Lo flow helloreed

[onion]

Hi I recently purchased an axis 40 for my hello reef 15. I’m using a 1/4” Vca rfg and I have minimal flow even at 100% new to this so very confused. Is it possible I need a bigger outlet?

 

[Fish Fan]

Are you running the stock return pump that came with the tank? If so, they are anemic, and most upgrade them. Popular upgrades include something like a Rio pump, or the IM Mighty Jet DC return pumps, or the equally capable but less expensive Jebao DC return pumps.

You may also be restricting flow with any mechanical floss of sponges you may have, but I would look to upgrade the return pump

I hope this helps and good luck!

 

[onion]

No I upgraded to the AI axis 40. I am noticing if I take off the 1/4” vca rfg the return will now spray to the other side of the tank. Is it possible my 1/4” nozzle is restricting? As in try out a 1/2” rfg?

 

[Fish Fan]

No I upgraded to the AI axis 40. I am noticing if I take off the 1/4” vca rfg the return will now spray to the other side of the tank. Is it possible my 1/4” nozzle is restricting? As in try out a 1/2” rfg?

It could be, I don't remember what size I used on my 15 gallon off hand, but let's see if @Vivid Creative Aquatics has a minute to help you out.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

It could be, I don't remember what size I used on my 15 gallon off hand, but let's see if @Vivid Creative Aquatics has a minute to help you out.

Thanks for tagging my in on this. Sorry it took me two days to get here - LOL

@onion - it's small size of the single 1/4in RFG would certainly cause restriction in this case. Simply due its smaller size and the higher flow that pump can produce

The Axis pump I believe has a max flow rate of around 400 GPH, and assuming that the photo you posted is a with the pump at 100%, I would say we may have different issue. With that pump at 100% and the RFG in that position you should be seeing a wide flower-like spay [pattern coming out the RFG. Not a trickle like in your photo.


I would inspect the RFG and the other parts the flow kit, for some sort of obstruction. It could be a small piece of rock or even a stominela snail shell

With that said, If you goal is to use the the Random Flow Generator as your only flow the tank, then going to the single 1/2in is a good option. It will do a better hob of converting the flow form that pump (300-400 GPH) to a more usable flow that fills the tank with movement

Before you do that though, lets figure out why this seems so restricted. Are you able to post a short video of the pump at 100% and at a similar angle to what your photos above is?

 

[Fish Fan]

Thanks for tagging my in on this. Sorry it took me two days to get here - LOL

@onion - it's small size of the single 1/4in RFG would certainly cause restriction in this case. Simply due its smaller size and the higher flow that pump can produce

The Axis pump I believe has a max flow rate of around 400 GPH, and assuming that the photo you posted is a with the pump at 100%, I would say we may have different issue. With that pump at 100% and the RFG in that position you should be seeing a wide flower-like spay [pattern coming out the RFG. Not a trickle like in your photo.


I would inspect the RFG and the other parts the flow kit, for some sort of obstruction. It could be a small piece of rock or even a stominela snail shell

With that said, If you goal is to use the the Random Flow Generator as your only flow the tank, then going to the single 1/2in is a good option. It will do a better hob of converting the flow form that pump (300-400 GPH) to a more usable flow that fills the tank with movement

Before you do that though, lets figure out why this seems so restricted. Are you able to post a short video of the pump at 100% and at a similar angle to what your photos above is?

Thanks for your help here!