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?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

You don’t need it no. I’ve never had a snail clog mine even though they do enjoy cleaning them for me.

 

[aquaman30k]

It’s not necessary, it’s more for convenience of directing flow and getting the return just under the surface to prevent back siphoning. It’s much easier to adjust Loc-Line than pvc.

If your return is 1” and you are planning on splitting the flow, you may look at 2x 3/4 branches or even 2x 1/2” branches off the 1” hard pipe. There is a 1” to 2x 3/4 or 1/2” y’s.

On a 40b you don’t need all that much flow. I run a 3/4” return on my 150g with 3/4” Loc-line

 

[ca1ore]

I actively avoid using loc line. It increases the velocity of the output but reduces overall gph. Pointless IMO.

 

[LadyMac]

I’ve thought of loc line. I also have a 40 breeder but my return is an Eheim return minus the spray bar It works for me, though I do need a more flexible way to direct flow...:

 

[mjlash22]

It’s not necessary, it’s more for convenience of directing flow and getting the return just under the surface to prevent back siphoning. It’s much easier to adjust Loc-Line than pvc.

If your return is 1” and you are planning on splitting the flow, you may look at 2x 3/4 branches or even 2x 1/2” branches off the 1” hard pipe. There is a 1” to 2x 3/4 or 1/2” y’s.

On a 40b you don’t need all that much flow. I run a 3/4” return on my 150g with 3/4” Loc-line

This is my thought exactly. I use it on my tank to better direct return flow, instead of straight forward to the glass where it usually moves a lot of sand. Important note is to ensure proper height under the water line or you will back siphon a lot of DT water into your sump when you turn off the return pump for maintenance.

 

[madweazl]

Havent had an issue with mine even though snails do enter on occasion (maybe even more often/always).