UV Sterilizer

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I can help. What specific input are you seeking?
 
kendragon said:
I can help. What specific input are you seeking?
Click to expand...

Thanks ken and I'm glad to get your input as I have seen your name come up quite a few times in older threads. I was curious based on experience, what would the best recommendation for a uv or two in terms of brand/wattage for my 125 gallon gold fish tank. I'm looking to use if for bacteria control
 
There are many suggestions out there which I see will confuse.
You have to have a purpose otherwise it is just a waste of money to install an UV.
As you figured out, the two basic use of an UV are for water clarity and pathogen control.
It does not take much for water clarity so the simplest UV will do the job. Hence, the suggestions for el cheapo units.
The real science starts when you want to control specific strains of parasite/bacteria. Some require more UV than others. UV dosage is the measure used in industry. There are many charts on the web that provides dosage requirement for each pathogen. Many hobbiest use AmericamAquariumProducts table to determine wattage and flow rate but one must keep in mind that the table is based off on one specific UV. So if the UV brand you selected have characteristics (chamber size, quartz sleeve, lamp) not close the one use for the chart, you will be off on dosage.
So how do you get an accurate dosage for your application?
Good UV manufacturers will provide dosage and flow rate for their UV.
Most public aquarium design require 50 mJ/cm^2. Fisheries require as much as 150 mJ/cm^2. On a side note, green water requires 20 mJ/cm^2.
If you have a specific UV brand and dosage picked out, I can calculate the wattage you will need. If the wattage is insufficent, turning down the flow rate will not get the dosage you will need. The computer program will not work on el cheapo units. They are not considered real UV.
 
kendragon said:
There are many suggestions out there which I see will confuse.
You have to have a purpose otherwise it is just a waste of money to install an UV.
As you figured out, the two basic use of an UV are for water clarity and pathogen control.
It does not take much for water clarity so the simplest UV will do the job. Hence, the suggestions for el cheapo units.
The real science starts when you want to control specific strains of parasite/bacteria. Some require more UV than others. UV dosage is the measure used in industry. There are many charts on the web that provides dosage requirement for each pathogen. Many hobbiest use AmericamAquariumProducts table to determine wattage and flow rate but one must keep in mind that the table is based off on one specific UV. So if the UV brand you selected have characteristics (chamber size, quartz sleeve, lamp) not close the one use for the chart, you will be off on dosage.
So how do you get an accurate dosage for your application?
Good UV manufacturers will provide dosage and flow rate for their UV.
Most public aquarium design require 50 mJ/cm^2. Fisheries require as much as 150 mJ/cm^2. On a side note, green water requires 20 mJ/cm^2.
If you have a specific UV brand and dosage picked out, I can calculate the wattage you will need. If the wattage is insufficent, turning down the flow rate will not get the dosage you will need. The computer program will not work on el cheapo units. They are not considered real UV.
Click to expand...

Thanks ken. I'm definitely more interested in the pathogen controlling part. I think I read a couple threads mentioning you also sell a specific uv? Do you still do? Lastly it seems like the aqua uv is rated one of the better ones - thoughts?
 
No, I do not sell. Aquaultraviolet is a good choice.
 
Gimick. Think about it. 100gph going in = 100gph coming out. How does zigzags prolong dwell time? It doesn't. Just make the water move faster around the obstacles.
Keeping the pathogen close to the quartz sleeve is key.
 
Advantage + is for tank
Classic originally for ponds (2" inlet/outlet+long cord) bushed down for tank.
It's late. I can provide calc for both tomorrow. Tell me what flow rate you plan to pump through it.. Minimum is one time the tank+filter volume per hour.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom