Return line options

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
You always need to vacuum, although filters are intended to take up small particulate that clouds water (a matter of aesthetics) , filters are not really there to pull out large gobs of rotting gunk. That stuff should be removed from the tank often (water changes with vacuuming), before it gets a chance to metabolize into nitrate.
To me the biggest misunderstanding many aquarists have about filtration, is that its primary use is to pull out large stuff like heavy cichlid poop, and detritus. If that poop is in the filter, it is "not" out of the tank.
Unless it is regularly removed from the filter, or tank, its like sweeping the sh't under the rug, where it rots into a powerful stank, or (in reality) invisible chemical pollution.
This is a general statement not aimed at any one person, it just happened upon the post, and it seemed apropos.
For all you who understand this concept, I apologize for my incessant fulminating.
 
duanes said:
You always need to vacuum, although filters are intended to take up small particulate that clouds water (a matter of aesthetics) , filters are not really there to pull out large gobs of rotting gunk. That stuff should be removed from the tank often (water changes with vacuuming), before it gets a chance to metabolize into nitrate.
To me the biggest misunderstanding many aquarists have about filtration, is that its primary use is to pull out large stuff like heavy cichlid poop, and detritus. If that poop is in the filter, it is "not" out of the tank.
Unless it is regularly removed from the filter, or tank, its like sweeping the sh't under the rug, where it rots into a powerful stank, or (in reality) invisible chemical pollution.
This is a general statement not aimed at any one person, it just happened upon the post, and it seemed apropos.
For all you who understand this concept, I apologize for my incessant fulminating.
Click to expand...

I completely understamd no offense taken. I havent encountered logs of poop since i started dosing with ridx... its just breaks down into small dust particles but and sucked into the filter/overflow.

I was wondering how this happens (smller particles) getting into the overflow with the returns so close
 
I never put my return lines close to the overflow ports.
I always try to drill my tanks on one end, or put my weir boxes on the opposite side of the tank using lengths PVC, to keep influent to tank, as far from the overflow weirs to the sump as possible. This is because almost all my cichlids are riverine, and I try to achieve a directional flow across the length of the tank.

If not drilled, boxes on one end too.

As you can see this interim planted sump is not directly below the tank, but off to the side, there is however, another 100gal sump below the tank, which hold equipment, filter socks, and more media.
below, a different tank where the influent (run thru a venturi) is on the right, flowing to the left, and to where it is drilled on the left.
 
duanes said:
I never put my return lines close to the overflow ports.
I always try to drill my tanks on one end, or put my weir boxes on the opposite side of the tank using lengths PVC, to keep influent to tank, as far from the overflow weirs to the sump as possible. This is because almost all my cichlids are riverine, and I try to achieve a directional flow across the length of the tank.

If not drilled, boxes on one end too.

As you can see this interim planted sump is not directly below the tank, but off to the side, there is however, another 100gal sump below the tank, which hold equipment, filter socks, and more media.
below, a different tank where the influent (run thru a venturi) is on the right, flowing to the left, and to where it is drilled on the left.
Click to expand...

No way to have overflows on one end since its dual overflows both being 6 inches off the side panels.
 
Those other loc-lines you see at the substrate and tee with dual strainer is my CLC. That also helps to counter flow from the return to an extent. Again, just my preference to avoid hanging powerhead on the tank I went with CLC.

It may not be optimaI with return flow, but I need to vacuum anyway every month. I like a lot of surface agitation for oxygen and the water flow is cool LOL
 
CLC ? DN328 DN328
 
If you want a return to stir things up, consider eductor or venturi nozzles. Both types increase flow velocity by the Venturi effect (fluid velocity increases when passing through a constricted area). I like the venturi because the flow direction can be adjusted.
 
Inwas gonna go with loc line. But cant figure out how they connect.

The return is 1 inch and figuring if i do two 1/2 nozzles on each return it should be ok.

Do you reduce from the 1 inch bulk head down to the 1/2 lock line ? If so is it 1 inch slip from bulkhead to 1/2 inch threaded (adapter) then use the 1/2inch loc line adapter ?
 
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