Please help with pump selection for UV Turbo Twist 12X

[Honda619]

I recently acquired a gently used Coralife Turbo Twist 12X UltraViolet Sterilizer, 36W. The only hitch is that it did not come with a pump. I am hoping someone on here can help me select an appropriate pump for my new UV light.

Based on the manual (link provided below, see page 10) I believe I will need a pump rated at 290 GPH for the UV light to be most effective.

(http://www.coralifeproducts.com/Files/Product/turbotwist-instructions.pdf)

If that is accurate, would this pump be a good choice for the light? I found it on Amazon for only 15 bucks. Seems like a decent choice but I have no idea.

EcoPlus Submersible Pump - 132 gph - 4.3 ft. max - 9W - 3/8 in. ID
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012V1PX2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3JR5QN6BTG1LK)

 

[Twistofer]

The pump you looked at is only about 1/2 of what you really need. Personally this is a pond pump. Look for a decent pump specifically designed for a marine aquarium. The Mag series is good for a submersible pump. Look for pumps at some of the reputable aquarium shops on line. Several of the sponsors at RC will help you decide on the appropriate pump, eg MarineDepot, Dr. Foster & Smith, Bulk Reef Supply, etc. If you mention this site when you call, they may even give you a price break.

Is this pump solely dedicated to the UV sterilizer? If so, you need a pump that handles at least 290 gph. The coralife twist's instructions will tell you the flow you need to get full sterilization vs algae control, etc. Choose your pump according to the amount of sterilization you wish.

If you are using the pump for tank return, then it becomes a bit more complex. You will need to calculate your total return for the tank cycling. Anywhere from 3-10 times the total volume of the system. Then you would branch off this return using a T and valve to redirect some of the flow into the UV sterilizer at about 290 gph. This water would then return to the main return circuit. You would only be "sterilizing" a portion of your return at a time, but eventually dilution will win out and you will get a majority of your water sterilized (maybe).