UV Plumbing

[dbroncos]

Hello setting up a new Waterbox Infinia Reef 150.4 and I am connecting a UV Sterilizer. My question is I was going to use a 2nd smaller return pump to plumb to the UV unit and then out through the manifold. Is this a viable option?

 

[KrisReef]

The manifold will have some pressure from the other pump that the small pump has to push against, so it's not a sure thing to match the small pump flow to the UV when it's pushing against unknown head pressure.

I would consider either its own return to the DT or back to the sump. Folks get caught up with the most efficient kill flow-loop and it doesn't have to be that complicated, ime.
What does need to be certain is the proper water flow through the UV. Too fast or too slow is no good. GL

 

[Timfish]

As I understand your post you will have two different sized pumps supplying a single manifold. If that's correct I would advise against it as the larger pump will work against the smaller pump and I would suspect overall flow will be reduced as a consequence. Additionally, having a UV set up where the supply and return are in the sump will not be very effective compared to a UV that has a dedicated pump behind the aquascaping and the returns to the dispaly tank. Too high a flow rate also will reduce the effectiveness of a UV.

 

[dbroncos]

As I understand your post you will have two different sized pumps supplying a single manifold. If that's correct I would advise against it as the larger pump will work against the smaller pump and I would suspect overall flow will be reduced as a consequence. Additionally, having a UV set up where the supply and return are in the sump will not be very effective compared to a UV that has a dedicated pump behind the aquascaping and the returns to the dispaly tank. Too high a flow rate also will reduce the effectiveness of a UV.

So i was going to have one pump for the main display up through the return line. A second smaller pump pushing water into the uv and then hookup to the side of the main return line into the manifold. On the right side in the picture.

 

[dbroncos]

As I understand your post you will have two different sized pumps supplying a single manifold. If that's correct I would advise against it as the larger pump will work against the smaller pump and I would suspect overall flow will be reduced as a consequence. Additionally, having a UV set up where the supply and return are in the sump will not be very effective compared to a UV that has a dedicated pump behind the aquascaping and the returns to the dispaly tank. Too high a flow rate also will reduce the effectiveness of a UV.

So i was going to have one pump for the main display up through the return line. A second smaller pump pushing water into the uv and then hookup to the side of the main return line into the manifold. On the right side in the picture

So i was going to have one pump for the main display up through the return line. A second smaller pump pushing water into the uv and then hookup to the side of the main return line into the manifold. On the right side in the picture.

My thinking is the slower water through the manifold would just be picked up by the higher flow already going through the return line and wouldn’t be a problem.

 

[jsmkmavity]

Without knowing the head pressure of both pumps i cant say if it would work, but others have answered correctly in general terms. Just dump the outlet of the uv into the sump by the intake of the main pump. The uv will have a minimum and maximum flow rating and the pump you use needs to match for it to work properly. Am i correct in assuming the smaller uv pump will be in the sump also? Just have the smaller one closer to the first baffle

 

[dbroncos]

Without knowing the head pressure of both pumps i cant say if it would work, but others have answered correctly in general terms. Just dump the outlet of the uv into the sump by the intake of the main pump. The uv will have a minimum and maximum flow rating and the pump you use needs to match for it to work properly. Am i correct in assuming the smaller uv pump will be in the sump also? Just have the smaller one closer to the first baffle

yes both in the return chamber and that pump will match the flow needed.

 

[Ryan - Serious Reefs]

This will 100% be one of those things where you say "I wish I had listened to all those people on R2R :)

Put it on it's own return line. The UV only works if it is implemented right, otherwise it is an expensive toy.

 

[dbroncos]

This will 100% be one of those things where you say "I wish I had listened to all those people on R2R :)

Put it on it's own return line. The UV only works if it is implemented right, otherwise it is an expensive toy.

I appreciate the feedback but i’m not sure i am explaining correctlyo

This will 100% be one of those things where you say "I wish I had listened to all those people on R2R :)

Put it on it's own return line. The UV only works if it is implemented right, otherwise it is an expensive toy.

so i get that and it would be on its own return line. my question was whether the output from the uv could go through the manifold. If that is not a viable option than I am not sure what to do with the return from the uv? I mean I guess I could run the hose all the way up to the display but too me that would be unsightly and there has to be a way to do it without doing that. I could have the return feed back into the sump but that would defeat the prince it would just suck it right back in to the uv

 

[1000rrstunna]

take it from one chamber and return it to the same chamber... only use the pump for the uv for the uv.. otherwise flow calculation/ restriction and balancing things is a major issue.

 

[1000rrstunna]

Without knowing the head pressure of both pumps i cant say if it would work, but others have answered correctly in general terms. Just dump the outlet of the uv into the sump by the intake of the main pump. The uv will have a minimum and maximum flow rating and the pump you use needs to match for it to work properly. Am i correct in assuming the smaller uv pump will be in the sump also? Just have the smaller one closer to the first baffle

this will cause a water imbalance it needs to go-back into the same chamber or into the baffles that feed to the return pump area but not directly into return area...

