Flow rate/UV

[mikeynice]

I have a 90gal fish only tank and Im trying to figure out flow rate through my Uv to make sure my Uv is working efficiently. Uv is an Aqua Ultraviolet 25watts which has a 1200GPH max flow. Pump is a Mag-Drive 7 which pumps about 700GPH at one foot. Now I have roughly 3ft. of 3/4in. tubing from pump to Uv and about 7ft. of 3/4 tubing from Uv to bottom of tank. So according to the chart that came with my pump I am getting about 150GPH@10ft. Wet/Dry is an Amiracle Pro-Line2000. Is this the right way to figure GPH? Is Uv working efficiently? Is pump ok? Thanks.

 

[daluminum]

YES.. When calculating SW plumbing you have to calculate in a 500% fudge factor, a 300% prayer factor and throw out all calculations. Dont go for optimal. you are not GOD. no reason to play him on TV. If your happy with the perf. of your UV then its works well enough. I have not seen anything that it does that a little bit of macro algae and garlic wont do. but I hope it has some advantages for you. THX and take care.

 

[captained]

Your GPH sound low to me. It is possible to over cook your tank. There are 2 factors to consider in your UV:
1) Number of times it "turns" the capacity of your tank (around 6/hour is about right)
2) The exposure rate. 60,000 µw/cm2 is want you want to run normally, and 90,000 µw/cm2 if you have a problem (like Ick or green water).
I'm not sure on a 25 watt (but if you call AquaUV they can tell you) but I would guess that something closer to 500GPH will give you the 60,000 µw/cm2 exposure, and 250GPH or so for the 90,000 µw/cm2.
Also, the 10 feet sounds too long- you only need to measure the total distance up (lift), you don't get a significant loss when water is pumping sideways. You can buy very cheap flow meters to actually determine what you're getting.