fkshiu
03-27-2008, 05:10 AM
I picked up one of these penductor thingys from J&L:
http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/product-info.php?product_ID=wp-gfa400
For the uninitiated a penductor is a specially-shaped nozzle which creates a venturi effect by sucking in the surrounding tank water as water is pumped through it. The result is far greater water flow that you'd get from a standard nozzle.
I've always wanted to try a penductor as it almost seems like getting something for nothing.
Here it is freshly installed:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/fkshiu/PictureorVideo110.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/fkshiu/PictureorVideo109.jpg
The first thing I noticed is that it is big and takes up a lot more room that the previous simple jet nozzle I was using. The second thing is that this baby works! I had to redirect it into the corner of my tank as having it pointed forwarded created a small of a local sandstorm. The manufacturer claims up to a 400% increase in flow but that's probably a bit optimistic. Nevertheless, by the state of the art lab grade instrumentation I was using (otherwise known as my hand) there was easily twice as much flow as previously.
One downside is that because of the venturi created, you can't have it too close to the surface or it's microbubble city. Make sure you have anti-siphon holes drilled into your return lines if you're using this on a return pump like I am!
Another thing to note is that you need a good pressure-rated pump (if you're using it on a return) for this thing to work to its best capacity. Don't expect miracles if you've only got a trickle coming through in the first place. The rule of thumb is that the more water flow coming through the better results you'll get.
Pros:
-cheap added flow
-simple to install (although loc-line always causes a bit of coarse language on my part)
-no added noise or power consumption
Cons:
-kinda big and fugly especially if you have a smaller tank
-can create microbubbles if too near the surface
-must be carefully aimed
Conclusion: perfect for a closed-loop on a large tank, but a viable option for anyone wanting more flow as long as you've got a good pump behind it.
The manufacturer claims up to a 400% increase in flow but that's probably a bit optimistic.
http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/product-info.php?product_ID=wp-gfa400
For the uninitiated a penductor is a specially-shaped nozzle which creates a venturi effect by sucking in the surrounding tank water as water is pumped through it. The result is far greater water flow that you'd get from a standard nozzle.
I've always wanted to try a penductor as it almost seems like getting something for nothing.
Here it is freshly installed:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/fkshiu/PictureorVideo110.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/fkshiu/PictureorVideo109.jpg
The first thing I noticed is that it is big and takes up a lot more room that the previous simple jet nozzle I was using. The second thing is that this baby works! I had to redirect it into the corner of my tank as having it pointed forwarded created a small of a local sandstorm. The manufacturer claims up to a 400% increase in flow but that's probably a bit optimistic. Nevertheless, by the state of the art lab grade instrumentation I was using (otherwise known as my hand) there was easily twice as much flow as previously.
One downside is that because of the venturi created, you can't have it too close to the surface or it's microbubble city. Make sure you have anti-siphon holes drilled into your return lines if you're using this on a return pump like I am!
Another thing to note is that you need a good pressure-rated pump (if you're using it on a return) for this thing to work to its best capacity. Don't expect miracles if you've only got a trickle coming through in the first place. The rule of thumb is that the more water flow coming through the better results you'll get.
Pros:
-cheap added flow
-simple to install (although loc-line always causes a bit of coarse language on my part)
-no added noise or power consumption
Cons:
-kinda big and fugly especially if you have a smaller tank
-can create microbubbles if too near the surface
-must be carefully aimed
Conclusion: perfect for a closed-loop on a large tank, but a viable option for anyone wanting more flow as long as you've got a good pump behind it.
The manufacturer claims up to a 400% increase in flow but that's probably a bit optimistic.