Return nozzle spout

[Ish1130]

Do I really need to have the return nozzle spout or can I take it off and run the tank without them. I’ve noticed I get more flow without them.

 

[ScottJ]

Do I really need to have the return nozzle spout or can I take it off and run the tank without them. I’ve noticed I get more flow without them.

Well, they direct the flow where you want it, and the one pictured sort of fans it out. But if it works for you, I don't see what harm it would do to go without. I like random flow generators, myself.

 

[JTP424]

If the flow is fine without them feel free to run without! Make sure there is surface agitation for oxygen.
You can typically swap them to change flow etc. I.E. Line-lok etc.
If you have a secondary powerhead you might not need to worry about flow direction etc.

 

[BryanM]

Yeah, if you have powerheads in the display, then this is probably not necessary.

I would say though, if you have powerheads in the DT, then you're not relying on return flow for your overall flow numbers. IE, you can run sump-> tank flow at what people think is low at 3x, and rely on the in DT tank powerheads for your 20x+ flow.

 

[Ish1130]

I do have a Nero 7 and orbit 4 in the display but I was noticing that some debree and oily looking substance (assuming it’s the microbactor 7) was sitting at the top of the water and it wasn’t making it to the overflow so I switched the power heads around and I while I was moving the nozzle the spout popped off and I noticed I get a lot more flow that way so I figured I’d leave it off

 

[BryanM]

I do have a Nero 7 and orbit 4 in the display but I was noticing that some debree and oily looking substance (assuming it’s the microbactor 7) was sitting at the top of the water and it wasn’t making it to the overflow so I switched the power heads around and I while I was moving the nozzle the spout popped off and I noticed I get a lot more flow that way so I figured I’d leave it off

With my return off, I still get a ton of surface agitation with my in DT powerheads.

I would definitely be concerned with oilyness on the surface. My powerheads are fairly high on the back wall, and I point the to the back wall to create a "Swirl" around the sides and then the front of the tank.... Which for me is working well.

 

[Ish1130]

This is what it’s looking like so far

 

[PharmrJohn]

I don't see an issue either. Do it to it.

 

[KStatefan]

I just use an open fitting for my returns.

 

[dakoop]

This post had me go down the rabbit hole and now I want vca rfg 's.

 

[BryanM]

This post had me go down the rabbit hole and now I want vca rfg 's.

Not the rabbit hole!!! Very dangerous.

 

[Red_Beard]

Love the VCA RFGs. they are great.
You don't have to run anything though, and like others have said, point them up a bit to ripple the surface more, and make sure that they aren't creating a current "wall" keeping stuff from going down your overflow. That will get rid of your protein slick.

 

[Chuck_e]

The spout makes it harder for inverts and fish to venture down the interesting cave...

 

[vetteguy53081]

Do I really need to have the return nozzle spout or can I take it off and run the tank without them. I’ve noticed I get more flow without them.

You can run without but I recommend a random flow generator or nozzle as pictured below:

 

[Ish1130]

What would be the difference in using one of these and leaving it the way it is? In a way it’s directing the flow to where I need it.

 

[Dburr1014]

Do I really need to have the return nozzle spout or can I take it off and run the tank without them. I’ve noticed I get more flow without them.

All up to you.
They make educators also or random flow generators like VCA makes.