UV Plumbing Question

[tylr9m482]

So I was wondering if anyone out here has done this or can chime in to whether this might work since I am thinking about adding a UV sterilizer to my system years after originally setting it up.

So I am looking at putting the Aqua Ultraviolet 25W on my current 75 gallon reef (55 gal sump).

I want to know if I can run the UV off my return line by adding a "T" fitting where the return nozzle is and have some of the water T off from the top of the return line and run up to the top of my aquarium hood (about 2ft high from the top of the return line, about 7ft total height from the return pump.) Do you guys think there would be enough head pressure to get the water through the UV?The output feed would go back into my display. I feel like there should be enough pressure to get the water up into the UV, I am running a mag drive 9.5 return pump right now. I have been thinking about upgrading to a DC pump but am holding off right now.

My sump has limited room at this point which is why I am thinking about plumbing it to the return line. And the UV needs to sit on top of my hood, it is the only place I can fit it with room to access the bulbs for maintenance.

Any comments are appreciated.

 

[tylr9m482]

So here's a few pictures to help you guys see what I'm working with. I would move the radion ballasts and put the UV in that spot. I would replace the elbow on the top of the return line with a T fitting and then run soft plumbing through the cord hole in the hood up to the top, there is a similar hole on the opposite side of the hood that I would plumb a lock-line return fitting to for the return out of the UV.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Evening,

I will start by saying it should not be an issue using the return to branch off a line for the UV. Need to run some numbers for flow.
I would NOT put it in the canopy. Too many risks. The major one is a leak into your lamps. Then water all over the floor.

Could you take a shot of your cabinet and back wall? There may be other area you could mount it to we have not thought of. Bulb and cleaning maintenance should only be every 6 months to a year unless there is an issue, so you should not worry about having immediate access to it.

 

[tylr9m482]

Evening,

I will start by saying it should not be an issue using the return to branch off a line for the UV. Need to run some numbers for flow.
I would NOT put it in the canopy. Too many risks. The major one is a leak into your lamps. Then water all over the floor.

Could you take a shot of your cabinet and back wall? There may be other area you could mount it to we have not thought of. Bulb and cleaning maintenance should only be every 6 months to a year unless there is an issue, so you should not worry about having immediate access to it.

I understand what you are saying in regards to the leak possibility but I don't see too many options. The sump area is pretty packed. I used the biggest size sump I could fit since I custom build the cabinet and the sump myself and didn't account for a lot of equipment I added after the fact. In hindsight I would have made some changes.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hey, I think I see a spot, but which side is the return? RT by the skimmer or left side. I think I know but want to be sure.

 

[tylr9m482]

Return line is on the left. Skimmer is on the right.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I figured, was hoping right. That’s ok. How much space from the back of the stand to the front on the left side with the doors closed? so, what is that area above the doser? Would the housing fit in there? If the housing will fit we can figure out the plumbing

 

[tylr9m482]

I figured, was hoping right. That’s ok. How much space from the back of the stand to the front on the left side with the doors closed? so, what is that area above the doser? Would the housing fit in there? If the housing will fit we can figure out the plumbing

So the UV is too long to mount on either side width wise. The only way it would fit under the stand would be long ways, running with the length of the tank/stand. That's why I just figured putting it in the hood makes the most sense. Assuming it passes the leak test after finishing plumbing I wasn't originally too worried amount a leak... although I see your point on how it could be a potential issue.

The only other spot I can think is on the left side of the tank, outside the stand, against the wall. I could fit it standing vertically. It would just be hard to get in there to service when the time comes and running the plumbing would be difficult.

 

[tylr9m482]

Does anyone else see mounting the UV on the hood as a major issue to avoid? I am having a lot of trouble finding anywhere else to place it.

Thank you!

 

[dadnjesse]

Mine sits on the floor behind my stand.