Do I NEED loc line on my return?

[SpikesReef]

I have had my tank running with just a 90° elbow on the end of my return for 5 months. I thought about a snail getting in there and clogging it up, so I bought some loc line (a Y fitting to try and disperse the flow). The return is on 1" pvc.

I installed it today and it is WAY bigger than I thought it would be and I don't like the look of it at all. I have a 40breeder and I feel like it takes up the entire right side of the tank.

My question is- do I need to worry about snails getting into the return?

What are the benefits of loc line besides being able to direct the flow?

 

[mfinn]

I have had my tank running with just a 90° elbow on the end of my return for 5 months. I thought about a snail getting in there and clogging it up, so I bought some loc line (a Y fitting to try and disperse the flow). The return is on 1" pvc.

I installed it today and it is WAY bigger than I thought it would be and I don't like the look of it at all. I have a 40breeder and I feel like it takes up the entire right side of the tank.

My question is- do I need to worry about snails getting into the return?

What are the benefits of loc line besides being able to direct the flow?

Usually you don't need to worry about snails blocking the return. Mostly just the drain.
Loc line isn't needed at all. It has a purpose and if it doesn't fill your need, then don't use it.
Besides directing flow from the return pump, it gives a finished look as compared to a pvc 90 or 45.
I've done tanks both ways. Which ever works best.

 

[slowngreen]

Been running reef tanks for about 8 years now and only recently have I had loc line. Always just ran a pvc elbow and never had any problems with anything getting stuck in it. I did glue a piece of plastic mesh to it on one tank just for that reason but it never seemed useful.

 

[redfishbluefish]

The other thought, if you remain concerned about snails, is to use an intake strainer at the end of the elbow:

 

[Fin]

I am not a fan of LocLine. Over time, they tend to collect salt creep (any part above the water line) and I even had a piece split and sprayed salt water up into my lights. So I don't use it any longer. Have you seen the Random Flow Generators? These aren't exactly small, but they do offer a bit of random flow without any moving parts. Maybe something you might be interested in. I have one installed in a 20 gallon that I have. You may require a LokLine adapter to use it, which they have available on their site.