RFG vs Spin Stream

[Ktran350]

Well. I broke the tabs on my spin streams. Now I’m in the market for new ones. Upon looking at BRS website I see there’s RFG from @Vivid Creative Aquatics. I understand that the RFG has no moving parts but anyone has experience with both the RFG and spin stream on a JBJ 45? How do you like it? Will the BFG be less restrictive than the spin stream? I see the the RFG is a bit longer so it will extend out a bit more than the spin streams. TIA

 

[TheEngineer]

I have the RFGs and love them. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Ktran350]

I have the RFGs and love them. You won't be disappointed.

Awesome, thank you. Have you had any live stock issues with these? I’ve read a review where a cleaner shrimp was sucked in in one of the pre drilled holes on the outside? Did you modify this in anyway?

 

[TheEngineer]

I've never heard of such a thing. I suppose it is possible, but probably only for something that's sick or dying. I have snails crawling all over them all the time and I"ve never seen a problem.

 

[Ktran350]

Ok, how restrictive is it? I have a M1 pump in the back of my JBJ 45 @ 70% which is connected to a “Y” splitter to my two return nozzles. The spin stream nozzles forced the return water into a “plate” which spins a gear that than turn the actual nozzle. I saw some pictures of the RFG and looks like it’s an “open” design and is not as restrictive.

 

[TheEngineer]

Ok, how restrictive is it? I have a M1 pump in the back of my JBJ 45 @ 70% which is connected to a “Y” splitter to my two return nozzles. The spin stream nozzles forced the return water into a “plate” which spins a gear that than turn the actual nozzle. I saw some pictures of the RFG and looks like it’s an “open” design and is not as restrictive.

It doesn't restrict flow at all. It increases flow from the eductor design.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Ok, how restrictive is it? I have a M1 pump in the back of my JBJ 45 @ 70% which is connected to a “Y” splitter to my two return nozzles. The spin stream nozzles forced the return water into a “plate” which spins a gear that than turn the actual nozzle. I saw some pictures of the RFG and looks like it’s an “open” design and is not as restrictive.

The RFG will create some back pressure as any educator style nozzle will, but depending on how much flow you push through the RFG it can be relatively minim. At your "Optimal Suggested flow" for the 1/2in RFG you can expect around 10 to 15 throughput loss from the return line, but you gain that back in in terms of volume due to the eductors.

It's important to note that all of our suggested flow ratings are "To the Nozzle", meaning, we measure the flow BEFORE we add the nozzle for the rating.

Also - given your pump size, you should have plenty of flow to drive two 1/2in RFGs. Here's a quick flow Demo video of he 1/2in RFG at approx 500-600 GPH to the nozzle


Next, in terms of size, the whole assembly (19mm Slip-fit-drop adapter with the 1/2in RFG Nozzle) is slightly longer than the Spin Stream, but is basically the same length as the stock adapter and flare nozzle that originally came with you tank.



And finally, if you do have very small fish, or even fish or inhabitants that are not to strong swimmers, it is possibly for them to get stuck in or sucked into the eductors of they get too close. However, this is pretty rare but if it;s a concerns there are ways to help mitigate the risk, such as the foam mod we outline in
this video with the 3/4in RFG


hope that answers all your questions, - if you have any additional questions, we'll be happy to help.

 

[Ktran350]

@Vivid Creative Aquatics awesome. Answered all my questions and I appreciate the time you took out to do a size comparison with the spin stream. I just ordered a pair of the RFG and 2x 19mm to 1/2 slip-fit-drop adaptors. Actually just got an email saying it was just shipped! Thanks again

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

@Vivid Creative Aquatics awesome. Answered all my questions and I appreciate the time you took out to do a size comparison with the spin stream. I just ordered a pair of the RFG and 2x 19mm to 1/2 slip-fit-drop adaptors. Actually just got an email saying it was just shipped! Thanks again

Awesome - we appreciate it!

 

[Norcoreefer]

The RFG will create some back pressure as any educator style nozzle will, but depending on how much flow you push through the RFG it can be relatively minim. At your "Optimal Suggested flow" for the 1/2in RFG you can expect around 10 to 15 throughput loss from the return line, but you gain that back in in terms of volume due to the eductors.

It's important to note that all of our suggested flow ratings are "To the Nozzle", meaning, we measure the flow BEFORE we add the nozzle for the rating.

Also - given your pump size, you should have plenty of flow to drive two 1/2in RFGs. Here's a quick flow Demo video of he 1/2in RFG at approx 500-600 GPH to the nozzle


Next, in terms of size, the whole assembly (19mm Slip-fit-drop adapter with the 1/2in RFG Nozzle) is slightly longer than the Spin Stream, but is basically the same length as the stock adapter and flare nozzle that originally came with you tank.



And finally, if you do have very small fish, or even fish or inhabitants that are not to strong swimmers, it is possibly for them to get stuck in or sucked into the eductors of they get too close. However, this is pretty rare but if it;s a concerns there are ways to help mitigate the risk, such as the foam mod we outline in
this video with the 3/4in RFG


hope that answers all your questions, - if you have any additional questions, we'll be happy to help.

I'm wondering if one of these nozzles would be adequate on a Fluval Evo 5 Gallon if I upgrade the filter/output pump to a 156GPH pump?

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

I'm wondering if one of these nozzles would be adequate on a Fluval Evo 5 Gallon if I upgrade the filter/output pump to a 156GPH pump?

Yep - this is the kit you would want for that tank - it comes with the necessary adpaper - our MPA1320LL050 – 13 & 20mm to 1/2 Flex Adapter. That adapter will fit the stock 13mm inlet pipe.

1/4in Random Flow Generator® Flow Kit – 1/4 Flex-Series RFG​

https://vividcreativeaquatics.com/shop/1-4in-random-flow-generator-flow-kit-1-4-flex-series-rfg/

I would also suggest that when running this kit on the Fluvial you, you remove the one segment of 1/4in loc-line and connect the RFG directly to the reduce. It makes for a shorter nozzle setup, but also helps with throughput. Since the pump chamber is so small on those tanks, you don't have a lot of options for a large pump. So every little bit helps