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What size Loc-line do i have?

Apr 23, 2017 | 32 comments

It seems like a simple question to answer, but for anyone who has tried to figure this out, it doesn’t always seem clear. You’ll find loc-line in use in just about every saltwater aquarium and it’s used as a means of directing water flow on your return line. The hobby is full of all kinds of different attachments, accessories and nozzles that snap right on to the end of your loc-line, including our own Random Flow Generator, or RFG Nozzle.

When it comes time to choosing the right size it can be hard to tell what you need – especially if you only have access to one of the two most common sizes; 1/2” and 3/4” loc-line.

To make matters worse, if you were to try and measure your loc-line, you’re likely to get a measurement that seems confusing. For instance, the 1/2in  loc-line is a little more than 3/4in across.

So, how can you tell what size you have? Here are a few tips to help you properly measure your loc-line.

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The size of the loc-lin refers to the inner dimension or ID as opposed to the outer dimension or OD.

When measuring loc-line, use these numbers to determine what size you have.

1/2” loc-line

ID – approx. .675in, or about 17mm
OD – approx. .846in, or about 21.5mm

1/2in Loc-line

3/4” Loc-line

ID – approx. .925in, or about 23mm
OD – approx. 1.125in, or about 28.5mm

3/4in Loc-line

Compare the end to a Nickel (US).

A nickel is a good way to visually measure the end of a loc-line – just don’t stick it in your tank and accidently drop it. We would recommend you use this method out of the water.

Sizing your Loc-line

If all else fails – stick your finger in it!

It’s not the most exact method, but if you can fit your index finger in it, or at least most of the way in, it’s probably a 3/4in lock-line. If you can’t and the opening is too small, then it’s probably the 1/2in variety.

 

1/2” loc-line

1/2″ loc-line is pretty small, so you may not be able to fit your index finger in.

3/4in Loc-line

3/4” Loc-line

You finger will likly fit at least most of the way in – just don’t get it stuck.

3/4in Loc-line

We hope this quick-tip helps you figure you your lock-line. and the next time you have to measure loc-line, you can do it like a pro.

Happy reefing!

– VCA

What Type of Nozzle Should You Attach to Your Loc-Line?

Well, that’s easy – a Random Flow Generator Nozzle of course.

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What Size Loc-Line Do I Have?

If you unsure about the size loc-line you have - check out this handy guide:

Loc-Line Guide ››

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Need Loc-Line?

We now offer genuine Loc-Line® plumbing parts including 1/2in and 3/4in modular hose, adapters, Y fittings and connectors.

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Need Loc-Line?

We now offer genuine Loc-Line® plumbing parts including 1/2in and 3/4in modular hose, adapters, Y fittings and connectors.

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32 Comments

  1. Toby S Robinson
    Toby S Robinson on May 7, 2017 at 3:04 am

    I would like to replace my return nozzles on my 28 Gallon JBJ Nano Cube. Could you tell me if any of your nozzles would fit and which ones? Also, I used this overflow kit for 3 different aquariums in my home.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DJAZQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    The returns are loc-line but I don’t know what size. I would need 4-6 return nozzles; could you please tell me what size for this scenario as well?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • admin
      admin on May 7, 2017 at 7:35 am

      Hi Toby,

      The JBJs usually have the 1/2in loc-line slip adapter. If that is the case with yours, then you would want pair that with the 1/2in RFG Nozzle. You may also want to add a few pieces of loc-line to give you more flexibility when aiming the nozzle.

      As for the overflow kit you linked – it looks to me to be 1/2in loc-line as well but, but the listing doesn’t have any specs, so it’s hard to know for sure. I would suggest try measuring the loc-line using one of the three methods above.

      Reply
  2. jovahn Thompson
    jovahn Thompson on May 31, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    I just purchased your nozzles from watching you on Rico’s stream, cant wait to get them.

    Reply
  3. Jeff
    Jeff on May 31, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    Hey,I’m about to order a 2 pack of the random flow generators, and just wanted to let you know I heard about these from Rico’s Reef youtube stream, thanks!

    Reply
  4. Cary
    Cary on October 25, 2017 at 4:55 am

    Is a locline tool required to install the nozzle?

    Reply
    • admin
      admin on October 25, 2017 at 6:27 am

      No tools required. The RFG Nozzles are design to easily snap on and off with little effort, yet remain firmly attached.

