UV Sterilizer

[Dr Joe]

Pump he is refering to is a small water pump or powerhead, return line is the line returning water to the tank.

Which UV did you get?

The XP3 pushes 350gph on a good day, too fast for most turbo UV's.

If your not using the second XP3 set it up as a bio-filter and on the return line place a 'T' and a valve. Hook the UV to the valve line and adjust the flow accordingly.

Dr Joe

.

 

[Optimist]

The UV sterilizer arrived about an hour ago. Its a Turbo Twist 3X. I'm a little apprehensive to set it up. If I were to connect it to a powerhead, I would have to do it as a hang on, right?
Dr. Joe, I'm not sure I get what you're saying about the T valve.

Let me make my question as simple as possible: If you had a 120 gallon running with an Rena XP3, with another XP3 lying around, What would you do with a turbo twist sterilizer?

 

[derk dastardlee]

give me the sterilizer, i'll hook it up and send you pics on how to do it

 

[Dr Joe]

To get it working, set-up the other xp3 with a lot of bio-media and put the UV on the return line like the directions say.

With the xp3 set-up as a bio-filter it will limit the water flow and as it ages the flow will lessen even more.

You will now have more bio-filtration, and a filtered UV sterilizer.

Life is good.

Dr Joe

.

 

[rkc772]

you need to know the flow rate for sterilization on the UV light. If the flow rate required by the UV is greater than the xp3 you're fine.

I would connect the UV in the most convenient place. Keep in mind you will need to change the lamp after several months. Keep it secured and not hanging lose. I would hook up the UV sterilizer after it has been filtered out (return hose).

Since you have a spare xp3 I would use it. I would try to put as much bio load as i can, and still have mechanical filter running. On the new xp3 (i presume), i would use the UV on the new one.

Make sure to buy stainless steel clamps. Plastic clamps in my opinion is not the best option if you are hooking up a UV.

Two xp3 will be enough. If one fails you will still have a reserve for the tank and do not have to worry about bio load problem.

 

[Dr Joe]

Dejavue...

http://www.aquariumguys.com/turbotwist3x.html

[SIZE=-1]Filter[/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]Aquarium Size[/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]Flow[/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]BY-PASS FREE
Touch for
larger view[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]Rena Filstar XP1 [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]up to 55 Gal [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]250 GPH[/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]Rena Filstar XP2 [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]up to 75 Gal [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]300 GPH[/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]Rena Filstar XP3 [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]up to 175 Gal [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]350 GPH[/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]Rena Filstar XP4 [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]up to 265 Gal [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]450 GPH[/SIZE]


Dr Joe

.

 

[Raul-7]

Although it may be rated at 350 gph, that's at 0 head (without any media, piping or any other resistance). I doubt an XP3 filled with media and colonized by bacteria is anything near 200 gph.

 

[Optimist]

To get it working, set-up the other xp3 with a lot of bio-media and put the UV on the return line like the directions say.

With the xp3 set-up as a bio-filter it will limit the water flow and as it ages the flow will lessen even more.

You will now have more bio-filtration, and a filtered UV sterilizer.

Life is good.

Dr Joe

.

That sounds good to me. What do you mean by biomedia? Is that like ceramic rings? If it were up to you, what media would you put in the XP3 and in what order?

 

[Dr Joe]

I'm going to let you read the latest threads on that one first, good info there.

 

[awfulalex]

my 2c (south african cents that is so about 0.2857c american)

if you want to make sure of a good kill rate I would have three return lines from my filter/sump with a UV on each. Make sure you do not use thinner pipes as this will increase water flow. You want to reduce water flow in each pipe, but keep the correct combined flow (4x per hour)

Personally I do not see the sense in UV filters as they kill the good with the bad. Please do not place the filters on the side from your tank to your filter, but on the return. (well I personally believe this the better option as it allows for bacteria to enter the filter media, but not return to tank)