UV pluming guru needed

[FishTacos2]

I have watched as many videos as possible and all the BRS videos. Nobody is specific enough in how to plumb a UV steralizer.
I could not find detailed enough info anywhere


I am using this in a Waterbox aquarium with a sump so the starting point is DC pump going into a single return line

Option 1) Plumb the UV in line with the return pump. Water flows from return pump, through UV, to tank. This is not good because the flow rate of the UV cannot be independently adjusted seperate from the return pump flow rate. So basically this option is out

Option 2. Use a seperate return pump for the UV. In this case how does the water get back to the tank? Do you put a T joint on your return line with the water from the UV going into one side and the usual return pump going in the other side?

Option 3. See diagram provided by the manufacturer. In this case the return pump would split into 2 parts some flow to the UV and some flow bypassing the UV. The ratio of flow to the UV is controlled by gate valves. Ultimately all the water would reunite before going back to the tank.

 

[RockRash]

I would recommend option one and size the UV to flow you want to run. That's what I did, I think it works best if all the water runs through it.

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

In your Option 3, how would you know the precise gpm flow going through the UV? Could be too high and not get treated properly, or could be too low and not taking full advantage of your UV.

Typically you would buy a UV that can treat the flow put out by a pump and go with Option 1 (treat all water pumped by your return pump) or Option 2 (treat all water pumped by a different pump).

 

[FishTacos2]

In option 3 you would need a flow sensor next to the UV to dial in the flow

 

[BeanAnimal]

I prefer to run them on a separate pump. It tends to make maintenance and dialing in flow a lot easier. That said, any of your options will work.

 

[REEFRIED!]

I don’t like any of those options. In a tank with only one stock return outlet I would simply use another (second) pump to supply the UV and then I would buy a u shaped return that would hang on tank.

 

[Chris-Dott]

If you run it like the Diagram shows, I would suggest running a Apex flow meter after the ball valve to the UV and one after the ball valve for Bypass.

 

[kfries]

I run mine off of a separate pump. The pump is in the sump and returns back to the sump. The water flow through the sump is constantly turning over, so I am not worried about it short-cycling the same water. I had a small DC pump left over from an old tank that I use so I can dial the flow. I do not use any valves and the plumbing is very simple.

 

[Reginald Reefer III]

Separate pump and everything stays in the sump. The UV I have is IP69 rated and just sits in the water next to the skimmer. I was also able to size the small pump correctly for ideal contact time.