Return Nozzle suggestions

K

Kaidman

New member
I'm trying to decide on what the best option(s) are for my return nozzle on a new tank. The tank is 300 gallons. I will be using a Vectra L1 as the return, which has an output of 1". I'm trying to decide to go with something simple such as Return Jet. Or if I should get a 1" Sea Swirl (or split into 2x 3/4" Sea Swirl).

The tank is not drilled for a return, so I will be going up and over for whatever I do get. Any suggestions between the two above? Or if I should look into other options. The main reason I'm not sure I want to get a Sea Swirl is I'm already planning to run a Gyre XF-150 near the top of the tank, so I suspect the Sea Swirl would break up the Gyre flow too much.
 
While the return jets work well i think the sea swirls just cant be beat for return flow just for the swaying and to get the spread.
 
Kaidman said:
I'm trying to decide on what the best option(s) are for my return nozzle on a new tank. The tank is 300 gallons. I will be using a Vectra L1 as the return, which has an output of 1". I'm trying to decide to go with something simple such as Return Jet. Or if I should get a 1" Sea Swirl (or split into 2x 3/4" Sea Swirl).

The tank is not drilled for a return, so I will be going up and over for whatever I do get. Any suggestions between the two above? Or if I should look into other options. The main reason I'm not sure I want to get a Sea Swirl is I'm already planning to run a Gyre XF-150 near the top of the tank, so I suspect the Sea Swirl would break up the Gyre flow too much.
Click to expand...
I'd use the Sea Swirls. I have a pair of the 1" ones on my return lines and have been using them for well over 15 years. They are extremely reliable, don't restrict flow and help create a more random chaotic flow which is always a good thing. Plus they don't require any maintenance and just keep running.
 
Dmorty217 said:
+2 to the seaswirls. Put a penductor on the end of the seaswirls for added flow
Click to expand...

The only issue I see with the use of a penductor is the fact that a pressure rated pump is recommended with them so that they function properly. The Vectra is not pressure rated which may result in a lack of good of preformance.
 
l will play contrarian. With all of the excellent in-tank flow options now available to us, I see no reason to futz around with ugly boxes on the rim if the tank. I much prefer a clean, relatively unobstructed main return - with minimized back pressure enabling a smaller pump. Flow is better managed with something like a vortech.

FWIW, I do run my CL Vectra through a pair of penductors. Seems to work just fine. Through a combination of poor planning and serendipity, the penductors are no longer easily removable due to that plague known as pocillopora.
 
Even with Vortech pumps I still love my SeaSwirl, but I have a canopy so the SeaSwirl is not very noticeable. It also provides my Starry Blennie with ours of entertainment as he rides it back and forth, for that reason alone it is worth the extra cost.
 
Return Nozzle suggestions

I have a canopy too and did have them cut out a hole large enough for the sea swirl. Sounds like that's the winner, I'll get one ordered.
 
So if Sea Swirl is channeling only return pump, is there a hole in SS to prevent sump overflow? Or is SS return pipe so close to surface that this is not an issue?

Thanks,

Mike
 
Buzz1329 said:
So if Sea Swirl is channeling only return pump, is there a hole in SS to prevent sump overflow? Or is SS return pipe so close to surface that this is not an issue?

Thanks,

Mike
Click to expand...

They channel the water near the surface. Mine stick down about an inch below the surface and break siphon as soon as the water gets to the top of the fitting.

The ends are black so they aren't very noticable. At least not to me. As for ugly boxes... You can't see the top of my tank since my tank is a peninsula that is drywalled in from top to bottom. Many others have canopies so that would eliminate the boxes from view as well. Even then, they aren't that bad if you had look at them and they serve their purpose. They do a great job in creating varying flow on the surface of the tank using a return line that would otherwise blast water in a straight direction. I like the chaotic flow they create and inceased varying surface agitation. My wave makers/Tunzes handle the flow at other levels and areas of the tank.

You can see them in the upper left of this picture.
image_zpsiawri0go.jpeg


Here is another shot and you can see my two sea swirls in the upper area of this picture.
image_zpsg3fwz4rp.jpeg
 
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Anyone have a link to these sea swirls you're referring to? I found a sea sweep, no a sea swirl. Sorry for the poor Google skills I guess. Usually I have no issues...
 
Thanks Kaidman and slief. Looks like worrying about sump overflow is not an issue. I had one way back when and was happy with it. I'll budget for another one.

Mike
 
Buzz1329 said:
Thanks Kaidman and slief. Looks like worrying about sump overflow is not an issue. I had one way back when and was happy with it. I'll budget for another one.

Mike
Click to expand...

Glad to help. I think you will be very happy with your choice. Like I said, I've been running them for well over 15 years and swear by them. They are extremely reliable.. In fact, probably the most reliable piece of aquarium equipment I have ever owned. They never stop working which amazes me considering they are mechanical devices in a very harsh environment. They are obviously very well made and yet simple enough to last. Best of all is that they provide for very nice random flow at the surface of the tank which makes great use of an otherwise static and constant return flow. I also run a few Tunze streams in my display and when the Sea Swirls switch from one side to the other, they create some terrific turbulence when the two currents meet. My corals and my giant BTA's love it! There are only upsides to the Sea Swirls in my opinion.
 
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