Uv question

[parkavenuereef]

Does it make a difference if i run my UV sterilizer in my sump or right from in the tank? Its a 36W unit..

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

As long as it's pump intake is protected, location really doesn't matter.

 

[dalbrecht]

You really should try to plumb it inline between the two if possible. Since this may not be possible ( flow between the two tanks greater than the flow the sterilizer is designed to handle ) you should attach it to the vessel with the smaller volume. This will allow the highest ratio of contact with the sterilizer in all likely hood. It's an interesting math problem to figure this out tho. Does the higher turnover rate of the smaller vessel mean that a higher or lower percentage of the water in the tank is exposed to the sterilizer instead of bypassing the sterilizer for the tank?

I'm too tired right now to attempt the math myself but I remember an article somewhere online that works it all out with regards to protien skimmer but the same principle applies here.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Optimum flow through any UV unit is determined by what you're trying to kill with it. The manufacturer will usually give a GPH recommendation. A slow pass through the unit is usually desirable.
(A small powerhead is usually a good choice for feeding a UV)
You wouldn't want to place a UV between your tank and sump because the flow would (should!) be too fast- unless you have a really poor tank turnover rate or an obscenely huge UV unit.

 

[parkavenuereef]

I am using a very small power head with a valve to adjust the flow currently in the tank.. the flow is slow to kill maximun parisities etc. I mounted it in my hood currently, I just don't like seing cord in the hood or top of the tank is all ..

 

[parkavenuereef]

I must say, after a few days of having a UV sterilzer back in the tank the water is much clearer and the acro's seem happier and more colorful..