DIY hard plumbed fluval 404 outflow

[CJB]

I've found that the stock outflow setup of the fluval 404 is very restricting in terms of flow. So much flow is wasted in the series of 90's and 180's of the output.

So I decided to plumb my own for max efficiency/adjustability.

Materials Needed:
-1/2" male connector
-1/2" female connector(Slipxthreaded)
-1/2" PVC piping
-(3) 1/2" 90 degree elbows
-Teflon Tape
-Hacksaw or other
-Tape measure
-Black spray paint

Materials:

Putting teflon tape on the threads:

Screwed in and tightened:

Piece assembled that will go down the back of the tank. The 1/2" pvc is 18" long

Elbow installed...

14" long outflow tube added

I Used this to seal the pieces together.. it's really low viscosity and seeps down into the connections. Don't want any leaks.

Painted black: (Last elbow not shown on output end)

Paint I used:

Now I'm just waiting for the paint to dry then I can hook it up.

There will still be a bit of tubing involved obviously, only about 2-3' to the Pvc end.

Whatcha think?

 

[Tilapia Buttikoferi]

Awesome project, I'm thinking of doing this as well with my 404. Keep us updated!

 

[jjdsplace]

i want to see it hooked up

 

[CJB]

It's finished now, pics tomorrow.

 

[Ullopincrate]

How much more flow do you expect to gain?

 

[CJB]

Not quite sure really. I'd say probably 15gph.

 

[unstopablepuffers]

how bad are the factory parts? thats bassically the the inlet for a mag 350 canister

 

[Tilapia Buttikoferi]

What is the advantage of the pvc pipe over the clear vinyl tubing provided w/ the fluval? How does it lead to a gain in gph? Larger diameter?

 

[unstopablepuffers]

in theory hose would flow more then 90"s

 

[CJB]

The stock outlet is reduced in size from the hose to become more of a jet nozzle. But after it gets reduced in size, it goes through a 180, and a 90 and the end...and the 180 over the rim of the tank.

Basically there is still tubing involved, I ended up using fluvals ribbed tubing still because the clear vinyl was collapsing on its way up to the outflow pipe.. no good. So I just fitted up the stock fluval tubing.

But with this outflow, there is no reduction in size and there are less turns. Theres a 180 over the tank rim, and a final 90 to kick flow out across the tank. So to me, it seems like a larger diameter 180/90 wouldn't reduce flow near as much as a smaller diameter outflow with 2 180's and a 90.