What happens if a UV runs dry?

[Carl]

Does a UV have to be plumbed so it is always filled with water?

 

Let's say my pump stopped flowing, or I wanted to turn of the pumps while feeding, and the water drained out of the UV filter.

 

What would happen to a Gamma 40W UV filter if left on, with no water in it?

Edited October 29, 2007 by Carl

[flowerseller]

I mounted mine in a way to prevent this but I've not heard of any reason it can't drain dry.

I think it would will help keep it cool and prevent damaging the quartz sleeve. I do know it should be mounted in a way to prevent an air bubble being trapped during start up.

[Carl]

I mounted mine in a way to prevent this but I've not heard of any reason it can't drain dry.

I think it would will help keep it cool and prevent damaging the quartz sleeve. I do know it should be mounted in a way to prevent an air bubble being trapped during start up.

 

 

How did you mount yours to prevent it from running dry?

[dbartco]

Dont think it would matter if it ran dry for a short period. Would think that the seal would be the only thing that may weaken with the uv. otherwise, it is a light bulb in a tube?

 

My gamma UV 40 says it can be mounted horizontally or vertically. I know that is against normal, but if they have no problem, should we?

[flowerseller]

 

 

How did you mount yours to prevent it from running dry?

It's mounted almost horizontal with the inlet and outlet facing up.

The power cord end is slightly higher to prevent trapping air bubble on start up.

 

The only problem with a bulb in a tube is it gets warm, hotter than you think and can cause damage to the seals in contact with the quartz sleeve. The water can help from keep the temp lower.

Don't be fooled into thinking a 40w T-5 won't get warm sealed enclosed inside a tube.

[jnguyen4007]

It's mounted almost horizontal with the inlet and outlet facing up.

The power cord end is slightly higher to prevent trapping air bubble on start up.

 

The only problem with a bulb in a tube is it gets warm, hotter than you think and can cause damage to the seals in contact with the quartz sleeve. The water can help from keep the temp lower.

Don't be fooled into thinking a 40w T-5 won't get warm sealed enclosed inside a tube.

 

So what is the best way to mount it to keep it from running dry? Horizontally?

[flowerseller]

It's really an issue of what room you have to mount it.

Why not simply think things through and if you turn off you pump, unplug your UV.

Put them both a switch. My main pump can simply be switched off instead of having to be unplugged.

 

The most overlooked aspect of our hobby is thinking thru what you're about to be doing, before doing it.

If you did, you might not do it in the first place.

[jnguyen4007]

The only way I can mount mine is vertically so I've been trying to make a habit of disconnecting the power from the UV before I turn off my return pump.

[Bob]

I have mine on the same powerstrip as the main pump. When I turn off the pump, obviously the UV is turned off at the same time.

[Carl]

It's really an issue of what room you have to mount it.

Why not simply think things through and if you turn off you pump, unplug your UV.

Put them both a switch. My main pump can simply be switched off instead of having to be unplugged.

 

The most overlooked aspect of our hobby is thinking thru what you're about to be doing, before doing it.

If you did, you might not do it in the first place.

 

Exactly...that's why I'm turning to everyone at WAMAS to let me know what mistakes they've made...before I make the same mistake.

 

What I think I'll do now, is figure out if I can mount the UV so the water DOESN'T empty in case of pump failure...or even better, have the pump and UV light on the same switch/outlet.

 

Thanks!

 

-Carl

[johnnybv]

Exactly...that's why I'm turning to everyone at WAMAS to let me know what mistakes they've made...before I make the same mistake.

 

What I think I'll do now, is figure out if I can mount the UV so the water DOESN'T empty in case of pump failure...or even better, have the pump and UV light on the same switch/outlet.

 

Thanks!

 

-Carl

Carl, It is a 40w t5 bulb, and it will heat up as a 40 w t-5 will. So for a short period of time say 15 - 30 min or so there should be no problem, after that the heat could start to soften plastic and cause seals to leak. I have seen Units in ponds outside that have not had water in them for days with no damage, so it all depends on how hot the unit is allowed to get. If it is filled with water it can obviously last much longer, maybe indefinatly.

john

[Carl]

Carl, It is a 40w t5 bulb, and it will heat up as a 40 w t-5 will. So for a short period of time say 15 - 30 min or so there should be no problem, after that the heat could start to soften plastic and cause seals to leak. I have seen Units in ponds outside that have not had water in them for days with no damage, so it all depends on how hot the unit is allowed to get. If it is filled with water it can obviously last much longer, maybe indefinatly.

john

 

 

Thanks John...

And thanks to Byron for helping me out over the weekend...I've got the 75 set up in the garage, with the sump in the stand...will try to figure out how to mount the UV...then come back up your way to purchase all the plumbing in the next week or two!

 

-Carl