Hi, Does a Coralife UV Turbo-Twist 3x Sterilizer actually work with a Eheim canister 2028 Pro II, that runs at 277 GPH? I read up on the 3X 9W UV and it says it runs at 50-200 GPH. So, does that mean it's not compatible? If i slow down the flow rate does that work better then? I was trying to find info on if i turn down the flow rate how low of a GPH can it go? Because it just states 277 GPH at full capacity! Does anyone know? I tried to find that info on the web and was unsuccesful. I think i might need to buy another UV sterilizer...a 18W maybe?
This is driving me Any help would be great thanks

Kamster

Yes, it is fully compatible. All you have to do is hook the return from the filter to a splitter. One end of this splitter will run directly back to the tank. The other side of the splitter will run to a ball valve and then from the ball valve into the uv filter. Then a return hose is ran from the uv to the tank.

Can you picture that?

the ball valve is there so that you can reduce the flow of water running through the UV unit. All excess water pressure will be directed to the return from the splitter.

Still follow me?

Now, because of the water that will be in the UV unit and extra hoses, you will essentially be adding a bit more head pressure than before so your total gph in the filter will be ruduced slightly.

Also, to figure out what flow the ball valve should be set at, you will need a 5 gallon bucket. To do this, you will need to hook everything up and then, instead of directing the hose from the ball valve to the uv unit, you direct it to a 5 gallon bucket. Turn the filter on and let it run for EXACTLY 1 minute. At the end of that minute, turn the filter off and measure how many gallons was pumped into the bucket. Then, multiply that number by 60. You will need to adjust the flow of the ball valve until you get a flow rate of just under a gallon per minute. It might take a few trial runs but once you get the ball valve set at precisely the setting you need, just make a small mark or scratch on the ball valve that you want the lever to be set at. That way, when you break down and clean the unit, you can just quickly turn the lever to the exact setting you need.


Now, keep in mind that a flow rate of 253 gallons per hour going (through the exact uv unit you mentioned) will only kill bacteria. A flow rate of 121 gallons per hour through the uv unit will kill off bacteria AND algae. Last but not least, if you set the flow at 55 gallons per hour, you will be killing off parasites, bacteria and algae. This is why I suggest that you set the flow rate at just under 1 gallon per minute in the test runs laid out above.


Does that help explain a bit?

Lemme know if you have any more questions about this. I'll be happy to explain it further....

Paul

Toothless, thanks so much for the advise, i did exactly what you suggested. It's working well. Are UV Sterilizers usually silent?? I thought there would be some sound...?? All i see in the light on one end, so that i know it works!.

Thanks again!

Kamster

yep, you cannot hear the "ballast" for the light at all.


Also, upon re-reading my advice to you, I realized that you can actually do this:

You know the return hose coming out of the UV? You can actually run that hose to another splitter and re-splice the two separate lines back into one so that you only have one return. This cuts down on clutter big-time..........

I'm gald it's working for you! I absolutely looooove my UV.

P.S. its VERY true that these UV bulbs lose their efficacy over time. For best results, replace the bulb every single year without fail and the UV will always make you proud.