I've got an idea!

[neogenix]

My current set up is similar to what you've outlined above, sans the automation and recovery barrel for waste water. My ATO fills to a predetermined level and the surplus is sent to my mixing barrel.

There I add salt and other materials to spice up my WCs (kalk and Epsom salt). I used to have a mixing pump in there but I had to use it when one of my returns up and died on me. But I do have a return pump in there. Flip a switch and water from the mixer is sent to my system.

So, have you ever run a mixing pump in your mixing barrel continuously? It warms up pretty quick. At one gallon increments this shouldn't have an affect on your systems temp, however... It seems that I remember reading somewhere that temperature affects salinity readings. If so would a warmer water read higher salinity, thus lowering your tanks salinity over time?

I like it though. Seems that the parameters of the system would be much more stable.

As far as the UV is concerned, I envisioned a high powered UV lamp enclosed in a custom glass submersible sitting in the middle of the barrel. Over 12 to 24 hours the morbidity would be very high IMO. The excessive die off would serve as nutrients in the next barrel for the macro.

Re: Return Pump -> That's why I was thinking about using a evo powerhead. It's small, cheap, and adds little to no heat.

Re: Heat and Salinity -> You're certainly right about the salinity, but I would assume that over time, it should even out. i'd be testing the water in the salt water vat on production, which should have it at a reasonable temp... Interesting idea though. In texas during summers, that would certainly change the salinity...

Re: UV -> Did you look at any models for this?

What are you using to control all this?

Reefkeeper Elite currently, but will probably move to something else at some point as I'd like different logic options which none of the current controllers offer.