Hanging UV sterilizer to the cabinet ceiling

CEReefer · Nov 4, 2021

Hi as per title, I would like to mount my UV sterilizer on the cabinet ceiling, the UV is a 50w HO Pentair (6" diameter, just the vessel) https://pentairaes.com/smart-uv-high-output-sterilizers

I was going to use either one of these https://www.mcmaster.com/3309T728/

or these but they are much more expensive https://www.mcmaster.com/3116T14/

Is this a bad idea? If I use two around the thickest part of the vessel (the center has a slightly smaller diameter), will the weight of the vessel full of water make it break over time? Will the stand (which is made of ply (not a commercial stand)) support this type of installation (maybe the hanger with two bolts is better than one in this case?)

fishguy242 · Nov 4, 2021

hi i think either will work, but skip the stainless,go reg emt,two screw, and paint... :)
would also recommend slight 1"- 1 1/2" off set ,lower on intake,not to trap bubbles.

CEReefer · Nov 4, 2021

fishguy242 said:
hi i think either will work, but skip the stainless,go reg emt,two screw, and paint... :)
would also recommend slight 1"- 1 1/2" off set ,lower on intake,not to trap bubbles.

I am just scared it will drop on top of the sump, either because the vessel breaks or because the screws holding the hangers won’t sustain the weight. I have never seen anyone doing anything like this before

fishguy242 · Nov 4, 2021

get slightly larger clamps, use lag bolts,and zip tie unit to clamps, snug not binding.
if possible drill a hole in a cross brace ,zip through there also.
another option mount unit to 1x board ,then mount board to underside of cabinet.

Yodeling · Nov 4, 2021

Did you buy your UV recently? The new units ship with super sturdy clamps and extenders. The included clamps are much better than the options you posted.

When you say “cabinet ceiling” I assume you mean right under the tank, which would mean lag bolts are out of the question. You’d have to use much smaller screws that penetrate only part way through the ply (to make sure you don’t pierce the tank). I personally wouldn’t do it this way. The unit is fairly heavy and the UV would be pulling directly downward on small screws. I would either mount it to stand sides or back wall. The best way is actually right next to the tank vertically (set it on the floor and clamp it). Mine is set up that way. This will allow you to pull the bulb straight up when you change it. Changing the bulb inside the stand is probably not gonna work, so you would have to remove the UV every time, which may not be easy especially with plumbing, having to drain it, etc.