Another UV sterilizer flow question...

[Gino]

Hi.

I got the 40w pondmaster UVC. My goal is to use it as an sterilizer for my 186gal total water volume w/o water displacement Tank. Let's say that the total water volume is between 160 and 170 gallons approx. I understand that flow, contact time versus wattage is the key to get the desired results.

I will like to achieve level 1 or 2 sterilization. So it could help me prevent or at least control parasites and protozoa in my Display Tank. The unit is plumbed to a manifold from the return pump but the Uv empties directly into the DT as recommended for optimal efficiency on circulation. I have a flow meter sensor that I can monitor the flow going into the UV chamber control by a gate valve for fine turning. My problem consists on how much flow I need to pass by the UV chamber to achieve my goal. I look all over the net and forums and I ended up with more questions than answers.


I'm writing you guys to see if you can help me out here. I know there is a mathematical formula, but I'm confused on how to apply it in order to get the right flow. Maybe you could suggest me what flow rate should I push thru the UV chamber to get the best results for what I want.


I appreciate your help.

 

[ca1ore]

Hope you have better luck with the pond master than I did. The ballasts lasted about two years before intermittently shutting down (or refusing to restart after a power loss). I gave up. As to the question you asked, I use 10 gallons per hour per watt for second level sterilization. This is my go to link for all things UV.

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/TMCUVSterilizer.html

 

[Juscuziam]

I'm interested in what you're using to calculate your flow

 

[Hemmdog]

I'm interested in what you're using to calculate your flow

You can calculate your flow with a 5gal bucket, a stopwatch, and a calculator.

 

[SuncrestReef]

I'm interested in what you're using to calculate your flow

I use a Neptune flow meter. It's pretty handy to see the flow data, and I even have the Apex programmed to turn off the UV if the flow drops too low (like during feed mode) so the UV doesn't overheat.

 

[Fiesty]

You can calculate your flow with a 5gal bucket, a stopwatch, and a calculator.

I don't know why but your direct answer just made me laugh!!!! I guess cause as i read the thread i could see that answer coming for sure, and then there it was! Haha. I believe i went through the same thought process as the OP the first time i set up a UV. Sometimes the answers r much simpler then we expect and thats a good thing. I might add (and some may hate me for this) but after awhile u can get use to looking at the flow from the UV output and know its "about right." Obviously this takes a little bit of testing (per bucket, watch, calculator) to get the right idea. But there is a range to run them in and the fact u using its own return to DT will make your life much easier in getting it dialed in and simplier to "look at" in future to check.

 

[Hemmdog]

I don't know why but your direct answer just made me laugh!!!! I guess cause as i read the thread i could see that answer coming for sure, and then there it was! Haha. I believe i went through the same thought process as the OP the first time i set up a UV. Sometimes the answers r much simpler then we expect and thats a good thing. I might add (and some may hate me for this) but after awhile u can get use to looking at the flow from the UV output and know its "about right." Obviously this takes a little bit of testing (per bucket, watch, calculator) to get the right idea. But there is a range to run them in and the fact u using its own return to DT will make your life much easier in getting it dialed in and simplier to "look at" in future to check.

Lol :)

 

[Juscuziam]

I use a Neptune flow meter. It's pretty handy to see the flow data, and I even have the Apex programmed to turn off the UV if the flow drops too low (like during feed mode) so the UV doesn't overheat.

Nice

 

[Hermie]

without looking at the unit, I would estimate 180 GPH