UV sterilizer questions

[kendragon]

UV can be used for different purposes like controlling algae, bacteria,......
The important thing is the flow rate because it determines the dose. So if you have a small chamber and high flow the dose will be low which may not not have an affect on the water quality. You may have to play with the flow rate to get what you need.
Here's an example I ran on a unit for an exhibit. The architect specied the pump size (flow rate) and dose requirement. The UV was selected to meet that requirement. If no UV can meet it then a custom one can be built (multi-bulb and custom chamber size). Lamp efficiency and water clarity are contributing factors in the program.

 

[pacu mom]

Here's a good article on UV sterilizers.
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html


By the Flow Rate/Turn Over Rate Table, you would need a 20W UV sterilizer for Level One Sterilization.

For my 300 gallon tank, I would need 22.5 Watts. I went with a 40W Pentair Aquatics UV sterilizer with a maximum flow rate of 1500 gph. The FX-5 925 gph/607 gph with media is a lower flow rate than the max of the UV sterilizer. So I was able to connect the UV sterilizer to the return line of the FX-5.

When you go with a larger UV sterilizer, you can get by with a faster flow rate. It's worked well for me.

Before

Very quickly after installation of the UV sterilizer:

A UV sterilizer is not optional, it's a must for our tank.

 

[BigBubba]

on my 400gallon comunity tank i have a rio 3100 running water out of the pump chamber of my wet/dry through a cheap odyssea 36watt uv and back in. its like 1000gph.
works great, water is clear and clean enough to drink

 

[BigBubba]

.

 

[J.Lake]

Here's a good article on UV sterilizers.
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html


By the Flow Rate/Turn Over Rate Table, you would need a 20W UV sterilizer for Level One Sterilization.

For my 300 gallon tank, I would need 22.5 Watts. I went with a 40W Pentair Aquatics UV sterilizer with a maximum flow rate of 1500 gph. The FX-5 925 gph/607 gph with media is a lower flow rate than the max of the UV sterilizer. So I was able to connect the UV sterilizer to the return line of the FX-5.

When you go with a larger UV sterilizer, you can get by with a faster flow rate. It's worked well for me.

Before

Very quickly after installation of the UV sterilizer:

A UV sterilizer is not optional, it's a must for our tank.

Nice before and after! I seen a 24w sterilizer called the green killing machine or something like that. Would this have a positive efffect on a 180 gallon?

 

[pacu mom]

Nice before and after! I seen a 24w sterilizer called the green killing machine or something like that. Would this have a positive efffect on a 180 gallon?

An 18W UV sterilizer run at the recommended flow rate would more than achieve Level One Sterilization on your tank. As for "positive effect", many fishkeepers do not use UV sterilizers and have healthy fish. I had a severe green water problem because of floor-to-ceiling picture windows and skylights in my living room. The UV sterilizer compensates for my tank being in light all day long. I also noticed that minor scrapes and rips on my fish quickly heal. I long ago stopped worrying about my fish getting infections in their injuries. A UV sterilizer certainly won't hurt your tank, but it may not be necessary...it depends on what you want/need it to accomplish.

 

[Angler]

Wow, my mind is spinning after scanning through the info that you posted, Kendragon and Pacu Mom...lol

I hooked the UV up last night. As mentioned, a Rio 1100 with profilter and a Turbo Twist 36 watt for my 260 gallon. My goal is to make the water clear by ridding free floating algae and bacteria. I hope my gph is enough. Time will tell now.

 

[prskiller]

Here's a good article on UV sterilizers.
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html


By the Flow Rate/Turn Over Rate Table, you would need a 20W UV sterilizer for Level One Sterilization.

For my 300 gallon tank, I would need 22.5 Watts. I went with a 40W Pentair Aquatics UV sterilizer with a maximum flow rate of 1500 gph. The FX-5 925 gph/607 gph with media is a lower flow rate than the max of the UV sterilizer. So I was able to connect the UV sterilizer to the return line of the FX-5.

When you go with a larger UV sterilizer, you can get by with a faster flow rate. It's worked well for me.

Before

Very quickly after installation of the UV sterilizer:

A UV sterilizer is not optional, it's a must for our tank.

WOW, those are some huge "ball cutters"

 

[Angler]

After 14 hours, not a visible difference. I know that's not a long time, and I should be patient. Anyone know generally how much the pro filter (which is a prefilter) will slow down the GPH of my rio 1100? Rio's website says these have a flowrate of 382 gph, but I am curious what I am really pushing. I know I can measure the GPH on my own, which I will eventually do, but just wondering if anyone has a good estimate on what I'm pushing.

 

[Angler]

Well, I did more searching on threads on here, and it seems like I shouldn't be concerned about my GPH. I see the difference already. In the past, after a water change, the water would get gloomy and stay that way for 4-5 days. Not way gloomy, but just not clear. It would take 4-5 days after the water change to get pretty clear. Yesterday morning before the UV install, I did a big water change. Right now, the tank is pretty clear. It's never been this clear the day after a water change. I'm also added more bio media to one of the FX5s yesterday, and soon I will add more bio to the other FX5.

I can tell after 1 day that I am happy with my decision to use a UV.