Yeah, Hoppy, "easy to break something" is right. I thought I was going to break some of my tendons or ligaments when I assembled my Loc-Line.

Hi all,

Done. Split each outlet to a Y for four outlet nozzles rather than 2 and better control of each nozzle......

Okay, so things I learned that may help others:

Cost:

1. The LFS was at least 20-25% higher than the Loc line web site. I am sure this varies, but FYI........

Assembly

1. Use a towel to wrap around the pieces you are assembling. Helps keep hands from slipping and adds some padding as well.

2. Y fittings - I had two of these. Place the Y in the fleshy part of your hand between the thumb and index finger so that the elbow fits in nicely on your hand with one port on each side of your hand and the one to assemble facing out. Then push the pieces together.

3. Nozzles - Place wood that is wider than the nozzle over the nozzle. Place the extension upright on the floor. Use a hammer to tap the wood over the nozzle onto the extension. This is quick and easy.

4. Elbows - use options either 2 or 3 as appropriate or easy for you.

These things made assembly easy, and I used no tool.

Dis-assembly - totally recommend using new when/if possible.....

1. Tapered nozzles. I placed a towel around the JAWS of my pliers and then another towel on the extension and gently pulled/rotated it out. Came out easy and had been on for 5+ years. The wrapped pliers cause no damage/marks to the nozzle.

The towels helped a lot for cushioning and providing a larger more stable base for pushing/pulling.

After heeding all the warnings carefully. I can say that I have new Loc line installed and no injuries.......

Also, have to say that the OUTPUT from the divided return is noticeably less as I did one at a time and then compared. I like the better control, but it is not as strong as before. I guess the division really affects it, and I shouldn't be surprised, although I went with 3/4 with no restriction to a less diameter hose.

Thanks again to all.

I used almost all new so I didn't have to dis-assemble too much.

Gerry, the disassembly comes when those nice black plastic pieces start to accumulate BBA, and you need to remove them to be able to soak them in a bleach water mix to kill off and remove the algae. I did a disassembly for that once, but the next time I just wrapped it with a paper towel wet with Excel. The fish took care of removing the white algae for me.

My filter return is up very close to the light, so it is a prime breeding ground for algae. This is convincing me that I should put it down low and point it up to get the surface ripple I want.

Vaughn,

lol, I agree that


Is why I cover them with Riccia and duckweed. This helps that issue a lot..

Have to say that the new Y and extensions really give me many more flow options/configs.

May be able to eliminate one of the smaller current pumps now for dead spots.....yay we'll see.

They make a nice little plier for the loc line also.

Regards,
Tom barr