Ok so i got this 18 Watt Coralife UV light with a recent 180 gallon tank i bought. Problem is im not up on my UV knowledge. But i know its rated for 300 GPH max and will treat up to a 250 gallon tank if PROPERLY used. The previous owner had it plumbed inline with a 925 GPH Fluval FX5, which means water was traveling through the unit at 3 times recommended GPH and was useless. I bought new lines for the FX5 and that's running smooth now. But i need recommendations on this UV installation. I believe id like to hang it on the back of the tank, and yes a new bulb was ordered. Any suggestions?
UV Coralife Turbo Twist 6X - 18 Watt - Install Help
- Thread starter CICHLIDFAN210
- Start date
Installing with Fluval FX5 will probably only kill algae and not parasites due to its high flow. I also have an FX5 but I installed mine with my Rena XP3. Perfect flow to kill parasites and water is crystal clear.
There are a few options.
First, you could tee off of the return on the FX5 (which are rated at 607 GPH, not 925) and avoid an extra pump. You might want to use a flow meter and a valve to assure the correct flow.
Second you could buy a smaller canister and run it off of it. This is probably the best solution, as it is recommended that you install a UV sterilizer after a mechanical filter for best results.
Lastly you could just use a powerhead to push water through the UV. The only downside is that you may need to clean the unit more often to keep it operating efficiently.
Good luck with the new tank!
First, you could tee off of the return on the FX5 (which are rated at 607 GPH, not 925) and avoid an extra pump. You might want to use a flow meter and a valve to assure the correct flow.
Second you could buy a smaller canister and run it off of it. This is probably the best solution, as it is recommended that you install a UV sterilizer after a mechanical filter for best results.
Lastly you could just use a powerhead to push water through the UV. The only downside is that you may need to clean the unit more often to keep it operating efficiently.
Good luck with the new tank!