UV plumbing with one return line / 2 pumps

[chapter7]

Yes, the bigger return pump’s pressurized outlet plumbing will be very difficult for the smaller UV pump to overcome, this is not the best way to do this…

What I’ve seen most is the in-line UV being plumbed from the main return pump plumbing, teed off it, parallel to it, teed back into it…

— a gate valve on the return plumbing where it runs parallel to the UV, and a second one on the UV plumbing means you can restrict the return plumbing as needed, sending flow through the UV… then, restrict the UV gate valve down to your target UV flow rate! (With some to most of return pump flow bypassing UV still)

Thanks @UncommonSense ! So the second diagram that OP had (copied below) is the best way to plumb this? ......

Where would the best spot be to add a flow sensor for the UV, before or after it?

 

[JonoH]

If you still want the dual pumps...why not just run the UV back into the sump?

(May have already been addressed...sorry if i missed it!)

I run dual returns, but also have dual return lines, so easy to seperate. Love having the dual returns, especially when servicing, so easy to keep everything running.

 

[UncommonSense]

Thanks @UncommonSense ! So the second diagram that OP had (copied below) is the best way to plumb this? ......

Ah, I missed the second valve in this pic when scrolling through!

Yes, like so! — 45 elbows can also be used off wyes to make the UV and return plumbing physically parallel!

Where would the best spot be to add a flow sensor for the UV, before or after it?

It shouldn’t really matter much… Wherever there’s space, really!

— it is worth mentioning that it would be wise to set your controller to turn off the UV lamp if zero flow is detected, preventing dry running and/or overheating!

If you still want the dual pumps...why not just run the UV back into the sump?

This is also an excellent option; sump to sump on a smaller accessory pump! — I usually plumb this way when just firing up the UV on occasion!

 

[chapter7]

If you still want the dual pumps...why not just run the UV back into the sump?

(May have already been addressed...sorry if i missed it!)

I run dual returns, but also have dual return lines, so easy to seperate. Love having the dual returns, especially when servicing, so easy to keep everything running.

Hmmm, dual returns would be ideal, but for me, I unfortunately got the whole Innovative Marine setup with sump and plumbing already set up. Also thought about sump to sump for the UV, but how would you do this - intake from the return chamber and return to the drain chamber? Just trying to think of the cleanest way to do this cause I already have a second pump and it only fits in my return chamber ...

Good idea on the controller setting @UncommonSense , I hadn't even thought of that. I'll remember to set that up, thanks!

 

[UncommonSense]

intake from the return chamber and return to the drain chamber?

This works! You can also do in and out of the same chamber…

— as long as intake is “downstream” of outlet, the sump will continue to work as intended up to it’s maximum physical flow capabilities!

— it should be noted that sump to sump is the least efficient plumbing; especially return to return chamber! (More total water escapes sterilization on each pass, some sterilized water gets resterilized multiple times before reaching DT… this is more important when dealing with multi-cellular organisms!)

 

[JonoH]

100% I would return back into the start of the sump if that was the only option.

And @UncommonSense is correct - it does lessen the effectiveness of it, but it also means you get a part benefit i guess (without frying everything that returns to the tank).

 

[chapter7]

Thx for the help both of you guys! And thx @Anomaly_3 for resurrecting this thread, I would have never seen it otherwise! I bought all the parts almost EXACTLY as OP’s and was going to plumb it the same way as he had in his original diagram! I got some more thinking to do!

 

[Anomaly_3]

Thanks for all the replies yall, this is really the last thing im trying to plan. This is what im thinking. Sorry im not an artist. I really dont want to return to uv to the sump and i dont want the return pump controlling the uv because i want to be able to adjust uv flow for what im trying to target. Thoughts?

 

[Anomaly_3]

This is the other option im not sure off, which of the two would allow more uv and be more efficient.

Thanks for all the replies yall, this is really the last thing im trying to plan. This is what im thinking. Sorry im not an artist. I really dont want to return to uv to the sump and i dont want the return pump controlling the uv because i want to be able to adjust uv flow for what im trying to target. Thoughts?

 

[UncommonSense]

This is the other option im not sure off, which of the two would allow more uv and be more efficient.

This will work more reliably than the dual pump design, as mentioned above!

It should have a second valve on the return plumbing to allow the option to restrict flow through return plumbing, forcing a portion of returned water to bypass through the UV!

 

[chapter7]

Trying to wrap my head around these concepts …. with the initial wye, I’m guessing water would be split with equal pressure, and the valve on the UV side would be able to reduce that pressure, why would a valve on the return side be necessary?

As I’m writing this, I think I answered my own question - is it to allow the UV side to have a higher flow rate if necessary @UncommonSense ?

