U.V. no flow meter

[dstockwell]

So I have a 9w turbo-twist plumbed off my return 1/2 inch line over the top of the tank. How does look for flow.

 

[KrisReef]

How big is your tank? The on line information says the uv should flow 100-200 gallons per hour. That looks like less than 60 gph, Should have a good kill rate at that slow speed.

 

[dstockwell]

55, the 1/2 ball valve is wide open. I could experiment with increasing my return pump, but I may need to use a ball valve on my return above where it tee’s off for more flow.

 

[KrisReef]

Yes, just guessing on the flow but it looks slow. With 55 gallons I think i would want that UV running closer to the 200gph max they list, and at least the 100 gph.

 

[dstockwell]

Before I do this I need to ask if this is right. If I install a ball valve above the U.V. tee on my return line and restrict the return some it some will this increase the flow to the U.V. Then if needed I can bump my return pump up some to compensate.

 

[dstockwell]

Bump

 

[OfficeReefer]

Maybe. I'm in the process of the same but not attempting to address the low flow for protozoans. I've got an AquaUV 15w which I'm going to either install right off the return pump at 600gph or so otherwise will be with a manifold which allows me to run two pumps at different speeds.

@dstockwell if you mess with the rate of return, you'll need to address the ball valve to equalize. If you are not, then it won't matter. This is why I was going to use the manifold method.

 

[dstockwell]

The way I have is, return pump, to a three way tee, one goes to u.v. one goes to a separate sump and they both have ball valves to adjust. Then the return line continues and dumps in tank.

Now if I add a ball valve above this tee and restrict it some, in theory this should increase the flow to the other two. Then if needed I can bump up return pump flow rate to compensate and adjust ball valves as needed,

 

[OfficeReefer]

You asking about another valve for a total of three after the tee, essentially one on each leg of the tee. It might if it were done after the return leg to the tank but if not, I'm not sure it would. If you have an Apex, you can use a flow sensor on an FMM or ATK/ATO unit to tell what it is though.

 

[dstockwell]

No I’ll post a pic. If I add a ball valve above the 3 way in the pic and restrict it some will this increase the flow to the other two. Then if needed I can bump up return pump speed to compensate.

 

[KrisReef]

What's the flow rate to the skimmer supposed to be? If it is 200gph or less you might plumb the UV inline before the skimmer. The issue of trying to balance flow with valves that have exit heights at different head heights can be challenging to keep stable over time. A 200 gph sump pump dedicated to the skimmer and returning to the sump might be easier to manage, ime. Your diagram can work in theory, I generally put a dedicated pump on my equipment to avoid things going out of balance due to random flow changes.

 

[dstockwell]

I changed plumbing today on overflow, the only thing I have teed of my return is the u.v. still not enough flow since I'm pushing it up over the top. May need to find another way.

 

[slythy]

Easiest way to check flow rate, is take a gallon milk jug and a timer and time how long it takes to fill up the jug all the way. its going to be accurate enough to make decisions on. I did this with my aquarium and it led me to finding some better flow rate pieces and upped my flow over 100GPH