Aquarium flow tip: What type of return nozzle do you use in your tank?

[Peace River]

Aquarium flow tip: What type of return nozzle do you use in your tank?

We spend a lot of time talking about return pumps, discussing flow in our tanks, and even figuring out plumbing, but what about the return nozzle where the water exits the plumbing from return pump and flows back into the tank to complete the cycle of water through the sump and back to the display. Beyond the conversation of turbulent, linear, planar, stream or any other descriptor used to describe the flow pattern, what is the last piece that the water flows through before it returns to the main aquarium? It may be a Random Flow Generator (RFG), another commercial flow nozzle, or a piece of PVC. There are also custom-made custom nozzles in various shapes, such as a 4-leaf clover pattern, that are 3D printed or modified PVC. Please tell us what type of return nozzle you use in your tank. Additionally, feel free to share if there is a return nozzle feature or design feature that you would like, but haven’t seen it available.

Photo by @WWC


This QOTD is sponsored by: www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com

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[Cichlid Dad]

I have the regular line lock return that came with the tank. I also have a closed loop system for flow. The return pump for the closed loop has a pulse mode that I use for random flow. The closed loop just uses 3/4 inch PVC 90 elbow.

 

[KStatefan]

I just use pvc fittings.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I use vivid creative Random flow nozzles which assist with water distribution and flow.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I use clear PVC elbows.

 

[shakacuz]

@Vivid Creative Aquatics 's RFG x2!

 

[AydenLincoln]

You know I have never really thought about or paid attention to this! The one that came with my Waterbox! I have never seen a reason to change or mess with it.

 

[CollinReefs]

i used PVC before but currently just use the built in return that came with the AIO

 

[Gtinnel]

On two of my tanks I just use the nozzle that came with the tank and on my other tank it’s a small piece of pvc that I heated and formed into a nozzle.

 

[Alexraptor]

You guys have returns?

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics]

A subject that is near an dear to me

Obviously, we use the Random Flow Generator® on every aquarium in our office. In fact, there isn't a single power head in the building.

Or current tank list includes:

• a 5 gallon fluval spec V
• a water box cube 10 gallon
• an Innovative marine 15 gallon peninsula
• and of course the big 134 gallon mixed reef cube tank

Every one of these tanks flow was created 100% by the random flow generator and the return pumps are closed loops.

Adding the random flow generator to any return line become extremely easy. We've basically put together the series of flow kits that include the most common adapters and fittings all I need to do is match your tank to one of the kits.


And for those here using just straight PVC pipe, almost all of our Flow Kits come with adapters that fit directly the PVC pipe. They include our new Multidapter fittings which will fit a variety of different pipe sizes both directly to pipes, pipe sockets fittings, bulkheads and elbows.

 

[N1tew0lf1212]

Parlaquatics for the win.....custom 3d rfg @Projects with Sam thanks for the return nozzles brotha....

 

[Floyd-]

I have two spin stream nozzles from Innovative Marine on my 25 Lagoon

 

[eleslie3]

an overhead pvc main line with 4 branches using ball valves and loc lines. only one random flow head, might get another

 

[Projects with Sam]

I'm using a PArlaNoz3Qtr

ParlaNoz3Qtr

A Turbulent flow nozzle design that limits the amount of air sucked in from the top. Designed to fit tightly onto 3/4" Loc-Line.

parlaquatics.com

and a yet unreleased ParlaNoz1Half

I cant tell the difference with all these random flow nozzles. I just made mine asymmetric so it can sit closer to the waterline.

 

[paragrouper]

3d printed RFG I from 3dreef.

 

[Cajun86]

A subject that is near an dear to me

Obviously, we use the Random Flow Generator® on every aquarium in our office. In fact, there isn't a single power head in the building.

Or current tank list includes:

• a 5 gallon fluval spec V
• a water box cube 10 gallon
• an Innovative marine 15 gallon peninsula
• and of course the big 134 gallon mixed reef cube tank

Every one of these tanks flow was created 100% by the random flow generator and the return pumps are closed loops.

Adding the random flow generator to any return line become extremely easy. We've basically put together the series of flow kits that include the most common adapters and fittings all I need to do is match your tank to one of the kits.


And for those here using just straight PVC pipe, almost all of our Flow Kits come with adapters that fit directly the PVC pipe. They include our new Multidapter fittings which will fit a variety of different pipe sizes both directly to pipes, pipe sockets fittings, bulkheads and elbows.

luv mine yall!

 

[Treefer32]

I use the siphon Stopper return nozzles from Custom Aquariums.com:

It has a bleed out that sits above the water level so that when the return pump is shut off it sucks air and prevents ongoing back siphons. I've tested it a few times and it works pretty well. No check valves on my setup just siphon stopper return nozzles.

 

[therootcause]

Nozzles have an effect on flow rate and some manufacturers (Waterbox) use specific nozzles to equalize flow on split returns. Take this into consideration before you throw on your buddies 3D printed nozzles.

 

[Croppincash757]

3d printed RFG I from 3dreef.

What material do you use that's reef safe