UV Sterilizers help me out here

[Keko21]

I am getting a Red Sea reefer 350 G2 and my return pump is going to be a Sicce Syncra 4.0 (950GPH max which I plan to run at about 800GPH). I would like to have the UV sterlizer hooked up in-line from the return pump to the display tank. I cannot wrap my head around all the UV lights that are rated for 120 gal but only run at like 250-500GPH. Obviously I dont want to sacrifice the flow from my return pump- Do I NEED to find a UV that can handle 800GPH?
My initial thought was to go with the coralife 6x which is overkill and rated for 250 gal btu only does 200-400GPH... $150.
My second option is the lifegard aquatics 25 watt promax which can handle 1000GPH but is $260.

Am I overthinking this?

 

[CoralB]

My First opinion would be to run a UV off a manifold and not the direct return line also water through a UV gets its best outcome and or performance with the most contact time running through the unit . So slower flow equal more contact time equals more efficiency . I run my UV at two times the tank volume per hour or less .and should be at least 25- 50 watts Hope this helps

 

[nosduj]

If you don't have a manifold to connect to, the other option is to source a secondary pump for your uv that is the correct GPH

 

[KStatefan]

I can not help with the UV but I you will not get 800 gph out of that pump going from the sump thru an UV then into the tank.

 

[slythy]

Your Sicce SD4 is not going to run even close to 800gph. I have an SD6.0 and full bore it runs at 500gph. You will have lots of losses I bet realistically you will be close to like 300gph. Also dont buy a cheap UV like a Coral life, they will end up leaking. AquaUV is great and you wont need a large one. If you want a UV buy a real UV.

 

[Montiman]

When I was doing aquarium installs professionally I frequently installed UVs with the flow running directly from the sump return pump. I was happy with the results, but I was never installing UV for parasite control. I installed them for clearer water and slower algae growth. When servicing a commercial tank this is important.

Most hobbyists install UVs for parasite control if this is what you are after then you will need a slower flow rate. You will need either a second pump, a manifold, or a ByPass if you want parasite control. My favorite is a ByPass but this is also the most complicated to plumb.

 

[ilyad]

You underestimate the amount of restriction your plumbing will have. The flow rating is calculated at the output of the pump, without any plumbing or head pressure. I just installed my UV filter and added a flow sensor to view the flow through it. I am running a my return at 65% of max and only getting 230gph. The pump is rated at 2000gph. So 65% would mean a flow of 1300gph at the pump, and I am only getting 230 of that once its all said and done.

 

[Montiman]

I will also say that as a ProMax and former turbo twist owner the ProMax is a far better unit. I would definitely go Lifegard.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I am getting a Red Sea reefer 350 G2 and my return pump is going to be a Sicce Syncra 4.0 (950GPH max which I plan to run at about 800GPH). I would like to have the UV sterlizer hooked up in-line from the return pump to the display tank. I cannot wrap my head around all the UV lights that are rated for 120 gal but only run at like 250-500GPH. Obviously I dont want to sacrifice the flow from my return pump- Do I NEED to find a UV that can handle 800GPH?
My initial thought was to go with the coralife 6x which is overkill and rated for 250 gal btu only does 200-400GPH... $150.
My second option is the lifegard aquatics 25 watt promax which can handle 1000GPH but is $260.

Am I overthinking this?

Lifeguard and AquaUV are the more reliable and a little higher rated will work less hard and if you upgrade, continue to serve your needs.

 

[SPS2020]

I'd suggest the AquaUV 57 watt model for your size tank. I have on installed on my 100g and you can see how it is plumbed with a manifold here.

 

[Keko21]

I can not help with the UV but I you will not get 800 gph out of that pump going from the sump thru an UV then into the tank.

sorry I meant a 5.0

 

[slythy]

sorry I meant a 5.0

still wont flow anywhere near the rated number. I bet you are 300gph or so with losses. When you have it plumbed Time how long it takes to fill up a 1 gallon jug.

 

[Keko21]

Is it necessary to have that full output from the return pump alone (ie 9x volume of system- 810GPH in my case) or will the powerheads compensate for the loss of GPH through plumbing?

 

[KStatefan]

In my opinion 3x - 5x is plenty.

 

[slythy]

Is it necessary to have that full output from the return pump alone (ie 9x volume of system- 810GPH in my case) or will the powerheads compensate for the loss of GPH through plumbing?

no. You just need flow through the system. I do just over 5x my flow through my sump and then all the actual flow is done with my power heads.

 

[Bitcoin Reefer]

I am currently setting up Lifegard ProMax 120w 3" for my 300 gallon mixed reef. Fighting dinos. I haven't got it setup so I can't speak to the effectiveness just yet, but their customer service has been stellar! Their owner Neal answered all of my questions and was overall really helpful and seemed to care about their product a lot. Will report back after I set it up