Pentair 50W UV sterilizer installation questions

[DesertReefer51]

I currently have a RS 525XL with the stock 30g sump running a COR20 on an Apex. I've had an outbreak of Cyano and all measures taken have only slowed the growth. I purchased a Pentair 50W UV sterilizer and I understand the operation and installation requirements but I'm looking for some "real" experience advice on installation. I appreciate opinions but I need advice from those who have a sterilizer.

I would like to plumb the unit directly from and back into the tank. I was considering plumbing in an inlet from one side of the tank and then out-putting back into the opposite side by just going over the glass. I will be using a Vectra M1 pump externally with the necessary plumbing to allow for maintenance of the unit. I am concerned about siphoning but as I think about it, I'm not sure how the siphon could affect the tank as this will be a closed-loop system. If the inlet starts a siphon after the pump is turned off the water would just fill the UV sterilizer and sit in the system until it is started again.

I included a quick diagram of the plan. If anyone with experience could lend some advice I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks everyone, Merry Christmas

 

[Billldg]

I currently have a RS 525XL with the stock 30g sump running a COR20 on an Apex. I've had an outbreak of Cyano and all measures taken have only slowed the growth. I purchased a Pentair 50W UV sterilizer and I understand the operation and installation requirements but I'm looking for some "real" experience advice on installation. I appreciate opinions but I need advice from those who have a sterilizer.

I would like to plumb the unit directly from and back into the tank. I was considering plumbing in an inlet from one side of the tank and then out-putting back into the opposite side by just going over the glass. I will be using a Vectra M1 pump externally with the necessary plumbing to allow for maintenance of the unit. I am concerned about siphoning but as I think about it, I'm not sure how the siphon could affect the tank as this will be a closed-loop system. If the inlet starts a siphon after the pump is turned off the water would just fill the UV sterilizer and sit in the system until it is started again.

I included a quick diagram of the plan. If anyone with experience could lend some advice I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks everyone, Merry Christmas

In all likelihood, it will not siphon because of the head pressure of the outlet. Even if it did, like you said, it would just dump back into the tank. I would install it in your sump though, as you can turn more water thru the UV sterilizer and pull water from a totally different place than the return, thus, using the UV sterilizer to its fullest. I have a Pentair 40w UV sterilizer on my tank. I have mine transferring water thru 2 different sections of my sump.

 

[jmichaelh7]

Isn’t the ball valve suppose to do it’s job

 

[jmichaelh7]

I need a Pentair 50w but the reviews were not good. Please let me know how your progress is. Are you doing it for clear waters right

 

[DesertReefer51]

In all likelihood, it will not siphon because of the head pressure of the outlet. Even if it did, like you said, it would just dump back into the tank. I would install it in your sump though, as you can turn more water thru the UV sterilizer and pull water from a totally different place than the return, thus, using the UV sterilizer to its fullest. I have a Pentair 40w UV sterilizer on my tank. I have mine transferring water thru 2 different sections of my sump.

My concern with pulling from the sump is messing with the flow and levels in the sump. It took quite a while to get stabilized. I can adjust the inlet valve from the tank overflow to compensate for the UV running but when the UV is turned off I'll have to readjust the valve again.

Pulling from the sump and then returning back into the sump doesn't seem to turn over much of the direct tank water.

 

[DesertReefer51]

Isn’t the ball valve suppose to do it’s job

I don't understand the question.

 

[DesertReefer51]

I need a Pentair 50w but the reviews were not good. Please let me know how your progress is. Are you doing it for clear waters right

I didn't see any negative reviews other than the unit is massive. A fellow reefer has the same unit on a 330g tank and has had no issues. I will update when it's up and running.

 

[cthetoy]

The main thing to focus is the proper flow rate through the UV. On my 40w Aqua ultraviolet its about 950gph for 90,000 µw/cm2. Pump anything faster will do nothing for Ich. Thats why lots of reefers with Neptune Apex controllers purchase a flow kit to measure the actual flow of their UV system.

 

[cthetoy]

The main thing to focus is the proper flow rate through the UV. On my 40w Aqua ultraviolet its about 950gph for 90,000 µw/cm2. Pump anything faster will do nothing for Ich. Thats why lots of reefers with Neptune Apex controllers purchase a flow kit to measure the actual flow of their UV system. Also remember to change your bulb yearly as the µw/cm2 drops

 

[DesertReefer51]

The main thing to focus is the proper flow rate through the UV. On my 40w Aqua ultraviolet its about 950gph for 90,000 µw/cm2. Pump anything faster will do nothing for Ich. Thats why lots of reefers with Neptune Apex controllers purchase a flow kit to measure the actual flow of their UV system.

I am considering a flow meter. My concern is the reliability. A majority of the reviews are not positive. The paddle wheel type of meter is old and not the best design.

 

[PigDaddyF15E]

Here are my thoughts (I have 25W plumbed into my return line with gate vales installed to direct water straight back to tank, all through the UV, or split. I monitor with 2 x 1" flow sensors).

1. I think most people don't consider the flow sensors. UV requires a specific flow depending on what you want to do with it. On something like your setup where you are planning to pull from the DT and back to the DT...then you probably could calculate the head and set the pump and be close. I just don't like not knowing exactly how much is flowing. I wouldn't go out and spend hundreds on a controller system to just monitor water flow...but if you already had one...then adding the sensors would seem like a no brainer. It's your choice.

2. Gate valves instead of ball valves? IDK why...I thought I just read somewhere that gate valves are just better in the long run than ball valves.

3. Unions. You want unions to be able to take apart the system without destroying it. so I'd think a union on both side of the pump so it can be removed to clean. Maybe a union on input/output of the UV so it could be replaced at some point down the line. Just a thought.....

4. Siphon. As others mentioned...I don't think it'll be an issue...as the water has nowhere to go...unlike a sump...where it could theoretically siphon. If you were really that concerned you could install a couple of check valves.

 

[DesertReefer51]

Here are my thoughts (I have 25W plumbed into my return line with gate vales installed to direct water straight back to tank, all through the UV, or split. I monitor with 2 x 1" flow sensors).

1. I think most people don't consider the flow sensors. UV requires a specific flow depending on what you want to do with it. On something like your setup where you are planning to pull from the DT and back to the DT...then you probably could calculate the head and set the pump and be close. I just don't like not knowing exactly how much is flowing. I wouldn't go out and spend hundreds on a controller system to just monitor water flow...but if you already had one...then adding the sensors would seem like a no brainer. It's your choice.

2. Gate valves instead of ball valves? IDK why...I thought I just read somewhere that gate valves are just better in the long run than ball valves.

3. Unions. You want unions to be able to take apart the system without destroying it. so I'd think a union on both side of the pump so it can be removed to clean. Maybe a union on input/output of the UV so it could be replaced at some point down the line. Just a thought.....

4. Siphon. As others mentioned...I don't think it'll be an issue...as the water has nowhere to go...unlike a sump...where it could theoretically siphon. If you were really that concerned you could install a couple of check valves.

I appreciate the response and advice. I will most likely pick a flow sensor if not two. I'm still struggling with installation. I have limited space and trying to consider the best position is difficult. I am trying to install the unit so it can run 24 hours a day so I would rather install the unit in a closed loop from the tank back into the tank.