UV sterilizer installation

[qstorm]

Hi All,
I am about to install my UV sterilizer and will be running it from a return manifold. Should I have it run from the manifold into the return section or to the skimmer section. Which will give better contact time and results?

Thanks

 

[Waters]

Hi All,
I am about to install my UV sterilizer and will be running it from a return manifold. Should I have it run from the manifold into the return section or to the skimmer section. Which will give better contact time and results?

Thanks

Where it returns to won't affect the contact time....that is determined by the valve on the manifold, controlling the GPH flowing through the unit. I have mine being pumped out, and returned to the skimmer section.

 

[qstorm]

thank you

 

[Bayareareefer18]

The biggest thing is making sure you are without the recommended flow rate for the unit to be effective as a sterilizer and not just a clarifier

 

[Waters]

That would largely depend on what he is trying to accomplish as well as the type of UV unit. Some just aren't capable of doing anything but clarifying due to the smaller size (therefore, shorter contact time to the bulb) The water flow would have to be slowed WAY down, which would make the unit pretty worthless in trying to keep up with anything but the smallest reef tank.