Is VCA Random Flow Generator worth it?

[fermentedhiker]

Printed a few of these in 1/4" for my evo with no massively noticeable impacts. I could not get the ABS material ones to snap on no matter what I tried.

When I first setup my tank(got all the stuff used) I had the same problem with the 3/4" nozzles(actually broke one). Turns out they fit genuine loc line perfectly but the used stuff that came with my tank was made with thicker material so the nozzles weren't big enough to snap over the end.

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

I have two 3/4 returns on a 120 with the nozzles running a cor 15 and they work great I run the pump at 100 percent

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

When I first setup my tank(got all the stuff used) I had the same problem with the 3/4" nozzles(actually broke one). Turns out they fit genuine loc line perfectly but the used stuff that came with my tank was made with thicker material so the nozzles weren't big enough to snap over the end.

I am fairly certain the problem was with the ABS material expanding slightly after cooling or something. Printed it PETG and it came out looking great! Fair point on the genuine loc line as I think I ended up printing it slightly scaled to get it to fit.

 

[NickC]

I am using a pair to good effect on my closed loop but not in the return for exactly this reason.

I could see how these would work really well with a closed loop.

 

[KGNickl]

I wonder if two 1/2" ones would work with a pump at around 750-800 gph. This thread has some good info. I guess work case I give it a try and see what happens.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

has anyone played around with one of these on a sea Swirl? i would like to think that would be an ideal situation to create really random flow patterns across a wide section of the tank. i would be curious to see if the back pressure they create would interfere with the mechanics of the sea swirl

we actually have quite a few customers using the RFG on the sea Swirl. In fact we original developed our 1in RFG with the 1in MTP fitting for that very purpose. It's a great combo and really does create ultimate randomized flow.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

I wonder if two 1/2" ones would work with a pump at around 750-800 gph. This thread has some good info. I guess work case I give it a try and see what happens.

yes - 1/2in RFGs would work great at that flow rate. The sweet spot for a single 1/2in RFG is right around 400-450 GPH.

It's important to note -that all of our flow ratings for the Random Flow Generators are to the nozzle, but without the nozzle in place.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

When I first setup my tank(got all the stuff used) I had the same problem with the 3/4" nozzles(actually broke one). Turns out they fit genuine loc line perfectly but the used stuff that came with my tank was made with thicker material so the nozzles weren't big enough to snap over the end.

No sure how long ago that was but we do now have modular hose adapters that allow the RFG to attach to non Loc-Line branded hose. If you're interested in giving them a try again, shoot me a PM and I'll get you taken care of :-)

 

[fermentedhiker]

No sure how long ago that was but we do now have modular hose adapters that allow the RFG to attach to non Loc-Line branded hose. If you're interested in giving them a try again, shoot me a PM and I'll get you taken care of :)

I ended up tossing the off brand loc line and got sea swirls and they fit fine on those.

 

[ConectadoNZ]

Had mine on a 300 litter tank and the two nozzles had cracked after around 6 months of usage! Was replaced after a lot of emails being exchanged! BUT now I got a new tank Red Sea 250 and they creaked again after 8 months mark! Could be because I am using ozone on my tank or maybe for the staff that a dose! Who knows!

Have you guys had any problems so fare with the VCA nuzzles?

A part of the annoying bubbles thing...

Worst is that they may not replace again my nuzzle and I trust that is a bad quality plastic that is creaking after sometime of usage...

 

[ConectadoNZ]

Had mine on a 300 litter tank and the two nozzles had cracked after around 6 months of usage! Was replaced after a lot of emails being exchanged! BUT now I got a new tank Red Sea 250 and they creaked again after 8 months mark! Could be because I am using ozone on my tank or maybe for the staff that a dose! Who knows!

Have you guys had any problems so fare with the VCA nuzzles?

A part of the annoying bubbles thing...

Worst is that they may not replace again my nuzzle and I trust that is a bad quality plastic that is creaking after sometime of usage...

