Fluval Evo 13.5 flow help

[countryboyreese]

Hi y'all! Long time lurker but first time posting on here. Happy to be here! I just have a couple questions regarding the setup of my fluval evo that maybe y'all can help with. I'm trying to figure out my best options for flow in this tank. As of now I have an eheim compacton 1000, with a max flow rate of 264gph. There are no corals in the tank yet, and I plan for it to be a mostly softy/lps dominated system. First, I plan to add VCA rfg nozzles. I'm stuck on whether I should go with the single 1/2" nozzle, or the dual 1/4" nozzles with my current return pump. What are yalls thoughts? I also plan to add a wave maker to the system, unless y'all think the rfg nozzles would provide enough flow? I have heard a bunch about the Nero 3, but I was also looking at the jebao elw-3m and the dlw-5. Anybody have any experience or thoughts with these wave makers in an evo or another similar tank? I'm concerned about the Nero 3 providing too much flow because I am aware that even though it can be lowered to 1%, it is not truly 1% power. However, I like the customization and control aspect of it. Any experiences here with the jebao's? I will include some pics of the thank so you have an idea of the layout/rockwork. Ultimately id like to keep the wave maker on the back wall if possible but will move it if I have to. This will be must first attempt at a reef tank so any help is appreciated!

 

[Rocks reef]

The RFGs work better with "more" flow, meaning it may be better to run dual 1/4". However, I highly recommend reaching out to @Vivid Creative Aquatics and ask their opinion. They have been a huge help with setting up my new tank, quick to respond to questions, provide useful information and give options rather than trying to upsell.

The Nero 3 should be adequate as well. As you mentioned, turn it way down until you can see the flow. Once you get corals, you will need to increase the flow for the corals.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics]

As of now I have an eheim compacton 1000, with a max flow rate of 264gph. There are no corals in the tank yet, and I plan for it to be a mostly softy/lps dominated system. First, I plan to add VCA rfg nozzles. I'm stuck on whether I should go with the single 1/2" nozzle, or the dual 1/4" nozzles with my current return pump. What are yalls thoughts?

With that pump and this size tank you could go either way. With the dual 1/4in RFG, you near the upper end of the suggester flow rate, while with the single 1/2in your around the middle of the suggested flow rates.

My personal preference for this tank is the single 1/2in RFG. I think it creates a really nice randomized flow because it creates a wider flow pattern than the dual or single 1/4in RFGs. Plus, if you ever deice to upgrade the pump, it can easily handle 400 GPH or more.

In either case (single 1/2 or dual 1/4in RFG), the kits are a direct fit to the tank. You just remove the stock outlet at the Y, and then pop the new kit right on the threaded NPT fitting that came with you tank .

 

[countryboyreese]

With that pump and this size tank you could go either way. With the dual 1/4in RFG, you near the upper end of the suggester flow rate, while with the single 1/2in your around the middle of the suggested flow rates.

My personal preference for this tank is the single 1/2in RFG. I think it creates a really nice randomized flow because it creates a wider flow pattern than the dual or single 1/4in RFGs. Plus, if you ever deice to upgrade the pump, it can easily handle 400 GPH or more.

In either case (single 1/2 or dual 1/4in RFG), the kits are a direct fit to the tank. You just remove the stock outlet at the Y, and then pop the new kit right on the threaded NPT fitting that came with you tank .

Thank you for the info! I'm leaning toward the 1/2" as I will probably upgrade the pump in the future.