UV Sterilizer

[onux20]

All,

 

I am thinking of adding one to my 120 mixed "reef". I wanted to get some input from you all.

Do you have one?

Size of Tank?

Size of sterilizer?

Pros/Cons?

 

Thanks and Happy Easter.

RT

[Coral Hind]

I have a 36w unit on my 120.

[onux20]

Thinking out loud...

 

I just picked up a 40W UV sterilizer and am trying to figure out the best way to hook it up. From what I am reading, I need to run ~1200+GPH through the unit. When I set up the 120, I put in a manifold and planned to use the Dart (3600gph) to run the main tank and a frag tank, and, and, and ....I have gotten as far as the 120.

 

Needless to say, I have a 'wee bit' of capacity on the Dart that I can use to run the UV. If I decide to use the Dart to supply the unit, how would I go about determining how much flow I have through the UV?

 

Maybe a five gallon bucket and a stop watch?

 

(5g/1200gph)*3600sec/hr = 15 sec

 

Otherwise I will need to get a dedicated pump for the UV to have a better estimate of the flow to it...and added cost, heat, space requirement, etc.

 

Good idea? Better ideas?

 

RT

[flowerseller]

uv

[Origami]

The manual for your 40W UV sterilizer is here: http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/sites/default/files/instructions/Instructions%20Classic%20and%20Twist%20Series%20UV%2005-19-09.pdf

 

I was looking it over and saw this on page 8:

"A UV Rated in the 30,000 to 45,000 columns is ideal for the reef environment. UV

[beatle]

I had no idea that UV needed such high flow rates. I have a 40w Current Gamma UV that I was thinking of hooking up to my 120, but even at full tilt my Eheim 1260 won't even be half the flow I need.

[Der ABT]

it also depends on the specs of the uv

i have a jeebo 36w and they are saying its more like 300 for algea and 150 for parasites.....but then again the only source i could find was some guy on another form and no solid manufacturer info (got these off a used tank a few years ago and dont currently have them running but have been thinking about it.

[onux20]

The manual for your 40W UV sterilizer is here: http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/sites/default/files/instructions/Instructions%20Classic%20and%20Twist%20Series%20UV%2005-19-09.pdf

 

I was looking it over and saw this on page 8:

"A UV Rated in the 30,000 to 45,000 columns is ideal for the reef environment. UV

[Origami]

I don't run UV, so I'm just taking this opportunity to learn a little something. But, the way I read the manufacturer's manual, if your flow through the unit is too low, you wind up giving the water such a high dose that it kills nearly all planktonic life in your water column. In a reef tank, this is food for your coral and killing it off may have repercussions on your coral health. That's how I'm reading their manual, at least.

[flowerseller]

I use a 40w unit from CurrentUSA on my 400g system.

I flow about 600-700gph through it.

I can not verify the gph, just a hunch.

 

I clean the Qsleeve 2x a year and change the T5 bulb yearly, except now it's about 15m.

Time for a new bulb.

 

I have plenty of life, including some algae growth, but my water is crystal clear.

[Origami]

There you have it: Practical experience.

 

Specs on Current's UV sterilizer is here: http://www.current-usa.com/files/GammaUV_SizingGuide.pdf

 

It appears similar to the AquaUV unit that you have insofar as dosage and flow rates are concerned. That and Chip's experience should give you comfort to try the lower flow rate.