I need help with UV install on Reefer 250

Jeffcb · Oct 5, 2020

I've been researching this and it doesn't seem as there is an easy way. I have a Coralife 6X. From what I understand its best to recirculate your U.V. filters water from sump to tank. I could run a separate pump from the sump with a return line to the tank with the correct pump size and flow for to the UV filter. The problem is I cant find a reasonable return line set up that doesn't look slocky and possibly not reliable. Its to late to drill the tank. It is full of water and would probably void the warranty. Having 2 pumps is more reliable because of the redundancy if one fails. I am goin to stick with the stock factory return to the tank. Two return lines to the tank is not an option.

I have two choices...….. Witch one should I choose?

1. Recirculate water though the U.V filter with the correct size pump in the sump retuning the filtered water to the sump. . Suggested pump size for this unit is 200-400 GPH.

2. Install the U.V. filter on sump pump return line to the aquarium that has a 660 GPH flow .

So either recirculate though the sump at correct flow or, recirculate to the tank at to much flow.

Any suggestions? Thanks for your advise.

Jeffcb · Oct 5, 2020

Wilz · Oct 6, 2020

I have a Reefer 350 and I recently added a UV steriliser in the sump to help with fight dino. i didn’t want to (or have the ability to) take the feed from the displa, so I added a small pump in the sump at the recommended flow rate and recirculating within the sump.

Montiman · Oct 6, 2020

I would always vote correct flow.

However how do you know your main display's flow. I bet it is likely lower than you think. Usually the main return pump is perfect for the algae kill flow rate.

Jeffcb · Oct 8, 2020

Ok. So here is what I did for now. Recirculating in the skimmer section of the sump. 18 watt. I can always change it to tank circulation. Atleast is running for now.

ReefLab · Oct 8, 2020

I recirculate the water for UV through the sump off a dedicated pump. It worked like a charm to kill Dinos. water is crystal clear as well.

just a note that 600gph through that sump is a LOT of flow. Thats more than 10x your display volume hourly. I run about 500gph through my sump on a reefer 425. You could lower that and imo it would make all your filtration more effective.

Jeffcb · Oct 8, 2020

I thought the same thing but it is what Red Sea recommends. I'm running a Sicce 3.5 that is the recommended 660 gph -2500 l/h. It is piped down to the tubing that was supplied with the tank so its probably less. Had to get a especial fitting. I did this hobby 30 yrs ago when every one had a wet dry Aerobic circulation . Water flow now idk.

rsaylor3 · Oct 8, 2020

I just finished installing a Vecton 25 watt on my Red Sea 300xl. I use a VarioS-6 return pump and just split off it and run the UV flowing back into the sump. I did add a ball valve to control the flow to the UV. I plan on running it into a bucket soon, to figure my flow rate to it.

canadianeh · Oct 8, 2020

This is my set up

Cory · Oct 12, 2020

I had the same problem and so i just installed it on my return pump. I got a 90 watt ho lifegard and my return oly pumps 1100 gph so i was good. Killed the dinos.

ctopherl · May 5, 2021

canadianeh said:
This is my set up

Any issues with noise on the output for this HOB, or does the added tube suppress it pretty well? What size tubing did you need to fit the out spout?

And do you have any issues with algae clogging up the pump/line? I have the same setup (without UV currently) and constantly have bits of algae flowing through all the way to the filter pad right before my return pump unfortunately so I'm worried about this.

ctopherl · May 5, 2021

Jeffcb said:
Ok. So here is what I did for now. Recirculating in the skimmer section of the sump. 18 watt. I can always change it to tank circulation. Atleast is running for now.

What brand UV is this and what did you use to attach it to the side of the sump? How is it working out for you? Any issues with algae clogging up the lines (I also have a refugium in the same spot and constantly get bits of algae flowing through)?

Jeffcb · May 5, 2021

ctopherl said:
What brand UV is this and what did you use to attach it to the side of the sump? How is it working out for you? Any issues with algae clogging up the lines (I also have a refugium in the same spot and constantly get bits of algae flowing through)?

It is a Coralife 18 W turbo twist. It come with the mounting bracket. Dose not clog. I have a small Sicce pump running it. I forget witch one. Works well.

ctopherl · May 26, 2021

Update - realized there was a HOB option that is big enough for my tank (AquaUV 15W from BRS, rated up to 75g).

It seems to all fit together fine except now it sounds like I have a waterfall under my tank-last step is to figure out how to quiet this downspout down. Almost there!