And apologies for going off on a tangent, I plan to get an inD frozen food feeder and was going to feed the line directly to the return pump. With this setup of using one pump, what are the ramifications of food going through the UV? I’ll have the UV off during feed times, but physically closing the valve every time would be a pita.

 

[Anomaly_3]

I guess now I'm worried if my vectra M2 will be enough to power it all or if i need to return and get an L2

 

[chapter7]

I guess now I'm worried if my vectra M2 will be enough to power it all or if i need to return and get an L2

What size is your system?

 

[mcarroll]

A little late to the party, so don't shoot me.

I may have missed it, but I'm not sure whether it was stated what purpose the UV is intended for.

So, a few things...

2x throughput in the sump can be acceptable, depending on the overall plans for the display. Low bio-loads shouldn't be an issue at 2x, for example.

If the UV is for algae, you can possibly run more flow and hit the 4x4-5x turnover multiplier he wants.

If the UV is for parasites AND you need a higher than 2x flowthough, then a bigger UV filter OR two parallel UV filters (each at 2x) would be required to hit the overall flow rate you want (ie 4x).

Similar advice for the bypass design....don't do it if it's for parasites, but it can be acceptable if it's just for algae. ("Algae" like dino's will require the "parasite" setup, BTW.)

I would try to do it all with one pump, or at most one pump per UV filter if you end up doing parallel units. One pump is simpler/better though.

 

[Anomaly_3]

What size is your system?

its a 114 gal display, 134 gal including sump.

 

[Freenow54]

I was getting a custom tank but it arrived and was awful quality so ive been refunded, the new tank ive ordered has 2x drains and one return line.

I want to use two pumps still, one smaller one for the uv, and one return pump, ive put some fittings on the bench how i think it would work but wanted experienced reefers thoughts on it, both pumps are dc controlled and have a ball valve and a non return valve then they merge - look ok???

Short story go to Co-Pilot it will lay absolutely everything out. Another thing is it is suggested that you run two separate lines one at the flow rate for Algae. The other for Parasites. Also a bypass before the UV allows you to put control vales anywhere. Otherwise I was cautioned to put them downstream of the pump to reduce throttling which may damage the pump.

 

[Ziggy17]

Ok, so I’m entertaining installing a UV as well. But I’m terribly confused. I have a WB 150.4 system and I have a Jecod 15000 return pump. So it maxes out at 4000g/hr, more than enough flow. WB also had a valve on the return line to use for (presumably) a UV or a reactor. Do I tee off using a Y shape fitting on the main line a few inches from the pump and then install a valve pre UV and then use the already set up second valve post UV to dial in the flow as per the manufacturer’s specifications?

In terms of filtration, I’m going to turn over 20x so around 3000gph

 

[USN74NMCB]

I have done a lot of research on this for my 360gallon DT with roughly 100 gallon sump. My first UV is for algae and recommended flow is 1000gph to 1500gph for algae so it is plumed inline on return line running at 1200gph to combat algae. The second UV that i will be getting is the same model but that will be for perisite control and needs to be ran at 150ghp to 250gph which will be put on small dc pump placed down stream of skimmer and then its output will be just i front of the dual returns. UV does two jobs but only one can be done per UV this is why most that run one is plumbed in return line and used to combat alage. Systems running 2 UV will have one set of alage and the other running much slower for peristits or more complex orginisums.

 

[Ziggy17]

I have done a lot of research on this for my 360gallon DT with roughly 100 gallon sump. My first UV is for algae and recommended flow is 1000gph to 1500gph for algae so it is plumed inline on return line running at 1200gph to combat algae. The second UV that i will be getting is the same model but that will be for perisite control and needs to be ran at 150ghp to 250gph which will be put on small dc pump placed down stream of skimmer and then its output will be just i front of the dual returns. UV does two jobs but only one can be done per UV this is why most that run one is plumbed in return line and used to combat alage. Systems running 2 UV will have one set of alage and the other running much slower for peristits or more complex orginisums.

That was an easy read, appreciate that. What make/model UV is it?

 

[Anomaly_3]

Ok, so I’m entertaining installing a UV as well. But I’m terribly confused. I have a WB 150.4 system and I have a Jecod 15000 return pump. So it maxes out at 4000g/hr, more than enough flow. WB also had a valve on the return line to use for (presumably) a UV or a reactor. Do I tee off using a Y shape fitting on the main line a few inches from the pump and then install a valve pre UV and then use the already set up second valve post UV to dial in the flow as per the manufacturer’s specifications?

In terms of filtration, I’m going to turn over 20x so around 3000gph

Have you caculated how much of that 4000pgh you will lose to head pressure?