Need help on a pump question.
- Thread starter Lowefx
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Lowefx
Well-Known Member
I did see where the reccomend 336gph (near that number), but I am fighting dinos. I've read in other threads that a slower flow will help that. Can anyone confirm that?
mcarroll
10K Club member
How big is your display again?
Do you know what your actual return flow is right now?
Unless I'm mistaken, AquaUV is talking about real GPH and not pump "GPH" ratings.
For example, your 160 GPH powerhead will not be pumping anywhere close to 160 GPH once it's hooked up to an application that adds a little back-pressure.
However, before you select a new pump or even decide whether the "160GPH" pump is enough, consider whether AquaUV recommends a specific flow rate for the critters you are targeting.
Dino's are large (I think around 40µ) and armored, so they'll be tougher to kill than a lot of other things folks potentially might use UV for.
But on the link @SpecialCareInverts posted we see this:
I would say to target ≥75,000 µw/cm2, which is the lowest flow category, but that's still > 1,000 GPH – actual gph too!!
I guess you could run the unit you have at an even lower flow rate, but dosing >90,000 µw/cm2 would be way-way-way overkill – I think you may need a smaller UV.
Check out their whole sizing guide:
http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/sites/default/files/brochures/UV Charts Salt and Fresh Water.pdf
Do you know what your actual return flow is right now?
Unless I'm mistaken, AquaUV is talking about real GPH and not pump "GPH" ratings.
For example, your 160 GPH powerhead will not be pumping anywhere close to 160 GPH once it's hooked up to an application that adds a little back-pressure.
However, before you select a new pump or even decide whether the "160GPH" pump is enough, consider whether AquaUV recommends a specific flow rate for the critters you are targeting.
Dino's are large (I think around 40µ) and armored, so they'll be tougher to kill than a lot of other things folks potentially might use UV for.
But on the link @SpecialCareInverts posted we see this:
Salt Water Sterilizer to 355 gals / Flowrate - 1,066 gph for 90,000 µw/cm2
30,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 3200 gph 75,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 1280 gph
45,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 2133 gph 90,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 1066 gph
60,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 1600 gph
What works best for Marine Tanks?
In marine fish tanks (No reef or live rock) a flow rate matching those shown in the 75,000 or 90,000 column will be most effective at controlling fish disease.
How do I size a UV for a Reef Tank?
In salt water reef environments choose a UV that matches your flow rate per hour in the 30,000 or 45,000 columns of our chart. Flow rates in the 75,000 and 90,000 columns will destroy the planktonic food supply for the reef.
30,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 3200 gph 75,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 1280 gph
45,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 2133 gph 90,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 1066 gph
60,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 1600 gph
What works best for Marine Tanks?
In marine fish tanks (No reef or live rock) a flow rate matching those shown in the 75,000 or 90,000 column will be most effective at controlling fish disease.
How do I size a UV for a Reef Tank?
In salt water reef environments choose a UV that matches your flow rate per hour in the 30,000 or 45,000 columns of our chart. Flow rates in the 75,000 and 90,000 columns will destroy the planktonic food supply for the reef.
I would say to target ≥75,000 µw/cm2, which is the lowest flow category, but that's still > 1,000 GPH – actual gph too!!
I guess you could run the unit you have at an even lower flow rate, but dosing >90,000 µw/cm2 would be way-way-way overkill – I think you may need a smaller UV.
Check out their whole sizing guide:
http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/sites/default/files/brochures/UV Charts Salt and Fresh Water.pdf
OP
OP
Lowefx
Well-Known Member
Overkill....is there such a thing. Haha, but I don't want it to kill the good organisms too.How big is your display again?
Do you know what your actual return flow is right now?
Unless I'm mistaken, AquaUV is talking about real GPH and not pump "GPH" ratings.
For example, your 160 GPH powerhead will not be pumping anywhere close to 160 GPH once it's hooked up to an application that adds a little back-pressure.
However, before you select a new pump or even decide whether the "160GPH" pump is enough, consider whether AquaUV recommends a specific flow rate for the critters you are targeting.
Dino's are large (I think around 40µ) and armored, so they'll be tougher to kill than a lot of other things folks potentially might use UV for.
But on the link @SpecialCareInverts posted we see this:
Salt Water Sterilizer to 355 gals / Flowrate - 1,066 gph for 90,000 µw/cm2
30,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 3200 gph 75,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 1280 gph
45,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 2133 gph 90,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 1066 gph
60,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) 1600 gph
What works best for Marine Tanks?
In marine fish tanks (No reef or live rock) a flow rate matching those shown in the 75,000 or 90,000 column will be most effective at controlling fish disease.
How do I size a UV for a Reef Tank?
In salt water reef environments choose a UV that matches your flow rate per hour in the 30,000 or 45,000 columns of our chart. Flow rates in the 75,000 and 90,000 columns will destroy the planktonic food supply for the reef.
I would say to target ≥75,000 µw/cm2, which is the lowest flow category, but that's still > 1,000 GPH – actual gph too!!
I guess you could run the unit you have at an even lower flow rate, but dosing >90,000 µw/cm2 would be way-way-way overkill – I think you may need a smaller UV.
Check out their whole sizing guide:
http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/sites/default/files/brochures/UV Charts Salt and Fresh Water.pdf
As far as pumps go, I guess the small 160gph will not work. I also have a mag5 that might be better. Not sure what flow rate is, but I'll have to do research on it.
My display is 120g and a 40g sump. Not heavily stocked with rock. I guess I may need a smaller uv, but don't want too
mcarroll
10K Club member
Mag 5 = 500GPH at 0 feet of head.....still no good. You need >1000 GPH of actual flow.
I doubt your return pump is even that big on a 120 Gallon.
Look for a Mag 12 or similar.
Maybe consider calling AquaUV to get their take as well.....I think it'd be a good idea, and I know I'm curious what they'd recommend!
I doubt your return pump is even that big on a 120 Gallon.
Look for a Mag 12 or similar.
Maybe consider calling AquaUV to get their take as well.....I think it'd be a good idea, and I know I'm curious what they'd recommend!
OP
OP
Lowefx
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately I don't have a manifold. I have an Ehiem (around 1250ish, can't remember right now, at work) I wonder if I could plumb after the pump, into the UV, then from the UV straight to the tank. Do you see anything wrong with that?
Texas Reefer
Valuable Member
Ooohhh... It's so pretty!
