Thoughts about the RFG nozzle

[Yates273]

I have been looking at the RFG nozzle by Vivid and was contemplating picking one up. The only
Reason why I have not ordered was I need some input. I currently have 2 Hydor Koralias on a Hydor wave maker in my 32 biocube. Not sure if I would benefit from an RFG since I have plenty of flow with the Koralias. I like the randomness or would I just be wasting my money since I already have 2 Powerheads on a wavemaker. Once again TYIA for your input. All of this is still new to me and I am always looking to better my reef tank.

 

[pluikens]

I have a 40 gallon tank with an XF230 gyre pump and an MP10. I could definitely crank these up enough to provide adequate flow on their own but as long as I have a return flowing into the tank, I appreciate the randomness of the @Vivid Creative Aquatics RFG. I think the only time I would not consider an RFG is if I didn't have great enough to get a random pattern out of the nozzle but in that case, I would likely step down the return plumbing to get the optimal (or higher) flow rate for that size RFG.

 

[Haggisman14]

I'm running TWO RFG's in my biocube....check out my thread.

You will NOT be disapointed!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/2-rfgs-1-biocube.422708/

 

[Yates273]

I'm running TWO RFG's in my biocube....check out my thread.

You will NOT be disapointed!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/2-rfgs-1-biocube.422708/

Great love how your tank is. So now instead of maybe getting one I have to get two. Thanks a lot!! Jk. With two I know I would have to upgrade my pump also. I have the stock pump on and I don’t think it could handle two RFG nozzles. Maybe I can try one with my setup and see how it goes.

 

[Haggisman14]

I would definitely try one to start. When I was using the "upgraded" MJ1200, that pump wasn't pushing out enough flow to power the 2 RFGs, the water was just coming out of both of them, but with hardly any force.

 

[Yates273]

Were you using the Cobalt or Marineland MJ pump. Do you think a stock pump will flow enough for one?

 

[Haggisman14]

I'm honestly not sure. I'll try and remember to check when I get home from work. You'd have to check numbers, but I'm sure if you're only using 1 RFG, the stock pump will do fine with that.

 

[pelphrey]

Keep in mind you'll have to keep it kind of low in the water otherwise it will pull air. That was my experience anyway, so if you are running a sump make sure it can handle the extra water if you do have to point it down further.

 

[ca1ore]

The RFG nozzles are fine, mostly like other kinds of educators/penductors. Whether you need them or not in your tank is really up to you - they are quite obtrusive though. I'm using and have been generally happy with them, but my tank is 450 gallons. I'm also using them on a closed loop so I don't need to worry about back siphon. Oh, and if you use them on the main return, they will likely reduce the turnover through your sump due to back pressure on the pump

 

[Midrats]

Whoops double

 

[Midrats]

The half inch RFG is not obtrusive in my Reefer Nano at all, and coupled with a Tunze 1073.050 DC pump, it is the sole source of flow. Depending on where I have the power set on the pump, I can go between gentle swaying currents to swirling pulsing wave action. Unlike regular eductors/penductors, the RFG has a helix inside that makes the water exit the nozzle at different 30° angles randomly. It does need to be positioned a little lower in the tank to avoid vortices, but not enough to even come close to flooding my sump. I love the thing, and love even more not having the Nano Streams in the tank anymore. Get one, they're ingenious!

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

I have been looking at the RFG nozzle by Vivid and was contemplating picking one up. The only
Reason why I have not ordered was I need some input. I currently have 2 Hydor Koralias on a Hydor wave maker in my 32 biocube. Not sure if I would benefit from an RFG since I have plenty of flow with the Koralias. I like the randomness or would I just be wasting my money since I already have 2 Powerheads on a wavemaker. Once again TYIA for your input. All of this is still new to me and I am always looking to better my reef tank.

Looks like everyone stepped up and gave you some great info - thanks everyone!

For the BioCube, a single 1/2in RFG does pretty well with the stock pump but with dual RFGs setup like @Haggisman14's you will definitely want to upgrade that return pump. Even though you have plenty of flow with your powereheads, the RFG Nozzle will add just a bit more dimension to the overall flow pattern in the tank. And, depending on what your goals are for the tank and the size of your return pump, you may even be be to reduce the number of powerehead in the tank to open up some space.

Just for an example, here's a flow upgrade video we did a while back for a 32-gallon BioCube. This video was shot using the stock pump and a single 1/2in RFG

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.