UV sterilizer = instant skimmer upgrade

HippieSmell · 09/26/2016, 08:36 AM

I turned my 80W UV on yesterday, and the skimmer immediately doubled its output. It feeds directly into the skimmer. Anyone else have this happen? I was not expecting it, but am super happy.

Zacktosterone · 09/26/2016, 01:17 PM

that's different

BlackTip · 09/26/2016, 01:46 PM

UV should not be feeding the skimmer. To be efficient in killing pathogens and protozoas, the water need to be clean. UV should be the last stage right before your return.

kendrid · 09/26/2016, 02:07 PM

I've read that the UV should feed into the skimmer so the skimmer can remove the stuff the UV killed. So which is it experts?

HippieSmell · 09/26/2016, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackTip

UV should not be feeding the skimmer. To be efficient in killing pathogens and protozoas, the water need to be clean. UV should be the last stage right before your return.

If we were talking about pond water with a lot of algae, I might agree. Reef tank water is relatively clear, so transmission loss is negligible.

HippieSmell · 09/26/2016, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kendrid

I've read that the UV should feed into the skimmer so the skimmer can remove the stuff the UV killed. So which is it experts?

I'm not an expert, but UV isn't really killing anything, it's sterilizing so that whatever goes through can't reproduce/replicate. It does, however, break down organics which I think is why my skimmer is being so much more productive. So, I think the UV should feed the skimmer.

fcmatt · 09/26/2016, 02:48 PM

Pretty sure some skimmers like a bubble king make a specific spot for a uv kit. I would have to reread my directions.

FirstContact · 09/26/2016, 03:22 PM

Not sure about UV effluent. But with skimmer injection ports I think you mean ozone from an ozone generator.

fcmatt · 09/26/2016, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstContact

Not sure about UV effluent. But with skimmer injection ports I think you mean ozone from an ozone generator.

I think you are right on that. My bad.

HippieSmell · 09/28/2016, 08:34 PM

So, after a few days my skimmer has gone back down to the amount produced before starting the UV. However, my water has gone from having an obvious yellow tint to nearly crystal clear. It's pretty amazing, really. So, my guess is that it's breaking down the compounds that yellow the water and it's skimmed out.

The more you know. *rainbow trailing a shooting star*

09/26/2016, 08:36 AM	#1
HippieSmell Occupy Reef Central Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Orbiting Posts: 4,141	UV sterilizer = instant skimmer upgrade I turned my 80W UV on yesterday, and the skimmer immediately doubled its output. It feeds directly into the skimmer. Anyone else have this happen? I was not expecting it, but am super happy. __________________ Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like bananas. Current Tank Info: 78"x36"x27" acrylic, 6 Orphek Atlantik V3+ Compacts, MRC Orca Pro II w/washdown, CalcFeeder Pro AC3, Emperor Aquatics 80w UV, 80/20 aluminum stand, Vortech MP60's, Theiling Rollermat, GHL Profilux 3.1T EX, Kessil H380

09/26/2016, 01:46 PM	#3
BlackTip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 1,598	UV should not be feeding the skimmer. To be efficient in killing pathogens and protozoas, the water need to be clean. UV should be the last stage right before your return. __________________ 325G DT. 100G sump. In-sump refugium. SRO-5000SSS. 2 Gyres 150. 2 Water Blaster HY-5000. 2 Razor 320W. Apex Gold. MR2 GFO. 2 800W Heaters. Tunze Osmolater. 2 20g-long QT tanks. Geo 624 CA. 80W UV

09/26/2016, 03:22 PM	#8
FirstContact Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Glenn Dale, MD Posts: 1,613	Not sure about UV effluent. But with skimmer injection ports I think you mean ozone from an ozone generator. __________________ No man is an island entire of itself; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne Current Tank Info: 120g Reef 100g Rubbermaid Sump, 20g Refugium; previous tank: 46g Drilled; Self Plumbed, Birds Nest, Anchor, Xenia, Zoas, Yuma Yuma Ricordea, Chalice, Mushrooms, Brain, Acan, Anenome Plate; Clams, Other Inverts, Fish, Live Rock

09/28/2016, 08:34 PM	#10
HippieSmell Occupy Reef Central Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Orbiting Posts: 4,141	So, after a few days my skimmer has gone back down to the amount produced before starting the UV. However, my water has gone from having an obvious yellow tint to nearly crystal clear. It's pretty amazing, really. So, my guess is that it's breaking down the compounds that yellow the water and it's skimmed out. The more you know. rainbow trailing a shooting star __________________ Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like bananas. Current Tank Info: 78"x36"x27" acrylic, 6 Orphek Atlantik V3+ Compacts, MRC Orca Pro II w/washdown, CalcFeeder Pro AC3, Emperor Aquatics 80w UV, 80/20 aluminum stand, Vortech MP60's, Theiling Rollermat, GHL Profilux 3.1T EX, Kessil H380

09/26/2016, 01:17 PM	#2
Zacktosterone Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sault Ste Marie Ont Posts: 2,475	that's different

09/26/2016, 02:07 PM	#4
kendrid Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lake in the hills, IL Posts: 806	I've read that the UV should feed into the skimmer so the skimmer can remove the stuff the UV killed. So which is it experts?

09/26/2016, 02:48 PM	#7
fcmatt Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NH Posts: 850	Pretty sure some skimmers like a bubble king make a specific spot for a uv kit. I would have to reread my directions.