UV Pre-filter. What micron rating?

[aquaventions]

I purchased a 20" filter housing that I can use with a sediment cartridge to act as a pre-filter for the UV sterilizer. I did purchase a second housing, but I didn't plan on using it.

What I'd like to know is when I buy the sediment cartrdge what micron rating should I select?

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

 

[cchhcc]

The lower the number, the smaller the particles it removes (e.g. a 50 cartridge removes down to 50 microns in size, etc.). I would probably use a 200 for a good average between effectiveness and ease of maintenance. A 100 would remove finer particles (though the 200 would probably do almost as well as far as you'll be able to see), but it would need to be cleaned more frequently.

It's always a good idea to have a couple of these on hand so one is in service while the other is being cleaned. Clean them by soaking in a bleach/water solution, rinse well, air dry, and soak in a bucket with a 5x dose of dechlor to eliminate any residual bleach. In actuality, the bleach will evaporate, but I just feel better adding that last step in case I get impatient!

 

[aquaventions]

It's always a good idea to have a couple of these on hand so one is in service while the other is being cleaned. Clean them by soaking in a bleach/water solution, rinse well, air dry, and soak in a bucket with a 5x dose of dechlor to eliminate any residual bleach. In actuality, the bleach will evaporate, but I just feel better adding that last step in case I get impatient!

I've never considered using bleach out of concern for our fish, but obviously it works for you. How long have you been doing this?

 

[cchhcc]

I've never considered using bleach out of concern for our fish, but obviously it works for you. How long have you been doing this?

About 30 years! : )

It's common practice throughout the industry. Bleach is just chlorine, and chlorine dissipates easily. Lots of Berlin sump users rotate a handful of bags on a weekly basis. Hose them off and soak them in a 5 gallon bucket with a cup or two of bleach overnight. Hose them off again and soak with some dechlor (which, again, may not even be necessary).

 

[johnptc]

i run 20 micron cartridges in hayward pool housings

bleach and rinse to clean the cartridges on a swap program with extras

uv will work best with clear and clean water

 

[Toby_H]

A prefilter is necessary to prevent debris from scratching the quartz sleeve. These sleeves are scratch resistent, but not scratch proof...

Additionally... particles will cast shoadows within the housing which prevent the UV from doing it's job. Extremely tiny particles won't cast much of a shadow, but will decrease effeciency.

So naturally the smaller the micron rating your prefilter is the more effecient your UV will work, but there is no specific answer to your question.

I have a couple UV's that only use a sponge prefilter... but most are powered by a Magnum 350 or Magnum 250 using their micron cartiridge. I could not quickly find it's micron rating.