Plumbing UV Steriliser

Sashahau · Aug 4, 2020

Hi,
I’m in the process of rethinking / redoing and improving a lot of components in my tank. Almost a bit of a tank do over.
Currently I have a Red Sea Reefer 450.
I would like to plumb in an UV sterilizer. I am thinking of setting up a manifold from my return pump and branching off to the steriliser.
I had a couple of questions that I can’t seem to find the answers to.
Water flow is important to the steriliser. So I want to attach a Neptune flow meter to this and also some sort of valve to control the flow.
Which is better to control flow in this setting, a ball valve or gate valve?
Where should I put it? Before the UV or after? Or it doesn’t really matter?
What about the Neptune Flow meter? Where should I position this? I’m assuming this will be dependant on where I position the valve?
Or am I overthinking everything and just making it more difficult for myself.
Keen to take any advise and discussion.
Thanks
Alex

Ron Reefman · Aug 5, 2020

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Which is better to control flow in this setting, a ball valve or gate valve?
gate valve is better, hands down.

Where should I put it? Before the UV or after? Or it doesn’t really matter?
probably before, but I suspect it really won't matter much.

What about the Neptune Flow meter? Where should I position this? I’m assuming this will be dependent on where I position the valve?
I'd put the flow meter behind (downstream from the valve.

Or am I overthinking everything and just making it more difficult for myself.
No, you are smart to ask questions.

725196 · Aug 5, 2020

Good morning. I hope I can help some. I think you are asking the right questions and definitely thinking about what you want to do before you do it.

I think a gate valve would be better then a ball valve but either will work. A ball valve is typically smaller so if room is an issue that maybe the way to go.

I think you need to put the flow meter between the UV and the valve.The sterilizer I have says theflow going in needs to be “x” depending on what the purpose the UV is doing.

Enjoy the hobby my friend.

Casket_Case · Aug 5, 2020

Welcome! In my opinion, I wouldn’t use a UV sterilizer. An aquarium that isn’t sterilized typically has better because it’s got more good bacteria in the water. See Paul B’s threads for more on that philosophy.