UV pump question

[JKSmith]

I am about to plumb a 25w UV sterlizer with a dedicated pump and am not quite sure on how to size the pump. Algae/bacteria flow rate is recommended between 500-800 gph whereas protozoa flow rate is much slower at 80-130gph.I plan to go from my skimmer compartment through the UV and then back to the return area of my sump so head pressure will not be much of an issue. My question is, if I go with a pump large enough to provide the 500-800 gph flow, will it harm the pump if I throttle it back to 100gph for the times I want to focus on Ich, etc. ? Is it possible to use one pump for both flow scenerios?

 

[mtraylor]

Buy a variable dc pump and put a flow meter on it. That way you can dial in where you want and when you want

 

[Rp8]

I use a simplicity dc pump. Manual gives u the flow rate. An egg can adjust it to where I need.

 

[Rp8]

I use a simplicity dc pump. Manual gives u the flow rate. An egg can adjust it to where I need.

I love auto correct !

 

[flashsmith]

DC pump. I run my 36w on the lowest setting. Get the smallest pump you can find to save some room. I'm using a mighty jet 536gph and I should have gotten the next size down.

 

[JKSmith]

DC pump, great idea. I think that's exactly what I'll do. Thanks everyone!

 

[JKSmith]

One last thing. I rethought about how I am going to install everything and now I plan to mount the UV vertically on the side of my cabinet instead of inside horizontally. This setup will go from the sump through the UV and into the DT via a J hook. I'm looking at the Simplicity 1600 DC pump for the UV, which with what will now be a 5' head, should give me the max flow rate I am looking for. My return pump will be a Fluval SP4 (rated at 1800gph) but again, it will also have a 5' head, so I am trying to figure out if I have enough drainage for this amount of input. I will be using (2) 1" drains along with a 3/4" emergency drain.

 

[vetteguy53081]

DC as mentioned although I use and like the Sicce 300 as you can adjust flow by turning the front disc

 

[JKSmith]

Also, I already have two SP4's, so going with another return pump is not an option.

 

[JKSmith]

anyone?
I'm looking at the Simplicity 1600 DC pump for the UV, which with what will now be a 5' head, should give me the max flow rate I am looking for. My return pump will be a Fluval SP4 (rated at 1800gph) but again, it will also have a 5' head, so I am trying to figure out if I have enough drainage for this amount of input. I will be using (2) 1" drains along with a 3/4" emergency drain.

 

[TheBear78]

I'm assuming that your tank is 72 x 18 x 25" so volume will be about 600 litres/ 160 US gal including sump?
I would look at the specifications of other similar sized tanks and compare what sized pipework they use and their recommended pump/flow rate to see if you are in the ball park.
Increasing flow beyond recommended levels will have an effect water level so that may be something that needs to be considered.
FWIW, I am looking to fit a UV at some point in the future but plan to return the water into the sump. I will use an additional pump but quite like the idea of a bit more flow in the sump to reduce detritus build up.

 

[TheBear78]

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