need some help with plumbing ideas for 180g reef

[reefmaster70]

Hi,

Ok, so being bitten bad by the reef tank bug...I am now onto my 3rd build. I currently have a 20g Nano, a 75g LPS reef tank and now I will be working on laying out a 180 gallon monster reef tank over the winter months.

I have the tank, stand and sump. The tank has two overflows built into the back each with a drain and a return line. I am wanting to have a UV sterilizer on the system, as I have them on both of my other tanks. However, I am unsure on how to plumb the UV unit in on this 180g. Should I put it in line on one of the returns, and use two return pumps? I was thinking maybe an adjustable DC pump on one return line that goes through the UV sterilizer, so I can adjust the flow rate through the UV Sterilizer. I just need some help/advice trying to figure this out. I don't want extra plumbing for a closed loop hanging off the back of the tank, and I want the Sterilizer hidden down in the tank stand too. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[UncommonSense]

and use two return pumps?

Dual sets of return pumps and return plumbing is excellent for life support redundancy!

each with a drain

single drains can be a bit loud!

— Muffler options do exist, but if noise is a concern, there is an alternative way to plumb this tank, if you’re curious?

I was thinking maybe an adjustable DC pump on one return line that goes through the UV sterilizer, so I can adjust the flow rate through the UV Sterilizer

This is a good way of going about it, and dual returns makes it easy to implement!

 

[jsmkmavity]

I dont know how many gph you will be overflowing, but even split in half it might be too much to run thru a uv sterilizer depending on the size of the drain pipe and the uv- which should have an "optimal" gph flow rating. You may end up needing to run it on its own pump from the sump.

 

[BryanM]

Just as a filter, I would just plumb it via one of the returns and be done.

I get its not 100% efficient, but unless you're addressing a specific problem I think you're good here. It;s still going to treat the water and be beneficial.

 

[reefmaster70]

Just as a filter, I would just plumb it via one of the returns and be done.

I get its not 100% efficient, but unless you're addressing a specific problem I think you're good here. It;s still going to treat the water and be beneficial.

I love the simplicity of just plumbing it into one of the returns and be done with it. It isn't addressing any real issues, I just want "generic" UV filtration, cleaner looking water, help keep algae growth down, etc.

 

[Mark3]

Just as a filter, I would just plumb it via one of the returns and be done.

I get its not 100% efficient, but unless you're addressing a specific problem I think you're good here. It;s still going to treat the water and be beneficial.

I have 40 W pentair plumb into return line. variable speed pump, ...I use 2 return pumps for the tank, so, you might say one pump for UV and one for return . ...the blue glue was a mistake . ..looks messy, but didn't want to buy a new part just for looks.

 

[Mark3]

I have 40 W pentair plumb into return line. variable speed pump, ...I use 2 return pumps for the tank, so, you might say one pump for UV and one for return . ...the blue glue was a mistake . ..looks messy, but didn't want to buy a new part just for looks.

One more view ...I had to repair the unit . ...it's body started to leek...replaced with pvc pipe ...you can see glow through the pvc....pentair melts the walls and starts to leek after a few years

 

[Freenow54]

Hi,

Ok, so being bitten bad by the reef tank bug...I am now onto my 3rd build. I currently have a 20g Nano, a 75g LPS reef tank and now I will be working on laying out a 180 gallon monster reef tank over the winter months.

I have the tank, stand and sump. The tank has two overflows built into the back each with a drain and a return line. I am wanting to have a UV sterilizer on the system, as I have them on both of my other tanks. However, I am unsure on how to plumb the UV unit in on this 180g. Should I put it in line on one of the returns, and use two return pumps? I was thinking maybe an adjustable DC pump on one return line that goes through the UV sterilizer, so I can adjust the flow rate through the UV Sterilizer. I just need some help/advice trying to figure this out. I don't want extra plumbing for a closed loop hanging off the back of the tank, and I want the Sterilizer hidden down in the tank stand too. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

I worked mine out with the help of AI it asks for your equipment id and will work out resistance to flow suggests all the plumbing lays out flow ect. What I liked most is that it suggested how to a ) bypass it for maintainance b ) two seperate lines adjusted one time for algae the other for parasites. With your idea which I like you as it seems you are aware need a pump to provide the lift required , and you need to calculate your dose rate which I struggled to understand at first but is the reason why a lot of installs are not actually doing anything. I would use the pump as a main source and use globe valves to set flow one time instead of having to do it every time. That being said I have decided to only use mine as needed as it was pointed out that it will also kill beneficial plankton bacteria that your coral , and fish need . I now intend to control algae with a scrubber. That said I was going to put one on my large tank but my Tang loves glass cleaning day as it follows me around eating it. I may put one on for parasite control but and I hope continues I have never had the need for that. There is a bit of math involved to get the dose rate you need flow volume of the sterilizer body and the strength / intensity of your UV- C bulb if you are not aware. Also beware of using Stainless UV filters as the Stainless is mostly 304 and will corrode which really put a hold on my project because they were so inexpensive compared to the manufactured ones for Aquarium use. So again AI helped me but be prepared to ask the right questions as it does not presume

 

[Wonkabar]

Mine is set up with dual return pumps and one goes through uv right into the tank. I adjust the flow of that return based on what I need from the uv unit.

 

[Freenow54]

I dont know how many gph you will be overflowing, but even split in half it might be too much to run thru a uv sterilizer depending on the size of the drain pipe and the uv- which should have an "optimal" gph flow rating. You may end up needing to run it on its own pump from the sump.

Lots of people run them parallel which to me is necessary to have the correct flow presuming single purpose. Just my opinion

 

[Blue Collar Reefer]

I have 2 return pumps on my 180. And I put a flow meter on that return to make sure I’m running the correct gph for the UV.

 

[reefmaster70]

yeah, I think I've decided to go DUAL return pumps...one just a direct shot back to the tank, and then the second one a pump for running it through the UV and then back to the tank. I do have two returns to the tank, so would be simply enough to do. Or that second line I may actually set up a manifold system, so I can run UV, or a reactor, or carbon, or whatever off of it.

 

[Mark3]

Duel return pumps are a MUST in my book. I run them at only about 50% ...can get by with one, if one dies on me.