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

[codenfx]

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.

That might explain why one side return nozzle of my WB tank is weaker than the other, I'm currently using two RFG. I don't like that duck bill attachment, when my turbo snails take half of that opening the water splashes everywhere, not an issue with RFG.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I just made mine asymmetric so it can sit closer to the waterline.

Pretty clever actually.

 

[1112-425XL]

 

[shwareefer]

Other. A cut off canister "j" pipe intake. It's just a hair below the surface - doesn't cause a vortex and doesn't back-siphon during a power outage.

 

[Kodski]

I think I’ve used every kind out there including self made 3D printed nozzles, Innovative marine spin streams, and RFG from Vivid Aquatics.

My go to will always be the RFG’s appropriately sized for the flow. I tend to follow their recommendation of 10-15% more flow than the recommended range and it’s not let me down with good randomization of the flow pattern.

My smaller tank I decided to try out the Innovative Marine spin stream nozzles and I’m happy with them. I have dual return nozzles Dan from one pump, so to make sure that they were not synced I made the run of pimple slightly shorter/longer to one nozzle than the other. This put them out of sync just enough that they cycle to the same position only once every 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Giving me some nice randomized flow patterns in my tank.


I think most people who are disappointed in either option don’t match they nozzles to their flow rates appropriately and end up with sub par results. I’ve had that happen to me a few times with the RFG’s. After some tinkering, I’ve always been happy with the end product.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

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.

I use them too. Ty vca

 

[56longroof]

I'm going to use a couple Sea Swirls I picked up super cheap. Hopefully I'll start my build thread real soon.

 

[waterskiguy]

Random flow generator from Vivid Aquatics, for me. Great product and Antonio is a great guy I'll always be happy to support.

 

[NickCage007]

Random flow generators. Vca. They just WORK.

 

[Baugher3715]

RFGs here.

 

[Tian]

VCA Random Flow Generators

 

[StevePhx]

VCA RFGs

I’ve used them for years but was even more convinced when I saw their tank at the shop.

They use only RFGs to create flow in an SPS powered by a couple of Neptune Cor pumps.

The water movement in that tank is amazing.

 

[Jedi1199]

I use RFG on both returns on my reef tank. My FOWLR tank had dual outputs on both returns so the flow is dispursed enough I don't see a reason to change them.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics]

VCA RFGs

I’ve used them for years but was even more convinced when I saw their tank at the shop.

They use only RFGs to create flow in an SPS powered by a couple of Neptune Cor pumps.

The water movement in that tank is amazing.

I love showing off that tank - so glad you got a chance to see it

Here is one of our latest short videos on the tank - really shows off the coral growth, which I attribute mostly to the flow created by the random Flow Generators

 

[BOYERZ]

Modified 1/2" loc-line

 

[Rjramos]

Unable to vote for 2 so I went with RFG’s. But truly, I use many nozzle types, depending on where I want the water to go. Loc-line makes many different types. A flare may be used to move water along the surface or across a pane of glass. I also use Venturi’s that draw more water from behind the nozzle. A corner that is left stagnant is the perfect place for these.

 

[rsumner]

I have five (yes 5) returns. Each one has a 1" VCA RFG's running on it. I found that pushing around 600GPH through each RFG gives you good random flow but not so much that it causes a ton of splashing. I did have to get some of VCA's Jumbo 1" loc-line so I could drop two of the returns a little lower into the display to prevent the eductor from pulling in air via a surface vortex.

With a high turn over rate, a good number and distribution of return lines, and the RFGs, I get great flow with less need for powerheads.

 

[snorklr]

the original one from my 20 year old wet/dry....is this the question of the day or a RFG infomercial ?

 

[doubleshot00]

I use a flat loc-line nozzles in my im15 and a nozzle type loc-line my big tank.

But in my sons new WB20 I wanted to try a random flow generator. Ill say idk what its supposed to do any different than a regular loc-line nozzle. When my nero3 is off the flow looks minimal. I assume you have to really crank the pump up to get the random flow.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics]

I use a flat loc-line nozzles in my im15 and a nozzle type loc-line my big tank.

But in my sons new WB20 I wanted to try a random flow generator. Ill say idk what its supposed to do any different than a regular loc-line nozzle. When my nero3 is off the flow looks minimal. I assume you have to really crank the pump up to get the random flow.

Sounds like maybe the pump my be a bit undersized - if you're interested, send us a DM with the details of the tank, and we'll be happy to help you get the most out of the RFG.