Good/Decent UV Filter for In Sump use.

[Mulkxican]

Just got my 130.4 Waterbox 100 gal display and 30gal sump and looking for UV filtration. in the next year or so I'm going to have to move the tank about 3 hrs. away and don't want to mess with a plumed in UV filtration since its not at its permanent location yet. anyone have any good luck with any in sump UV filtration units?

 

[Quietman]

It's very hard to get proper utilization of a UV unit unless it's either a dedicated closed loop (which you say is out due to move) or plumbing in the return line. Return line can be problematic due to high flows (8x tank turnover for dinos for ex) required.

If it's just a year I would suggest the following as my best recommendation.

I like to see a larger unit that can handle both the high turnover needed for algae and the high exposure for pathogens. But you could just go with pathogen protection at low flow and that would allow easier return line plumbing and smaller unit depending on what exposure you feel is adequate (90mj/cm2 or 180 mj/cm2). I go with the former for maintenance higher for eradication of issue.

If want to go with both algae/pathogens then buy the correct sized (at least 50w - 80w or more better) unit now and plumb in return line and increase flow as high a system will allow. I believe the flow/exposure to prevent breakouts is lower than correcting an ongoing issue. If you do have a breakout of dinos for ex, you could always disconnect the unit and setup a temp closed loop with pump in the DT.

There are other options less optimal to me - waiting until you move to do anything, set up a temp closed loop now and just look at it until you move.

Good luck!

 

[Quietman]

Was thinking...if you absolutely have to setup sump to sump connection for the UV I would still get the unit now you want when you have your final setup. Some protection is better than none but don't have any expectations that this will stop any issues from occurring. It'll help, but might not stop.

So I would setup my sump to sump using a dedicated pump that can push max flow when needed. Use an outlet valve if AC pump. And connect with hose and barbs. Then we you first notice an issue (ich, dinos, etc) you can drop the pump in the DT and return back to display and adjust the flow to address the issue you're seeing. Have enough hose on hand and an HOB nozzle for the return.

That might be best temp solution if plumbing in return line is completely off the table.

 

[Mulkxican]

It's very hard to get proper utilization of a UV unit unless it's either a dedicated closed loop (which you say is out due to move) or plumbing in the return line. Return line can be problematic due to high flows (8x tank turnover for dinos for ex) required.

If it's just a year I would suggest the following as my best recommendation.

I like to see a larger unit that can handle both the high turnover needed for algae and the high exposure for pathogens. But you could just go with pathogen protection at low flow and that would allow easier return line plumbing and smaller unit depending on what exposure you feel is adequate (90mj/cm2 or 180 mj/cm2). I go with the former for maintenance higher for eradication of issue.

If want to go with both algae/pathogens then buy the correct sized (at least 50w - 80w or more better) unit now and plumb in return line and increase flow as high a system will allow. I believe the flow/exposure to prevent breakouts is lower than correcting an ongoing issue. If you do have a breakout of dinos for ex, you could always disconnect the unit and setup a temp closed loop with pump in the DT.

There are other options less optimal to me - waiting until you move to do anything, set up a temp closed loop now and just look at it until you move.

Good luck!

I guess i'll just look at hard pluming one inline i guess it really wont be that hard with waterbox connections if i can get small (size) enough to fit under cabinet 1ft. length or so so allow for plumbing connections. I'll have to do some research on how to correctly plumb in a UV filter since flow is the issue. part of my reasoning for not hard plumbing and wanting an AIO UV filter too was to not have to deal with tuning flow through it to be honest hahaha.

 

[Quietman]

Yeah, that's why I go with larger units that can handle both at same time. It's a bit more money but worth it peace of mind and reducing/measuring flow when need to change.

 

[jgirardnrg]

On my 60g cube I use a small DC pump to feed it from the sump using flexible tubing. It can be removed in a couple of minutes. On the new tank I run flexible tubing off of a manifold and can also remove it in a couple of minutes. In both cases the UV just sits in the cabinet behind or next to the sump. Pics for reference:

 

[Mulkxican]

ahhhh, okay thats not too difficult at all just need to find one that fits in my cabinet area. thanks!

 

[C_AWOL]

You can just use any UV on its own pump via flexible hose with little difficulty. It's also one of the easiest ways to adjust flow to address whatever need you have as well.