Filter Return Location

[Slider]

I'm just setting up and wondered if there is any hard opinion on whether the filter inlet and return are better at opposite ends or the same ends of the tank. Those that I have spoken to appear divided on the subject. Anyone got any firm views as to which is best? Also what is the best method of re-introducing the water back into the tank. I am assuming that the return opening must be some distance (2"?) below the surface to avoid loss of CO2 but could still use either open tube or spray bar. Open tube is perhaps less obtrusive but does a spray bar distribute flow more evenly.

For the record my set-up is:

Tank - 48" x 18" (D) x 22" (H) - approx 75 (UK) gallons capacity
Filter - Eheim 2126 external
Substrate - General 3mm gravel (40/50kg) giving an average 4" depth + 5L Tropica Plant Substrate
Lighting - 4 x High Output T5 (54w) lamps - 216w total using 'Daylight' tubes with reflectors
CO2 - pressurised system connected to an Aqua Medic Reactor 500. Water supply to the Reactor fed by teeing off from the filter return and using in-line valves to regulate the flow

TIA

 

[Themuleous]

I prefer to have them at either end of the tank, then I know the filter isn't sucking up 'clean' water as soon as it gets added back to the tank. As for the return, its really personal choice, as you say, so long as the water's surface isn't disrupted to much you should be fine. I have both my CO2 tanks with a spray bar so there is a decent current in the tank, but these are only 1cm below the surface, with no adverse effect on the waters surface.

Sam