UV installation

[nlutfi]

Looking for help installing a new uv sterilizer on my tank. I plan to plumb it off my return pump (cor20) and the back to tank or sump. Sorry for the rough drawing but my first thought would be to follow the blue route in the pic, but I'm not sure if it would cause back flow with the return pump (maybe a check valve?) Otherwise the other option would be back to the sump following the red but I know that is less ideal. My tank is drilled on the bottom and only has 1 return line going in. Or if I add another pump would the 2nd pic work? Let me know if either of this will work or if there is a better option.

 

[zukihara]

I was told that running UV off my return pump was ridiculous to try and dial in even with a flow meter, so I opted for an additional pump.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Running the UV water system sump-out, back-to-sump, may be less than ideal to some people, but I just used very flexible 1” silicone tubing and a cheap dedicated Jebao variable pump— and I’m up and running. Tank water is crystal clear so far.

 

[FishTruck]

I also found it easier to run it parallel in the sump using a variable speed DC. This cleared a bacteria bloom for me in 24 hours - if not ideal... it still works.

 

[nlutfi]

Will I have any kind of back flow issues if I try any run 2 pumps to one, like the 2nd pic? Or like the blue like in the first pic?

 

[FishTruck]

The two pumps would work if they have equal wattage and specs, you would also want on way valves (check valves) after each pump. This way... they would also provide redundant flow in the event that one pump fails. It might be simpler to separate the returns though.

 

[FastAG]

I'm trying to figure out the same thing, @nlutfi. What did you end up going with?

I have a single return to the DT but really want to put the UV on its own dedicated return pump so I can accurately dial in the flow rate. I'm mainly planning to run it for parasites but occasionally may increase the flow (for a few days at a time) to deal with bacterial outbreaks or dinos, etc.

At this point, I'm thinking of plumbing the returns in parallel, with a Wye joint just before the connection back to the display, lots of unions, and a ball valve on each line before the Wye joint. The rough diagram below:

I may add a manifold on the non-UV return line. What do you think?

 

[nlutfi]

I'm trying to figure out the same thing, @nlutfi. What did you end up going with?

I have a single return to the DT but really want to put the UV on its own dedicated return pump so I can accurately dial in the flow rate. I'm mainly planning to run it for parasites but occasionally may increase the flow (for a few days at a time) to deal with bacterial outbreaks or dinos, etc.

At this point, I'm thinking of plumbing the returns in parallel, with a Wye joint just before the connection back to the display, lots of unions, and a ball valve on each line before the Wye joint. The rough diagram below:

I may add a manifold on the non-UV return line. What do you think?

I ended up just plumbing it through the sump, I know it probably isn't the best but it works for me.

 

[MichaelReefer]

I have mine plumbed from my skimmer chamber to my return chamber.

 

[nlutfi]

I have mine plumbed from my skimmer chamber to my return chamber.

That's what I did too.

 

[FastAG]

I ended up just plumbing it through the sump, I know it probably isn't the best but it works for me.

My tank is getting delivered next week. I’m going to give the dedicated line a try.

 

[nlutfi]

My tank is getting delivered next week. I’m going to give the dedicated line a try.

Let me know how it goes