      Reply
  5. Phil
    Phil on December 16, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    Hi,
    I have a redsea reefer 425xl what size adapter/kit do I need please.
    I would like a full conversion kit.
    Kindest
    Phil

    Reply
  6. martin
    martin on January 27, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    try finding 1inch loc line . I know they do 1 inch nozzle but I would like the tubing as well

    Reply
    • admin
      admin on January 27, 2018 at 3:51 pm

      We did a custom version of the 1in RFG for Vivid Aquariums out of LA. They supplied VCA with 1in modular hose, which was very similar to loc-line. You may try them to see if they have that type of modular hose for sale. If so, We can supply the Nozzle 🙂

      Reply
      • martin
        martin on February 1, 2018 at 10:43 am

        Do you send to the UK and how long would it take to arrive

        Reply
  7. TIMM
    TIMM on February 1, 2018 at 4:45 pm

    I would like to put this on my IM Nuvo 10gal Nano reef what do i need? Would i need a loc line adapter first then the RFG nozzle

    Reply
  9. Kiran
    Kiran on May 1, 2018 at 6:30 pm

    I have the Red Sea Max S-650. What size RFG should I buy? Do I need to buy any additional adapter with it for it to connect easily and work.
    Thanks.

    Reply
  10. Mike Strebel
    Mike Strebel on July 15, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    I have a Red Sea Max E 260. The inlet jets are about four inches below the surface. Would you please tell me the size that I should order, and maybe a Y splitter.

    Reply
  11. Stuart Duty
    Stuart Duty on November 25, 2018 at 8:59 am

    Do I need a 1/2 or 3/4 inch nozzle for a Red Sea Reefer 350?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • admin
      admin on November 25, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      For the Red Sea Reefer 350, we would recommend the dual 1/2in kit. Both of our Ultimate Return Line Upgrade kit will work with any Red Se Reefer system, but the dual 1/2in one is more suited to the size of display tank.

      Reply
  12. Seongock
    Seongock on January 14, 2019 at 9:44 am

    Please recommend a suitable nozzle for red sea reefer nano.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  13. Paul
    Paul on January 15, 2019 at 12:10 pm

    I have a waterbox 15 cube. which adapters and rfg do I need?

    Reply
    • admin
      admin on January 16, 2019 at 6:10 am

      Hi Paul,
      send us an email with a photo of the inlet of this tank and we should be able to help you figure out which adapter you’ll need

      Reply
  14. Eric
    Eric on January 24, 2019 at 8:20 pm

    I have a Redsea Reefer 525XL and was leaning towards the 3/4″ loc-line rather than the 1/2″. Which size would suggest?

    Reply
    • admin
      admin on January 25, 2019 at 9:37 am

      hi Eric,

      For the Red Sea Reefer 525, it comes down the amount of flow you pump can provide. Each of our Red Sea Reefer Ultimate Return Line Upgrade kits have an “optimal suggested flow” rating. For the best results you’ll want to be able to provide tyhe nozzle with at least that much or more flow. So, in the case of the 525 XL you’ll what to choose the kit that best matches your pumps output.

      Reply
  15. Don Giovannoni
    Don Giovannoni on January 25, 2019 at 9:15 am

    Hello,
    I just recently set up a Red Sea Reefer 525 XL and have a question about the outflow nozzle on the overflow box. I am interested in getting the VCA RFG for my tank. My question is, do you know the size loc line I will need to get to fit the outflow nozzle of my tank so I can get the RFG?

    Reply
    • admin
      admin on January 25, 2019 at 9:40 am

      Hi Don,

      All Red Sea Reefer systems share the same return line plumbing. So, any of our 25mm adapters or kits that include Red Sea Reefer adapters will connect to any of the Red Sea REEFER tanks. You could go with one of our Ultimate Red Sea Reefer kits, or add one of our 25mm to loc-line adapters. if you wnat to just add the adapters, we would suggest you go with the 25mm to 3/4in Loc-line. it will provide the most options in term so adding additional loc-line going forward.

      Reply
  16. Arcesio
    Arcesio on March 2, 2019 at 11:46 pm

    Hello,
    I have a standard 48x18x24 / 90-gallon reef tank with a Jebao 10.000(L) return pump, will 2 of the 3\4 RFG be enough for the tank size and will the pump generate enough pressure to make them work efficiently?

    Reply
    • admin
      admin on March 3, 2019 at 10:45 am

      Hi Arcesio,

      That pump will certainly be enough to drive two 3/4in RFGs, but two 3/4in RFGs may not be enough to flow an entire tank of that size. They would however provide enough flow that you may be able to reduce the number or even size of any additional power heads you put in the tank.

      If by chance you have the tank plumed for 1in bulkheads, then you might consider our 1in RFG 9RFGS100LL) with the modular hose fitting. IN that case, that1in RFGs with that pump could flow the entire tank.

      Reply

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