UV Bulb Change?

[The Old Guy]

I have a 9w UV sterilizer and am setting up a 29 gal. tank which really needs only a 5w unit. Since mine takes a G23 base, could I just swap the 9w for a 5w bulb? Or does the ballast have to be changed too? Any knowledge would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[pperrotta]

You would need to change that ballast. I guess the best option would be to just keep the 9w in there. Or change the ballast if you really don't want to keep the 9w. But there is no real need to downgrade.

 

[boldtogether]

A 9w is all I ever ran on my 210...seriously...at like 180gph...it worked like a much bigger unit at that rate....
Anyway, having more wattage isn't going to hurt anything at all....just more efficient....especially if the flow is going to be slower. The 9w uv I had was rated for a 1000gal pond....and I got sterilization, not just clarification at a low pump rate....
if you change the balast you have to change the starter too....jus sayen.

 

[millerkid519]

Just keep the 9w to avoid the hassle it won't hurt anything