Need suggestion on UV install

[m3fan8ic]

Hi, I just bought 57W Aqua UV sterlizer and wanted to see what would be the best way to install it. I would like to place it in sump somewhere.
Should I put it inline with return pump? I have mag 12 for return pump with about 7' head. Or should I get another pump and use that? I need some help to figure this out.. any help would be appreciated on how to plumb this.
Sid

[jdg]

Originally posted by m3fan8ic
Hi, I just bought 57W Aqua UV sterlizer and wanted to see what would be the best way to install it. I would like to place it in sump somewhere.
Should I put it inline with return pump? I have mag 12 for return pump with about 7' head. Or should I get another pump and use that? I need some help to figure this out.. any help would be appreciated on how to plumb this.
Sid

It depends on what you're planning on using the UV for. Green Water or Protozoa? You'll want to get the suggested flow rates from the manufacturer for each and then plumb accordingly. Also, verify if the ratings are based on a new bulb, or a bulb that's a year old. They lose roughly 80% of their power after a year, so if based on 'New', you'll need to adjust accordingly.

[m3fan8ic]

well I don't have green water I want to place the UV to get water crystal clear and have the protection in place for any algea outbreak etc..
It's rated for 800gph and it's new. I deally I want to plumb it away from the ruturn pump so there's not ristriction in return line.

[jdg]

Originally posted by m3fan8ic
well I don't have green water I want to place the UV to get water crystal clear and have the protection in place for any algea outbreak etc..
It's rated for 800gph and it's new. I deally I want to plumb it away from the ruturn pump so there's not ristriction in return line.

A 57W UV should be fine to keep algae under control. Is 800gph the rating after a year? It sounds like it could be, so you should be in great shape!

[Aynesa]

You don't have any coral, I hope? Sterilizers are horrible on reef systems, but awesome for FOWLR and FO.

[jdg]

Originally posted by Aynesa
You don't have any coral, I hope? Sterilizers are horrible on reef systems, but awesome for FOWLR and FO.

Really? How so?

[Aynesa]

I have been told by an expert who travels and has published books about keeping reef systems, and makes a business out of coral and reef systems with over 30 years of experience that UV sterilizers very rarely have any place in a reef system. They kill off 'too much' of the beneficial bacteria that the reef thrives on, and also kills beneficial algaes. They are great for FO or FOWLR systems, but tend to do damage to reef systems. With reef systems you want as little equipment as you can get away with. You want to rely on natural systems more. When the experts talk (and this guy is a verified expert ) I listen.

[jdg]

Originally posted by Aynesa
I have been told by an expert who travels and has published books about keeping reef systems, and makes a business out of coral and reef systems with over 30 years of experience that UV sterilizers very rarely have any place in a reef system. They kill off 'too much' of the beneficial bacteria that the reef thrives on, and also kills beneficial algaes. They are great for FO or FOWLR systems, but tend to do damage to reef systems. With reef systems you want as little equipment as you can get away with. You want to rely on natural systems more. When the experts talk (and this guy is a verified expert ) I listen.

Do you have any links to literature or papers? I'd like to read up on it.