Inline UV

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ElectricBlueSeanBurch

ElectricBlueSeanBurch

Piranha
MFK Member
Nov 24, 2010
2,987
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Panaque Paradise
Im wanting to add UV sterilizer(s) to my new tank. It is a 225g with a 75g sump. Returns are 2x laguna max flo 2000's. The tank already has crazy flow and I dont really want any more. I still have aroun 12x24" under my stand on either side of the sump. I am wanting to add 2 smallish canister filters, and have at least 1 uv inline if not 2. And then have a spray bar to lower the flow rate and agitation. I have never used a canister filter except a magnum 350 that I loved, so I need advise. I was thinking either 406 or an xp3. And I will be running the 12x turbotwist UV. The main reason I am doing this is because I'm doing a shoal of CL's and I had a massive ick die off years ago, so I want to do everything I can to avoid that happening again. What would you guys do?
 
I have a similar setup as yours and I use a turbotwist 18x I believe. But instead of a canister for flow I use a smallish powerhead and it works great. The only thing I dont like about uv's is that the bulbs are freakn expensive! Unless your sump is not sufficient then I guess adding a canister is the way to go but, Im wondering if the flow out is too great for the uv. Higher flow = less contact with water and that the uv is not that effective.
 
Unattended Fish said:
I have a similar setup as yours and I use a turbotwist 18x I believe. But instead of a canister for flow I use a smallish powerhead and it works great. The only thing I dont like about uv's is that the bulbs are freakn expensive! Unless your sump is not sufficient then I guess adding a canister is the way to go but, Im wondering if the flow out is too great for the uv. Higher flow = less contact with water and that the uv is not that effective.
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Im not really worried about the cost. I thought about doing just a small pump but I figured I might as well do a canister or 2 for added bio. Not that I really needed it, but I figured what the heck. The flo:naughty:wrate is the reason I was going with a smaller canister. I figured a 306 or 406 loaded up with matrix would put the flowrate right where it neede to be to be the mose effective.
 
Josh I would just do an xp2 for the slower flow which is good for bio and uv

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I was looking at the xp line, but read a review that said anything used inline can cause the o rings to fail due , due to pressure causing a leak.
 
Check out the TMC Vecton. They appear to have the best small one on the market.

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ElectricBlueSeanBurch said:
I was looking at the xp line, but read a review that said anything used inline can cause the o rings to fail due , due to pressure causing a leak.
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I've had a 18 watt uv plumbed inline on my xp4 for a couple years now without any issues
 
I also have an xp, It's a 1 running a single foam pad and a TT9 with a valve AFTER the UV cutting the flow to literally a trickle, No leaks in 3 years. I clean the glass sleeve often, every 2 months, When I do, I check all the o-rings. and change them when I change the bulb. Cheap insurance.
 
If you feel your flow is already high, why not just add a Tee to 1 or both of your return line(s) with a valve to split the return, send a slow flow thru the UV, the rest thru the normal return. You really don't need another pump, or filter just an added line and valve or 2.
 
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