UV flow help...

alabella1 · Mar 1, 2023

After watching videos and reading up a lot on the topic, I decided to take the plunge on a UV. Found a great deal on a Aqua Classic UV 57 Watt Series so I jumped on it. My tank is 155g quarter cylinder and I have a good sized sump as well as a separate fuge. I heard with an oversized UV and the proper flow rate I should be able to attack all of the things that UV can help with in my tank.

What I'm looking for advice on is placement, flow rates, separate pumps vs using the return in a closed loop, etc. I have a Cor20 as my return but I'm not opposed to using a separate pump if it makes things easier for me here.

My total volume is roughly 157g. Tank is 130.5g, Sump is 13.5 and Fuge is 13

Gregpetro · Mar 1, 2023

From my past experience with uv a separate pump is the way to go just for ease of controlling flow rate. Usually the manufacturer has a recommended gph for the uv based on what your looking to do ie ich contol(would want slower flow) to algie management witch would be faster. I would contact the manufacturer. If it's really oversized I really don't think it matters tbh. Hope that helps.

ErikVR · Jul 5, 2023

I see its an older topic but what I ended up doing is hooking up a separate DC pump with controller. That way I can set it to a very precise flow rate. It add cost but offers great control and a very low power draw.

Coolcasino · Jul 6, 2023

As long as you follow the manufactures directions you will be fine. Install the UV however comfortable it is for you as long as you follow the directions. The most important thing with a UV is obtaining the proper flow rates for the application you want. I personally have my UV in my COR return. This way I'm assured that all the water pumped back into the display gets treated. If you have the space to add a separate pump to pump the water into the tank or closed loop is fine also.

Viking_Reefing · Jul 6, 2023

Coolcasino said:
As long as you follow the manufactures directions you will be fine. Install the UV however comfortable it is for you as long as you follow the directions. The most important thing with a UV is obtaining the proper flow rates for the application you want. I personally have my UV in my COR return. This way I'm assured that all the water pumped back into the display gets treated. If you have the space to add a separate pump to pump the water into the tank or closed loop is fine also.

Well, I wouldn’t say that following the manufacturers directions is a good idea in most instances. It’s mostly hogwash and why uv has got a bad rap for not being effective.
For example someone like Deltec that has been producing UV’s since like forever states that their 39w unit is good for 1-2000L tanks which isn’t even close. At least not for effective control of protozoans.
For example: my tank is about 1000L and some change and I need about 180w to achieve the right dosage of uWs/cm2 with the right tank turnover through the unit.