Undergravel jet system

[Kennnnny]

Hello, I'm in the process of redoing my 6ft malawi tank and want to fit an undergravel jets to keep the substrate clean and cut down maintenance.

What I can't decide is how strong should the powerhead be and what diameter of pipes should I use. I think about 5 jets will cover everything.

I was thinking about maybe hooking the outflow of my jbl cristalprofi1500 up to the system. Downside to this is that there will be very little surface movement.

So a powerhead just for the jets is the way to go I guess. How much flow will I need and what size pvc tubing?

Thanks

[Lady Hobbs]

You "could" use an UGF with reverse flow pumps to push the gunk up (rather than pulling it down) so the other filter could pick it up.

The only thing I would recommend an UGF filter for actually. They just seem like a good filter for tanks full of rocks.

Would you check your PM at the top right please? Thanks

[Kennnnny]

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear about what I will be making. This isn't a filter but something to have waterflow all over the tank bottom. Water shoots out of the jets and keeps debris from settling. picture

I have sand in tank btw so an UGF reverse or normal won't be of much help.

[Goes to 11!]

Heads up, Your picture link is not working [For me at least].

[Kennnnny]

Works fine for me. Let me try something else then.

Heads up, Your picture link is not working [For me at least].

[Goes to 11!]

Nope

It is a site where you need to sign in because 'private' is showing in the address bar as part of the address?

[Lady Hobbs]

Not me either but I see the link says "private".

[Cermet]

The jet system looks really nice (the picture opens fine for me.) With rocks that will really stir the water well. Not clear why you need the UGF; if these will be under the UGF with gravel over top, should be ok; sand might be an issue if you have a large flow.

[Kennnnny]

No I won't be using an UGF. Not sure where that came from.

I don't think sand will be much of a problem. The jets will be in an upward angle so they stick out just above the sand. I've also done a lot of reading about this and never came across anything negative from people with sand in their tank.

So yeah I'm pretty sure it works fine regardless of substrate choice. I'm just having difficulty with choosing pipe diameter and gph for the pump.

The jet system looks really nice (the picture opens fine for me.) With rocks that will really stir the water well. Not clear why you need the UGF; if these will be under the UGF with gravel over top, should be ok; sand might be an issue if you have a large flow.

[Scrup]

I used 3/4" and 1/2" CPVC and it worked great. Had a 3/4" spine with 1/2" lines. I suggest making the jets if you can by heating and crimping the ends. Makes a huge difference with flow. I can tell you, no matter what, you are going to have less flow than you think. I ran a 600gph pump on a 125G and it was much less than I wanted. Had to add 2 powerheads to get it acceptable for what I was looking for. If I did it again I would have done 2 pumps with 2 different lines.

*edit- Just got the picture to open. Looks good only I would still look into splitting it into two. Give it a shot without sand and see (test it with cheap flake food). Then if you are not satisfied switch it up and try different things.

Also I never had a problem with the sand. I do suggest adhering the sand to the cpvc though.