return plumbing question

[vp6799]

It's been a while since I posted on here. I finally have some free time to start setting my 72 Bow tank and have a return plumbing question.

I want to set up the return line so it has 4 outlets. I'm just not sure on the outlets that are in the center of the tank. Right now, all 4 outlets have the basic round outlets.

I also have 2 flat outlets that I was thinking about switching the 2 center round outlets for, but am not sure if I should or just leave it the way it is?

The return pump is a Mag 9.5 and it's going to be located in the stand under the tank.

Should I keep it the way it is?
Or should I switch out 2 round outlets for 2 flat outlets?
What are the benefits of using the flat outlets if any?

Here's some pics of the current setup. Plus some pics of the flat outlets.

Top view of return setup:

Bottom view of return line and view of the center outlet:

View of the flat outlets that i'm talking about:

 

[salthobby]

looks like that is set up to use the return for flow, I see no need for four outlets, use powerheads.

 

[JohnK]

Split up like that and with a mag 9 powering it, I would expect that you would see most of the flow coming out of the outlet on the left, a trickle out of the right and something in between in the center. I'd probably skip the center outlets and stay with one or two outlets.

 

[vp6799]

I'm not doing it to provide the full flow in the tank. It'll create a random flow along with the vortech powerhead.

Thanks for the info John. Didn't think of that... I have some 1/2" Loc-Line with ball valves that I'll install instead. The 1/2" should create some back pressure and help spread it across all outlets, and the Loc-Line ball valves will let me fine tune each nozzle if needed to equalize the flow.

Vic