 

[JayM]

I can't say for sure how efficient my UV setup is, but I have a dedicated pump in the drain section of my sump which is plumbed into a manifold. UV is fed from the manifold and dumps directly into the return chamber where it's pushed up to the display by a dedicated return pump. I'm fairly confident that the majority of the UV water goes into the display vs. being passed through repeatedly..

 

[1000rrstunna]

I can't say for sure how efficient my UV setup is, but I have a dedicated pump in the drain section of my sump which is plumbed into a manifold. UV is fed from the manifold and dumps directly into the return chamber where it's pushed up to the display by a dedicated return pump. I'm fairly confident that the majority of the UV water goes into the display vs. being passed through repeatedly..

the flow rates needed on most uv's will most likely outrun the return pump and cause the other chambers to loose water from my understanding how many gph are you running and what size tank? I spent alot of time looking into this on my setup.

 

[jsmkmavity]

this will cause a water imbalance it needs to go-back into the same chamber or into the baffles that feed to the return pump area but not directly into return area...

I was thinking they had a low enough flow not to matter, but you are right, if too much is taken out of one chamber and dumped into another it could empty the chamber the pump is in. I didnt think it thru before i spoke!

 

[JayM]

the flow rates needed on most uv's will most likely outrun the return pump and cause the other chambers to loose water from my understanding how many gph are you running and what size tank? I spent alot of time looking into this on my setup.

I have an 18w UV on a 100 gallon total system volume . It's been a while since I set it up, but I think it's in the 240-250gph range. Return pump is moving probably double that.

 

[Ryan - Serious Reefs]

I appreciate the feedback but i’m not sure i am explaining correctlyo

so i get that and it would be on its own return line. my question was whether the output from the uv could go through the manifold. If that is not a viable option than I am not sure what to do with the return from the uv? I mean I guess I could run the hose all the way up to the display but too me that would be unsightly and there has to be a way to do it without doing that. I could have the return feed back into the sump but that would defeat the prince it would just suck it right back in to the uv

I just looked at the tank and I get it. There is only one hole/pipe in the bottom feeding two return nozzles. Hard to not want to use that. These are the options I would consider for myself.

1) Ask myself if I can do without the UV. Is the juice worth the squeeze?

2) Do it the way you are considering but I'd add a controller/flow meter to the line so I know it is working as intended. A UV with the wrong flow rate is just waste of time and money.

3) Ask the manufacture if the back can be drilled. if the answer is yes I'd drill a hole in the back and use one of the existing return ports or a new bulkhead with a third port for the UV. Drilling an expensive tank is scary but once you do it you will say "that was easy" and you got a new skill under your belt.

4) Use just one return pump and tune it to the UV's suggested flow rate. People often suggest 5-10x return turn over but I see many pros with 1-3 all the time. All you are doing is heating and filtering the water.

 

[1000rrstunna]

I just looked at the tank and I get it. There is only one hole/pipe in the bottom feeding two return nozzles. Hard to not want to use that. These are the options I would consider for myself.

1) Ask myself if I can do without the UV. Is the juice worth the squeeze?

2) Do it the way you are considering but I'd add a controller/flow meter to the line so I know it is working as intended. A UV with the wrong flow rate is just waste of time and money.

3) Ask the manufacture if the back can be drilled. if the answer is yes I'd drill a hole in the back and use one of the existing return ports or a new bulkhead with a third port for the UV. Drilling an expensive tank is scary but once you do it you will say "that was easy" and you got a new skill under your belt.

4) Use just one return pump and tune it to the UV's suggested flow rate. People often suggest 5-10x return turn over but I see many pros with 1-3 all the time. All you are doing is heating and filtering the water.

on a 150 gallon tank wouldn't his flow rate in the uv be well over 3x? check out the chart for an " appropriately " sized unit on here for reef use. I know you are a lot smarter than I am but I have also learned a lot of this from your videos.

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this chart says 600-800 gph this is why I suggested taking the water out of one chamber and dumping back in baffle section so most of it flows through the sump.

 

[BlueBayouReefHTX]

As others have set, I would plumb this independently using its own pump. A DC pump is preferred as you can really dial the flow to where you want- otherwise be sure to check your specs on whatever AC pump you want and match it with whatever your goal is that you're trying to resolve. I've got mine returning directly back to my return chamber, I wouldn't bother with a closed loop or running it through a manifold or plumbing inline.

 

[dbroncos]

So technically in order for it to work the most effectively you want the water to go through all the filtration i.e., the rollermat, socks, skimmer, etc,”. then through the uv and back into the display. So I’ve decided i’m going to use the pump i purchased which is a DC pump rate for the uv - separate from the normal return pump and have the output connect to a U shaped tube directly back into the display tank. Thanks everyone.

 

[1000rrstunna]

So technically in order for it to work the most effectively you want the water to go through all the filtration i.e., the rollermat, socks, skimmer, etc,”. then through the uv and back into the display. So I’ve decided i’m going to use the pump i purchased which is a DC pump rate for the uv - separate from the normal return pump and have the output connect to a U shaped tube directly back into the display tank. Thanks everyone.

you will not be able to give the flow rate back to the tank the uv requires... you will over run your overflow or pull water through the sump at an astonishing rate... read the chart..... the uv wants 800 - 1200 gph thats 5.29x or more turn over on 150 gallons...