Want opinion on return type

da_mob · 12/11/2011, 11:15 AM

Hi all. I'm getting ready to start the plumbing on my 75G, and I'm debating between two different types of return into the tank: a simple PVC elbow, or using line-loc, at least that is what I've always referred to it as.

I'm going to have relatively low flow through the sump (~325 GPH), so I will have a closed loop + powerheads for in-tank circulation.

Just wondering what type of return did you go with on your tank and why? What are some hidden benefits / cons to either type? The main thing I can think of with line-loc is it's easily adjustable to provide flow to different areas.

My current opinion is to just use pvc elbow for sump return, and then use line-loc for closed loop system. Thoughts?

Misled · 12/11/2011, 11:21 AM

I ran my return through a seaswirl. While it only has 200 gph going through it, it breaks up the pattern of the other flow in the tank.

SDguy · 12/11/2011, 12:16 PM

Both of my large tanks simply have the return coming into the tank *just* below the water line. Neither are there to produce flow... that is taken care of by various internal powerhead type devices. This way I have minimal back drainage during power outages.

Robb in Austin · 12/11/2011, 12:40 PM

Mine is through loc line just below the surface.
I have a flare nozzle with the output set at about a 45deg angle to stir the surface a bit and it also acts as a siphon break once it's out of the water about 1/4 inch.

Indymann99 · 12/11/2011, 03:06 PM

+1 surface agitation breaks up surface tension and promotes gas exchange. Also having the return outputs at the surface limits backflow when the return pump is OFF.

vid below

W8lifts · 12/11/2011, 06:36 PM

I have a 1200 GPH flow (closed loop) in my 75 gallon plus an MP40 powerhead

Palting · 12/11/2011, 06:49 PM

I use 4 loc-lines for the returns, as I have a 1400 gph return. It's a relatively high sump flow, but I also have a large sump. The loc-lines help direct the flow and acts in concert with the 4 powerheads I have in the tank. Then again, I don't have a closed loop system, so it's a little different concept from yours.

From readings I had several years ago when I was researching my tank before the build, my understanding about closed loops is that there are multiple outlets to provide a broad flow patttern. A loc-line, designed to give a directed pattern, would be contradictory to this concept. Then again, this is just my understanding from readings. Someone with a successful closed loop can chime in regarding loc-lines and closed loops.

12/11/2011, 11:15 AM	#1
da_mob Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Siloam Springs, AR Posts: 63	Want opinion on return type Hi all. I'm getting ready to start the plumbing on my 75G, and I'm debating between two different types of return into the tank: a simple PVC elbow, or using line-loc, at least that is what I've always referred to it as. I'm going to have relatively low flow through the sump (~325 GPH), so I will have a closed loop + powerheads for in-tank circulation. Just wondering what type of return did you go with on your tank and why? What are some hidden benefits / cons to either type? The main thing I can think of with line-loc is it's easily adjustable to provide flow to different areas. My current opinion is to just use pvc elbow for sump return, and then use line-loc for closed loop system. Thoughts?

12/11/2011, 11:21 AM	#2
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	I ran my return through a seaswirl. While it only has 200 gph going through it, it breaks up the pattern of the other flow in the tank. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

12/11/2011, 12:16 PM	#3
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 23,384	Both of my large tanks simply have the return coming into the tank just below the water line. Neither are there to produce flow... that is taken care of by various internal powerhead type devices. This way I have minimal back drainage during power outages. __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 15g QT.

12/11/2011, 03:06 PM	#5
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	+1 surface agitation breaks up surface tension and promotes gas exchange. Also having the return outputs at the surface limits backflow when the return pump is OFF. vid below __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

12/11/2011, 06:36 PM	#6
W8lifts Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: DFW area Posts: 276	I have a 1200 GPH flow (closed loop) in my 75 gallon plus an MP40 powerhead __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 75 gallon Display, 30 Gallon Sump,12 gallon Nano, ATS, Vortex MP40, Coralife Skimmer, UV Twist, Oceanic Chiller,250 watt MH's,ATO, Apex Cont, RO/DI four stage, Kalk Mixer, Phosban Reactor, and the addiction keeps going....

12/11/2011, 12:40 PM	#4
Robb in Austin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Georgetown, Tx Posts: 1,016	Mine is through loc line just below the surface. I have a flare nozzle with the output set at about a 45deg angle to stir the surface a bit and it also acts as a siphon break once it's out of the water about 1/4 inch.

12/11/2011, 06:49 PM	#7
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	I use 4 loc-lines for the returns, as I have a 1400 gph return. It's a relatively high sump flow, but I also have a large sump. The loc-lines help direct the flow and acts in concert with the 4 powerheads I have in the tank. Then again, I don't have a closed loop system, so it's a little different concept from yours. From readings I had several years ago when I was researching my tank before the build, my understanding about closed loops is that there are multiple outlets to provide a broad flow patttern. A loc-line, designed to give a directed pattern, would be contradictory to this concept. Then again, this is just my understanding from readings. Someone with a successful closed loop can chime in regarding loc-lines and closed loops. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

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