UV Sterilizer return flow question

[dank reefer]

It might not matter, but I wanted to asked before I glued everything. Will be installing a manifold from return pump to supply water to my UV sterilizer and wanted to know if the return from the uv draining back into my return section would be an issue?

 

[Hitman]

How big of a uv unit, what brand unit, what size is your return pump, what size plumbing, and what size tank? These are all factors that are needed for a honest answer to your question.

 

[BoSalman]

How big of a uv unit, what brand unit, what size is your return pump, what size plumbing, and what size tank? These are all factors that are needed for a honest answer to your question.

+1..

As far as making your UV exit get into the return section of your sump.. I would make it exit at your first section where water from the tank is draining..

This way it would get some mixing before entering the UV unit again.

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Not an issue. I have 2 uv sterilizers on my tank that are fed by the manifold from main pump. Keep in mind controlling flow rates is crucial with UV, especially if you want it to be effective against bacteria blooms and protozoa activity. Add a gage valve to the manifold and control the flow rate that way.

 

[dank reefer]

90g DT

It's a pentair 25 watt. Return pump is a cor-20 using 3/4 pipe. Manifold is a 3/4 running to UV. Return from UV is 1". Sump is a Bashsea Smart series. https://premiumaquatics.com/products/bashsea-smart-series-30x15x16-sump-white.html

I ended up plumbing the return from the uv into my fuge section.

 

[Hitman]

90g DT

It's a pentair 25 watt. Return pump is a cor-20 using 3/4 pipe. Manifold is a 3/4 running to UV. Return from UV is 1". Sump is a Bashsea Smart series. https://premiumaquatics.com/products/bashsea-smart-series-30x15x16-sump-white.html

I ended up plumbing the return from the uv into my fuge section.

Ok sounds like a solid plan with excellent equipment.
One last question?
How are you controlling the flow through your UV and verifying your staying within the recommended 79 to 131 gph for bacteria and Protozoa ?

 

[Hitman]

Here is the recommended levels for that UV which is why I ask the above question?

 

[dank reefer]

Ok sounds like a solid plan with excellent equipment.
One last question?
How are you controlling the flow through your UV and verifying your staying within the recommended 79 to 131 gph for bacteria and Protozoa ?

Using a ball valve.

I'm in the 100-115 flow rate. I measured how fast it took to fill a 5g bucket and adjusted to get between 100, and 120.

 

[dank reefer]

Here is the recommended levels for that UV which is why I ask the above question?

I have the recommended flow rate. My question was would it matter for the return flow from the UV to dump back into the return section. After thinking about it I readjusted and put it on the fuge section for 2 reasons. First, my ATO as I didnt want it setting off or sending me errors. Second was I thought that it would just be circulating the same water that was ran in the UV. I know at the end of that day no matter where I plumed the return from the UV, the water would come in contact with the UV again, just didnt want a higher percentage of it cycling through the UV.

 

[Hitman]

Sound like you got it down pat! Job well done.
Recirculating the water is no big deal, as you said it’s going to happen anyway if you plump it back into the sump area.
The reason why I asked all the questions was to offer a different option but you didn’t have the larger UV. I have the Smart HO 120 watt and I have mine plumed so the return comes out of my UV into my display tank. It’s way over kill for my tank but it allowed me to do it that way.

 

[dank reefer]

I was going to get the UV 40, but after looking at the dimensions it was almost as long as my tank, so went with the 25 watt. I know bigger would of been better, but I didnt want a bazooka hanging above or behind my tank. As it was already I didnt want to install it in the stand as I didnt want to take it all apart to change the bulb when the time came, so I built a little stand for it.

 

[dank reefer]

I really do appreciate all of my fellow reefers suggestions.

 

[Hitman]

You have the feed line going in the bottom and the return coming out the top correct? Just making sure as I see the soft tube on the bottom and you want the return up top.
I completely understand your reasoning on the one you got. It is perfect for your tank and is the best UV sterilizer for home aquariums in my opinion. Did you see the factory direct sale they are having right now? I just ordered another 120 and will be returning the 80 I ordered last week from a online retailer. The 120 factory direct is $150 cheaper then the 80 I bought last week:mad:

 

[dank reefer]

Tubbing is the feed to the UV, and PVC is the return.

I was contemplating in putting another return pump just for the UV itself, but I couldnt find a pump that would meet its flow rate without having to upsize the output.

I initially wanted to put a manifold when I first plumed the sump, but decided not too since I didnt have a use for it. In hindsight, I should off put one to begin with. But it was a fun weekend project.

 

[Hitman]

You did a great job!