How should I configure this???

[cutebarra77]

Hi reefers,

I need a solution to connect the return to main tank...

Problem:

- If I have chiller, external skimmer and UV sterilizer, how should I configure the pipings to save on the power pumps and electricity.

- The UV sterilizer is a 36W external device with max. water flow of 15000 lph.

How would you connect the pipings between the 3 devices to achieve optimum results and cost efficiency?

Many thanks!

[peacemaker]

Bro, I'm not sure about the rest of the equipment, but IME, the skimmer works best with a dedicated feeder pump. I tried T-ing off from my return pump, and the skimmer's efficiency wasn't at its optimum.

[dnsfpl]

by T off the return, you are skimming and/or chilling app 50% of the water only

skimming will be less effective & chiller will kick in more often

for optimum performance, skimmer & chiller feeding pump(in) should place 1 compartment before their "out"

to prevent microbubbles, skimmer "out" should place 2 compartment before return

if do correctly, 1 compartment should be sufficent

i place my feeder pump in the first compartment, feeding to my chiller, then to my skimmer then back to the 2nd compartment

cheers

[cutebarra77]

Thanks for the sharings.

My sump config now as follows:

Compartment 1: from main tank with filters

Compartment 2:

1x dedicated pump for algae scrubber

1x dedicated pump for uv sterilizer

1x dedicated pump to skimmer

Compartment 3:

- return from skimmer

- return from uv sterilizer

- pump out to chiller

Then chiller direct back to main tank.

I know this is pretty a untidy setup, with some many pumps and pippings...as it was a rush job to get these devices setup and running without much proper planning...

If you were me, how would you do it?

Appreciate your inputs...

[xaine]

I have been utilising the main tank overflow (with/without T off, depending on how many overflow pipes you have going into your sump) straight into the skimmer, and another one to the filtersock. Gravity can help feed your skimmer with a good controlled flow.

Too many pumps tend to contribute heat to your sump which in turn takes more energy off your chiller.