UV sterelizer

[nlutfi]

Im looking to add a UV sterilizer to my tank. I have around 100g total water volume, with my sump in the basement under my tank using a cor20 return pump. What UV would you recommend and what is the most efficient way to plumb it in to the system? Do I use a separate pump and just circulate it thought the sump or inline with the return pump? Will use it mostly for protozoa/parasite management.

 

[Uncle99]

I just used the Jebao 55 watt running off my return.
Just to the left of the jars.

 

[328 reef]

i use mine in the sump on a separate pump, smaller pump so the water has more contact time. my inlet is coming from a small pump in the filter sock area, and returns to the return section back to the display tank. i use a cuv 755 uv light. bought from amazon. i switch out the uv every 8 months.

 

[ID-Reefer]

FWIW I found Carl at American Aquarium to be incredibly knowledgeable on UV systems. Like with many things, there are a lot of opinions and thoughts on UV and seemingly a lot of misinformation... This info below was a huge help to me.

UVC Sterilization | How Aquarium & Pond UV Sterilizers Work

Information how a TRUE Aquarium, Pond UV Sterilizer/clarifier work. Category A, B, & C Sterilizers. Affect on green water, disease prevention, & Redox

www.americanaquariumproducts.com

 

[Jeffcb]

I just installed an Aqua UV 57 Watt. I am recirculating in the sump. It might not be best type install but dose work and defiantly easier. I run 2600 gph though the sump. I do not believe it becomes UV recirculated water in the sump.

 

[Courtney Aldrich]

For parasites you need a low flow rate, so definitely do not plumb in line with your return pump. I would plumb in your sump or in a separate line from your DT. I would suggest a 50 W pentair High Output along with a separate pump and flow sensor, so you can independently control the rate. For the 50 W pentair, a flow rate of 260 gph is recommended to control parasites while a flow rate of ~1500 gph is recommended for control of bacteria and algae (see attached manual).

 

[nlutfi]

For parasites you need a low flow rate, so definitely do not plumb in line with your return pump. I would plumb in your sump or in a separate line from your DT. I would suggest a 50 W pentair High Output along with a separate pump and flow sensor, so you can independently control the rate. For the 50 W pentair, a flow rate of 260 gph is recommended to control parasites while a flow rate of ~1500 gph is recommended for control of bacteria and algae (see attached manual).

Thanks I have the 25w pentair unit and am planning to plumb it through the sump picking up from the first chamber and returning to the last chamber

 

[JumboShrimp]

My 150-gallon is hard-plumbed, except for the large UV secured to the back of the tank— it just has a 1” silicone Intake tube coming in from it’s own cheap Jaebo adjustable speed pump sitting in the sump, and then a return silicone tube emptying back to a different part of the sump.