UV sterilizer one pump two functions

Louielouie08 · Jan 10, 2021

building a 480 total volume system and would like to install the smart high output UV 80 watt sterilizer by pentair aquatics. dose anyone know if i can buy one external DC pump that can run as low as 450GPH and up to 3000GPH? OR can I install a VFD for ac motors with a large pump. I am building this tank with the hammerhead/barracuda 6000/4590gph and if I could run a VFD I would just buy a second one (I could use it as a back up incase the main fails). or could i use a gate valve to restrict flow? Thank you for the help

SinCityRee4r · Jan 10, 2021

single phase 120 or 220 V I don’t think a VFD would be an option but maybe an inline speed controller. look into that option maybe.

Twitchy · Feb 5, 2021

I looked into VFDs when building out my system, but learned something interesting along the way.
I know this sounds counter intuitive, but VFDs are mostly a waste on AC water pumps... Most water pumps, including the Reeflo pumps, draw less power as you restrict the flow. Adding a valve to drop your flow rate, causes the pump to do less work, which draws less current, and can even increase the life of the motor. It is not as drastic as a VFD, as the motor speed is fixed running on AC, but still surprisingly effective. Reeflo's manual even mentions it.