Best reef ready tank deal of 2024 - whose looking for a new tank?

[VintageReefer]

Why would they use 1” tubing and 1” bulkhead and then reduce to .75” lockline? Wouldn’t this just be a bottleneck?

Now I’m wondering if I should use the reducer, provided lockline and .75” rfg or if I should scrap these extra parts and just install 1” lockline and 1” rfg

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics]

@Vivid Creative Aquatics
So looking at my above post it seems if we want 1” rfg we would just remove factory lockline, remove the reducer, and pop in the 1” multi adapter, and then connect the 1” lockline you guys sell?

Yep.... basically,

You could use a 3035-sereis Multidapter and jam it in there once the reducer is removed, or leave the reducer in place and use the 2530-sereis Multidapter.

The other option, and maybe even easier option to install would be to combo the adapters with the threaded NPT that you have - as shown in a previous post - here's the sequence

There are a number of ways to convert this to a 1in outlet without having to replumb the bulkehad

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Why would they use 1” tubing and 1” bulkhead and then reduce to .75” lockline? Wouldn’t this just be a bottleneck?

Now I’m wondering if I should use the reducer, provided lockline and .75” rfg or if I should scrap these extra parts and just install 1” lockline and 1” rfg

Flow, vs. Pressure. The reduction will create and increased pressure. (garden hose + nozzle). You would have to consider what are you using your return for, tank turnover or water movement.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics]

Why would they use 1” tubing and 1” bulkhead and then reduce to .75” lockline? Wouldn’t this just be a bottleneck?

Now I’m wondering if I should use the reducer, provided lockline and .75” rfg or if I should scrap these extra parts and just install 1” lockline and 1” rfg

I think the one reason one might to do this, is if they did not know about the 1in Jumbo Modular hose hose system that we offer. Loc-Line , the brand, only offer modular hose up to 3/4in in size.

WIth that said, other possible reason to have oversized plumbing feeding an under sized outlet such as in this case is to increase throughout.

One of the tricks to getting the most out of your pump and getting the highest throughput, is to over size the pipe and then reduce it down as close as possible to the outlet. This basically slows the velocity of the fluid running through the pipe, effectively reduces friction and thus delivers more volume to the outlet. The effect and increase in throughput can by quite dramatic, if you have never tried, it.

 

[JoJosReef]

I think the one reason one might to do this, is if they did not know about the 1in Jumbo Modular hose hose system that we offer. Loc-Line , the brand, only offer modular hose up to 3/4in in size.

WIth that said, other possible reason to have oversized plumbing feeding an under sized outlet such as in this case is to increase throughout.

One of the tricks to getting the most out of your pump and getting the highest throughput, is to over size the pipe and then reduce it down as close as possible to the outlet. This basically slows the velocity of the fluid running through the pipe, effectively reduces friction and thus delivers more volume to the outlet. The effect and increase in throughput can by quite dramatic, if you have never tried, it.

My understanding, based on prior conversations with VCA on the subject, was that the greatest tank flow would be from using 1in locline/1in RFA. Presumably that means removing the 3/4in reducer.

Are you saying though that the reducer to 3/4in would push more volume through the 3/4in RFG and give better water movement?

I'm tempted to take the bulkhead/gaskets/elbow tube and redo it the normal way.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics]

Are you saying though that the reducer to 3/4in would push more volume through the 3/4in RFG and give better water movement?

No, but if you were planning on running 3/4in RFGs, the 1in return pipe to the 3/4in outlet would be ideal, from a total throughput standpoint.

with that said, if your estimated GPH at the nozzle is less than 600GPH (after any/all headloss) then a single 3/4in RFG would outperform a single 1in RFG at that same flow rate.

Each RFG, has a "Suggested Optimal Flow" or SOF Rating. At that flow rate, it's where we feel you get the best randomization for the least amount of backpressure - sort of a balance between the two.

But, if you have head pressure to spare and can provide flow beyond the SOF rating - in exchange for the additional headpresure, you get an even bigger, more pronounced effect out of the RFG. Of course there are diminishing returns, so you then move up to the next size RFG.

the 3/4in RFG will top out at around 650 to 700 GPH, while the 1in will top out at around 750 to 800 GPH total water volume through the nozzle.

 

[JoJosReef]

No, but if you were planning on running 3/4in RFGs, the 1in return pipe to the 3/4in outlet would be ideal, from a total throughput standpoint.

with that said, if your estimated GPH at the nozzle is less than 600GPH (after any/all headloss) then a single 3/4in RFG would outperform a single 1in RFG at that same flow rate.

Each RFG, has a "Suggested Optimal Flow" or SOF Rating. At that flow rate, it's where we feel you get the best randomization for the least amount of backpressure - sort of a balance between the two.

