Do I need another pump for uv

[dolph]

I have a pump for the skimmer, a return pump and another pump connected to a closed loop. I want to get a 25w UV and possibly a filter for GAC or purigen. Is there a way I can connect the uv and filter without purchasing and/or using another pump?

 

[slider162]

I have mine inline with the skimmer. There really isn't any reason why you need another pump.

 

[cjgalante]

I tee'd mine off my main return pump and just used a gate valve to adjust the flow

Chris

 

[DarG]

Build a manifold with as many outlets as you need and a gate valve to control each outlet. That way you can control flow rate to each component with a single pump. Of course, you will also need to return each components outflow with a seperate return. You may be able to just route a flow to the UV and then on to the canister for your purigen and only need one more return.

My main pump draws from the sump then flows into the chiller, to a manifold with 2 outputs (controlled by 2 gate valves). One returns directly to the tank and the other goes to a UV. I use the valves to control flow so that the volume going through the UV is throttled down.

Another thought. I run a Phosphate reactor and instead of directing some of the main tanks return pump for that I used a small powerhead. The flow rate for the phosphate reactor is low.

 

[dolph]

Thanks for the responses. I guess the last question is the flow. How do I determine how much flow is going through the uv? Do they have some sort of indicator on them or is it just experience?

 

[DarG]

The UV will (or should) have a flow rating, usually a range sometimes listed in percent of kill. ie, it may state 200 GPH as 90% kill per pass, or 100 gph as 100 percent kill. Anyway, adjust flow within the recommendations of the UV. You can use a known volume and time how long it takes to fill it if you dont have a flow meter. For example, if you wanted 120 gallons per hour, you could adjust flow so that it fills a 1 gallon water jug in 30 seconds.

 

[dolph]

thanks DarG. I should have thought of that.

 

[DarG]

No Problem, good luck!