UV sterilizer for 200g with limited overflow pressure

SeaTila · 06/28/2016, 10:55 PM

I've got a 160xl elos with one 1.5" overfliw pipe. We showed a significant increase in flow by changing piping from 1.25" to 1.5" to 2" flex pipe into sump.

I'd like to put a uv sterilizer on the tank to limit bacteria but have concerns about restricting flow. The one overflow pipe means I have a greater concern for pipe blockage or flow slowing causing the tank water to flow out over top.

Currently I'm running at speed 4 of 2600max gph dc pump (4 of 6 speed) and its turning over well and tank is clearing debris like flakes within couple of hours.. My guess is im getting about 1500gph now and that means the tank is turning at 7x. When the pipe was 1.25" I had about 3x-4x and the tank debris just swirled around.

This setup is a more passive overflow system designed that way but I am use to two return pumps and two overflows and the setup im running now at 7x is the best this tank will do and least I can deal with.

Im not jazzed about adding anything to the overflow pipe returning to sump. Whats my alternative that strong enough to work? Is there an external one I stand outside of sump etc.

Im about to get the apex neptune so if I am limited to a solution because if apex let me know. Any advice on subject would be greatly appreciated.

By the way...I have an ice cap 30g and rssl ri8 getting delivered soon so not a huge space available in the sump itself.

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GimpyFin · 06/29/2016, 12:17 AM

If it were me, I would just run your uv out of band from the sump and keep it off the main plumbing. Find a good mounting spot for it under the tank and get a small secondary pump to put in the sump to run the sterilizer. Then just run the output hose back into the sump.

Sapelo · 06/29/2016, 05:17 AM

Exactly what Brian said. We just added a submersible pump into our sump that could feed our uv which was mounted outside of our sump. Two notes: you will need to account for extra water volume in uv and you'll need a pump big enough to get the required water turnover.
BRS has a pretty good video on this.

Fish Everywhere · 06/29/2016, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GimpyFin

If it were me, I would just run your uv out of band from the sump and keep it off the main plumbing. Find a good mounting spot for it under the tank and get a small secondary pump to put in the sump to run the sterilizer. Then just run the output hose back into the sump.

+1, it works and is an easy way to install it. Ensure that the pump isn't too strong though, ideally you are looking at 170-250 GPH.

06/28/2016, 10:55 PM	#1
SeaTila Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: DFW TX Posts: 146	UV sterilizer for 200g with limited overflow pressure I've got a 160xl elos with one 1.5" overfliw pipe. We showed a significant increase in flow by changing piping from 1.25" to 1.5" to 2" flex pipe into sump. I'd like to put a uv sterilizer on the tank to limit bacteria but have concerns about restricting flow. The one overflow pipe means I have a greater concern for pipe blockage or flow slowing causing the tank water to flow out over top. Currently I'm running at speed 4 of 2600max gph dc pump (4 of 6 speed) and its turning over well and tank is clearing debris like flakes within couple of hours.. My guess is im getting about 1500gph now and that means the tank is turning at 7x. When the pipe was 1.25" I had about 3x-4x and the tank debris just swirled around. This setup is a more passive overflow system designed that way but I am use to two return pumps and two overflows and the setup im running now at 7x is the best this tank will do and least I can deal with. Im not jazzed about adding anything to the overflow pipe returning to sump. Whats my alternative that strong enough to work? Is there an external one I stand outside of sump etc. Im about to get the apex neptune so if I am limited to a solution because if apex let me know. Any advice on subject would be greatly appreciated. By the way...I have an ice cap 30g and rssl ri8 getting delivered soon so not a huge space available in the sump itself. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I527 using Tapatalk

06/29/2016, 12:17 AM	#2
GimpyFin Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,032	If it were me, I would just run your uv out of band from the sump and keep it off the main plumbing. Find a good mounting spot for it under the tank and get a small secondary pump to put in the sump to run the sterilizer. Then just run the output hose back into the sump. __________________ Brian Current Tank Info: 110 gallon

06/29/2016, 05:17 AM	#3
Sapelo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: North Georgia Posts: 869	Exactly what Brian said. We just added a submersible pump into our sump that could feed our uv which was mounted outside of our sump. Two notes: you will need to account for extra water volume in uv and you'll need a pump big enough to get the required water turnover. BRS has a pretty good video on this.