should i have my UV filter on all the time or is like other lights and do i need to turn it off sometimes?
should UV filters be on all the time?
- Thread starter andrewisgod
- Start date
You should run your UV sterilizer continuously. In order for your UV to be effective, you must run it at the proper flow rate for the wattage of the bulb. Most people have to much flow going through their UVs.
This should help:
Choosing the right size unit
Proper flow rate through the UV chamber determines the effectiveness and use of a UV unit. Set at different flow rates, a UV sterilizer can be used effectively against bacteria, algae, or parasites. Different flow rates control different organisms. Therefore, a flow rate suitable for controlling bacteria or free-floating algae may not be effective against parasites. Larger organisms like parasites are more resistant to irradiation and require a slower flow rate to extend UV exposure time. To adjust UV exposure time, simply increase or reduce the rate water is flowing through the UV sterilizer.
| UV Bulb (Watts) | gph to Control Bacteria and Algae | gph to Control Parasites |
| 4 | 60 | N/A |
| 8 | 120 | N/A |
| 15 | 230 | 75 |
| 18 | 300 | 100 |
| 25 | 475 | 150 |
| 30 | 525 | 175 |
| 40 | 940 | 300 |
| 65 | 1700 | 570 |
| 80 | 1885 | 625 |
| 120 | 3200 | 900 |
| 130 | 3400 | 1140 |
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[TD="bgcolor: #dae6f7"] Tips from our Techs
Always locate UV sterilizers after mechanical filtration to help slow buildup on the quartz sleeve, thus requiring less maintenance in the long run.
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Too low flow is bad too as it makes it more likely a parasite will find your fish rather than end up going through the UV. Fast flow isn't necessarily bad since UV damage is cumulative (ask anyone with skin cancer about that). An organism can receive the remaining fatal dose on a subsequent trip through the UV or be weakened enough that the fish's immune system finishes it off.
I run my UV on a timer thats set to 12 hrs on and 12 hrs off. Although mines is used mainly for clarifying my tank rather than algae. Just depends on your preference...
FWIW, I run a 25w constantly on my 180g with an aquaclear 70 powerhead. I'm guessing it puts out about 200gph?