 

[BrentB]

Had mine on a 300 litter tank and the two nozzles had cracked after around 6 months of usage! Was replaced after a lot of emails being exchanged! BUT now I got a new tank Red Sea 250 and they creaked again after 8 months mark! Could be because I am using ozone on my tank or maybe for the staff that a dose! Who knows!

Have you guys had any problems so fare with the VCA nuzzles?

A part of the annoying bubbles thing...

Worst is that they may not replace again my nuzzle and I trust that is a bad quality plastic that is creaking after sometime of usage...

my nozzles did the exact same thing. I am on my 2nd set of replacements from VCA. Their design is flawed, too thin of plastic on the flange that fits over the loc line and too brittle of plastic. They need to get these made of injection molded plastic like loc line is made!

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Poor layer adhesion. I guess someone left a door open. How are you connecting the two together? I broke 1 before I started sanding the inside lightly and painted the outside with a thin coat of CA superglue.

 

[Haaps]

So I got one recently (I'm very new) because I didn't like the level at which to stock nozzle sat in relation to the water level in my waterbox 25 peninsula. I got it because it can bend downward, but now I realize that my pump probably doesn't generate enough flow compared to the stock nozzle. I suppose that might be an issue rightZ?

 

[bubbgee]

So I got one recently (I'm very new) because I didn't like the level at which to stock nozzle sat in relation to the water level in my waterbox 25 peninsula. I got it because it can bend downward, but now I realize that my pump probably doesn't generate enough flow compared to the stock nozzle. I suppose that might be an issue rightZ?

Yeah, you need a larger return. I upgraded by WB20 cube return from sicce to AI Axis 20 and got better response.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

So I got one recently (I'm very new) because I didn't like the level at which to stock nozzle sat in relation to the water level in my waterbox 25 peninsula. I got it because it can bend downward, but now I realize that my pump probably doesn't generate enough flow compared to the stock nozzle. I suppose that might be an issue rightZ?

yes as @bubbgee said, a larger return pump would certainly help. The stock pump can be somewhat under powered for the Random Flow Generator.

depending on which Pre-Configured RFG Flow kit you purchase for your Waterbox 25 Peninsula, you would want a pump capable of 200 to 325(ish) GPH

The Axis 20 is a good choice since that covers the full range of flow needed for the compatible kits, it actually fits int he back chamber and is fully adjustable.

 

[bubbgee]

yes as @bubbgee said, a larger return pump would certainly help. The stock pump can be somewhat under powered for the Random Flow Generator.

depending on which Pre-Configured RFG Flow kit you purchase for your Waterbox 25 Peninsula, you would want a pump capable of 200 to 325(ish) GPH

The Axis 20 is a good choice since that covers the full range of flow needed for the compatible kits, it actually fits int he back chamber and is fully adjustable.

Do you have the right sized RFG for the WB Reef 85? I have a versa as a return and would like to use the return for random flow. I can't seem to figure out which one I could use.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Do you have the right sized RFG for the WB Reef 85? I have a versa as a return and would like to use the return for random flow. I can't seem to figure out which one I could use.

According the specs - it should have the DN15 sized stock return nozzles. if that is the case, then our single 1/2in Flow kit is the way to go - you'll need one for each side.

1/2in Random Flow Generator® Flow Kit – 1/2 Flex-Series RFG | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

You can check yours - the outer diameter of the ball-end of one of the stock hose segments will be around 22mm (or a little more then 3/4in)



If it is larger that that (closer to 28mm), then you would need the 3/4in RFG Flow kit

 

[bubbgee]

According the specs - it should have the DN15 sized stock return nozzles. if that is the case, then our single 1/2in Flow kit is the way to go - you'll need one for each side.

1/2in Random Flow Generator® Flow Kit – 1/2 Flex-Series RFG | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

You can check yours - the outer diameter of the ball-end of one of the stock hose segments will be around 22mm (or a little more then 3/4in)



If it is larger that that (closer to 28mm), then you would need the 3/4in RFG Flow kit

Sounds good. thanks!