But, if you have head pressure to spare and can provide flow beyond the SOF rating - in exchange for the additional headpresure, you get an even bigger, more pronounced effect out of the RFG. Of course there are diminishing returns, so you then move up to the next size RFG.

the 3/4in RFG will top out at around 650 to 700 GPH, while the 1in will top out at around 750 to 800 GPH total water volume through the nozzle.

Current USA 1900 gph DC return pump. No idea what that translates to when you factor in pumping from sump to return nozzle, but the lump was purchased thinking of "overdriving" the RFG.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics]

Current USA 1900 gph DC return pump. No idea what that translates to when you factor in pumping from sump to return nozzle, but the lump was purchased thinking of "overdriving" the RFG.

I think you should have enough flow for either option - 3/4in or 1in .

Even with half of the rated flow, you would be good, either way

 

[JoJosReef]

I think you should have enough flow for either option - 3/4in or 1in .

Even with half of the rated flow, you would be good, either way

Thanks! I know you like flow. Here's a thought experiment if you have time:

I understand the 1" RFG pointed at the opposite corner of the tank will give some spread flow bouncing back throughout the tank. Maybe something like this?

Might mean that the sand bed corals are going to get quite a bit of unidirectional flow, right? I have an Mp40 to add to this tank. Contradirectional flow would be ideal, right? Where would be a good placement for an Mp40 to make sure that the sand bed corals (euphyllia, plates, zoas, and meat corals like trachys, lobos, etc) don't get blown too much in one direction?

Back side low-middle?

Front side middle?

Back glass pointing forward?

Thanks!

 

[JoJosReef]

This is how mine came.

@VintageReefer did your strainer come as a push-in or threaded? There are no internal threads in my drain pipe.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Thanks! I know you like flow. Here's a thought experiment if you have time:

I understand the 1" RFG pointed at the opposite corner of the tank will give some spread flow bouncing back throughout the tank. Maybe something like this?

Might mean that the sand bed corals are going to get quite a bit of unidirectional flow, right? I have an Mp40 to add to this tank. Contradirectional flow would be ideal, right? Where would be a good placement for an Mp40 to make sure that the sand bed corals (euphyllia, plates, zoas, and meat corals like trachys, lobos, etc) don't get blown too much in one direction?

Back side low-middle?

Front side middle?

Back glass pointing forward?

Thanks!

Your first two images are the same. But I would do return side, side glass, mid to low pointing down the back glass.
The RFA will be random and will not reach the opposite end, it will create a lot of turbulently trying though. A MP40 will push the resistance to the side and create a channel and can reach the the other side. Using the different modes you will be able to keep detritus off the back nd into your overflow.
Of course on my 40g cube I am running two VCA returns, 1 MP40, 1 MP10, and a 330 Gyre off the top...

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

This is how mine came.

@VintageReefer did your strainer come as a push-in or threaded? There are no internal threads in my drain pipe.

No thread is actually better.

 

[VintageReefer]

@JoJosReef
I have not attempted to remove my strainer but I assume it is a slip connection and pushes in

how is your return bulkhead? That’s what I was wondering about so we could get the rfg installed


As for flow If the overdriven rfg does lot prove to be enough then I would put a mp40 on the opposite side about 60-70% up from the sand bed, and roughly center front to back

 

[Danthefishman]

So they sold me the 1900gph return pump and hose for $150 since i bought the tank, which seems like a pretty good deal.

 

[VintageReefer]

So they sold me the 1900gph return pump and hose for $150 since i bought the tank, which seems like a pretty good deal.

Not bad! That’s 50$ off the pump and I don’t know what the hose costs

 

[Danthefishman]

Not bad! That’s 50$ off the pump and I don’t know what the hose costs

Yeah, they're really nice people. Excellent customer service. That's hard to find nowadays. It's been a pleasure doing business with them honestly.

 

[legionofdoon]

Current USA 1900 gph DC return pump. No idea what that translates to when you factor in pumping from sump to return nozzle, but the lump was purchased thinking of "overdriving" the RFG.

I have the current pump and the RFG if you run it more than lvl 3 it'll blast your corals.

 

[VintageReefer]

The quality is there also the tank and cabinet are really nice. I was surprised when I removed my sump they had a foam mat under it. Same for the tank. Also little felt pads where the plumbing connectors come close to the rear glass so the black finish doesn’t get scratched. Brackets to hold the weight of the plumbing. Guide rails for the ato to slide on.

Did your ato come with a lid? It should.

 

[VintageReefer]

I have the current pump and the RFG if you run it more than lvl 3 it'll blast your corals.

Even though the return is on the far right side of the tank? It’s got that much power mid way and far left of tank ?

 

[JoJosReef]

I have the current pump and the RFG if you run it more than lvl 3 it'll blast your corals.

Are you tunning any other powerheads? With the RFG (I have the 1") pointed at the opposite corner, are you getting enough flow around the sand bed?