happy with the finished manifold in general. My hardware store strongly suggested that i cement it together, so i cant take it apart. Should i make the outlets smaller, or build a new one with smaller pipe and fewer outlets? Thanks

Cory

P.S. I dont have a pic but for reference its very identical to iconz's.

[jojo22]

OK the cement is a good thing. If you want the flow to be a little more forceful heat the pipe and sqush the ends into a thin oval, the thinner they are the harder the water will come out. DO NOT cement the "jets" it will be nice for you to be able to turn them as you tank matures and you add things.

[cweber]

The jets arent cemented, i wanted to adjust them as you stated. I think im going to try and reduce the openings by adding a short piece of pvc and pinching the pvc instead of the T. So for softies and a few beginner lps, do i need strong current or just the turnover?

[cweber]

Also my wife appriciates your advice as i do not have to buy all new pvc stuff. lol

[cweber]

Its not as pretty as iconz

[jojo22]

What you could do to really trick it out is put a small peice of pipe and glue it in then add a 45 and then your flair. you would have greater contorl of exactly where the flow was directed.

Only make the peice between the manifold and 45 long enough to connect them, you don't even need to see it when the 45 is pushed on.

[cweber]

Im just afraid of how bulky it is maybe it will look better when its painted, but it just looks tacky to me right now.

So add a 45 to each outlet then pinch a piece of pipe at the end?

[jojo22]

I think that would give you greater control, when you paint be careful of the brand of paint, I have seen reviews about krylon fusion. But I have never painted anything inside my tank, so that is just what I have read.

[cweber]

Do you think it looks tacky the way it is?

[jojo22]

NAAHH! It only sticks out because there is nothing else in the tank. Once you get rock and fish and corals in there they will be the focal point and pull attention away from the manifold