UV sterilizer pump recommendation

[jasonrusso]

So I got a new TMC Vectron 600 UV sterilizer last week. To maximize the level 2 sterilization I was looking into 300gph of flow. This gives me between the 10-12gph/watt and the 1.5 time turnover for my 210 gallon tank.

I currently have 2 Eheim 1262 return pumps which I had on my 150 previously. I have had them for 4 years and they just run and run, so I am a big Eheim fan. When the time came, I bought an Eheim 1250 for the UV sterilizer. The spec on the 1250 was 320 gph.

I set it up this weekend. I used 1/2" nylon tubing. There is about 22" of vertical head and maybe 3 feet of total length to the sterilizer, and maybe 18" return to the sump (no restriction on the return). I fired it up and tested the flow with a measuring cup. I filled up a 1 quart cup in 6 seconds (did it 3 times) which gives me a disappointing 150gph!! I know I was going to lose something, but I was expecting to be in the high 200s.

So, now what do I do? The Eheim was expensive, $90. I would prefer to use 1/2" tubing (I can use whatever on the UV. It has stepped barb fittings. Is there a better pump to use?

Should I use something like a Jebao and dial it way down? It is more efficient and cheaper, but I don't know about the quality/longevity. Eheim has won me over, but I don't want to spend a fortune. Also, space in the sump is becoming an issue as well so the 1250 is about as big (physically) as I can go.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SQX5CEW/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

Or maybe something like this?

http://www.fish-street.com/jebao_dcs2000_return_pump

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[A13X]

In my experience 1/2" is really restrictive.
And the Jabao doesn't have the pressure to push water through it. At least for me it didn't.
I would recommend going up a size if possible to allow more water flow and less restriction/head pressure.

P.s Eheim pumps are awesome

 

[jasonrusso]

In my experience 1/2" is really restrictive.
And the Jabao doesn't have the pressure to push water through it. At least for me it didn't.
I would recommend going up a size if possible to allow more water flow and less restriction/head pressure.

P.s Eheim pumps are awesome

I went with 1/2" because that's what the Eheim has. I may have to get more 3/4" tubing.

 

[jasonrusso]

I replaced the Eheim with a Jeabo 3000. At 6/8 I am getting flow just over 200gph. If I go to 100% it isn't that much higher so it isn't worth stressing the pump.

Maybe I have found the limit to 1/2" tubing and I need to go bigger.

 

[jasonrusso]

I replaced the 1/2" with 3/4." Now on 5/8 on the Jeabo I am getting just over 300gph (the spec for level 2 sterilization is 12-14GPH/watt so 300-350gph.