UV, size and plumbing question

[BaldAndBeard]

Greetings,

Setting up a new tank, 142 gallons in total dry between the DT and sump, so probably in the lower 130s when everything up and running.

I'm looking at the AQ uv 25 and 57 watt. The 25 says it can handle up to 150 gallons. Normally that close to the limit I would go with the next size up. My concern in doing that is heat. We keep our house around 70-72 degrees and I'm not sure if the 57 watt is going to be a concern there on the tank temp. Any suggestions here?

Secondly on the plumbing. I'd like to get a dedicated pump so I can dial in the flow as needed, but a bit confused on where to place the intake and outlet. 3 chambers in sump, with a reefmat in the 1st, skimmer in the 2nd and return pump in the 3rd. Suggestions on placement of intake and outlet?

 

[52728299]

I don't see a 57w bulb making any drastic change in temp. Honestly pumps running in the sump warm it up more. That being said, I have a dedicated pump for my uv in the skimmer chamber and have the outlet dumping into the return chamber. There are fancier ways to go about it I'm sure tho. Just my 0.02

 

[FishTruck]

You could go with the bigger one and control it to shut off if the tank gets hot. I use one just for water clarity. Just circulates in and out the sump for convenience of plumbing and it works great for clarity.

 

[FishTruck]

If you put the thing outside of the tank and cabinet… the heating effect will be less.

 

[BaldAndBeard]

Appreciate the advice so far. On the 57w the suggested flow rate seems way way above what other similar devices suggest. Not sure why aqua needs it that high but that will play into the decision as well I suppose.

 

[52728299]

Imo 25w is a bit small for the size tank your using it for. The 57w will work better for you

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Buy the 57w. It wont make a drastic difference with the uv running, but it will affect tank temp. I keep my house @ 66-67 in the winter and my heaters rarely turned on. Thats a 120g display with a 25g sump (110g filled)

 

[BaldAndBeard]

Buy the 57w. It wont make a drastic difference with the uv running, but it will affect tank temp. I keep my house @ 66-67 in the winter and my heaters rarely turned on. Thats a 120g display with a 25g sump (110g filled)

Thanks, that heat is definitely a concern. In Oklahoma we have to keep our house about 72 in the summer so our electric bill isn't crazy high.

What flow rate are you running on your setup? Aqua has super high recommendations while I read most people are running much lower.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I only run approx 400g or so. I aim for parasite control, and I run all my return water through it.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I only run approx 400g or so. I aim for parasite control, and I run all my return water through it.

So, it's plumbed into your return line? Or do you have something more complex set up?

 

[52728299]

When I plumbed my tank I left two openings in the pvc where I was able to just screw the lines in for my reactor. Flow is controlled by the return pump, I'm sure you could do something similar with the uv

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

So, it's plumbed into your return line? Or do you have something more complex set up?

The picture is my sump, as I'm working so had to take it remotely but everything is right to left on the manifold.

Return pump, manifold for carbon reactor, down arrow to UV and then up arrow from uv to display. Nothing too complicated, I just want to treat ALL the water. IMHO less efficient to treat something thats dumped back into the sump.