UV Sterilizer recommendation

[cmoazz]

I have a 120 gallon tank, 2 xp3 filters, 1 emperor filter, and I would like to add a UV sterilizer to help control algae since I wont have algae eaters in the tank.

I'm very new to tanks, this is my first, its not even set up yet, I was thinking to go with this one;
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11472

Its kind of expensive, so if anyone can recommend something it is appreciated, thanks!

 

[luisrcrx]

i have the 15watt in my 75. i plumbed it into my 405s discharge line my water in crystal clear and my algae growth has pretty much stopped,every thing i scrap off doesnt grow back

 

[MikeOway]

I use the 8watt model on my 180gal and it does the job. I know other people use higher watts/gal but I leave it on 24/7 so it does its job. I change the bulbs about once a yr and they cost $35 bucks at my lfs.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4393+3666&pcatid=3666

They have another model

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4393+13954&pcatid=13954

I have never tried this one but I'm sure it will do the job and its cheaper!!!

I run my UV from the sump return. If you dont then get the one in the second link and I think you can hang it from the tank. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Just for fun you should take a picture before and after using UV and let us see.

 

[cmoazz]

where exactly do I install it? It should be after the filter before water starts entering the tank. What if its a hang over it does connect to anything?

 

[T1KARMANN]

the best unit on the market is the TMC vectron

you cut the return pipe after the filter before it goes back to the tank

with UVs its all about flow rate

you need 15w min

and they must be left on 24/7 or whats the point in having one

 

[MikeOway]

where exactly do I install it? It should be after the filter before water starts entering the tank. What if its a hang over it does connect to anything?

If its hang over then you can either hang it over the back of the tank w/ a pump inside the tank pumping water into it and it will come out into the tank.

You can also hook it up into the return of one of your filter after it has been filtered.

 

[cmoazz]

since I have 2 filters can I do 2 x 8w or did you mean I need 15w each? What can I do about the algae that's not free floating and didnt come off with scrubbing?

 

[cmoazz]

the best unit on the market is the TMC vectron

you cut the return pipe after the filter before it goes back to the tank

with UVs its all about flow rate

you need 15w min

and they must be left on 24/7 or whats the point in having one

15w each filter or total? Thanks.

 

[T1KARMANN]

it all depends how mush flow your filter has

i have no idear on the amount of flow you can pass throw a 8w or 15w

i run a 25w which lets you pass 1700 lph throw it

you dont need a UV on both filter

what you have to do is find out the flow rate of your filter then get a UV to match it

 

[ken 429]

uv will only kill free floating organisms. It will not kill any algae that is on your plants rocks etc.