UV Sterilizers

[squint]

In a single-pass system, you want a low flow rate especially if the UV is underpowered.

In a recirculating system, the fish are bathing in untreated water 24/7 so you can't have the flow rate too low. Exposure time and water treatment volume are inversely proportional.

Find a pond that has an algae problem controlled by UV. Then adjust the flow so it's down to a tiny trickle and see what happens.

 

[LBDave]

I use one but sometimes I think it is more of a placebo. Do think it helps with algae a bit. Maybe. Lots of other factors. Plenty FK's do without.
#1 is water changes. Live plants help with algae and are the way to go IMO.

 

[Fat Homer]

Not at all, from what I understand the UV light in sterilizers only alters the DNA of live organisms, not chemical compounds, so then they can't reproduce and die off. Your UV sterilizer is probably helping to some degree (e.g. maybe with algae control) -- though it would help to know the size (watts) and what type (external or internal) -- but as to whether it's helping to control pathogens depends on a number of factors as Duanes & squint have mentioned above. That said, I frankly I am now admittedly a bit confused, and unsure which train of thought is correct (low flow is better than high or high flow is better than too low???).

Nice looking tank and discus by the way, I like the way it's laid out.

I think the problem with the statement high or low flow rate is that it depends on who you are talking, they may define a low flow rate differently...

As someone mentioned, their idea of a low flow rate is a trickle VS some who may consider 20G an hour on a 200G tank kinda deal...

Then you also have to consider whether the UV is a Clarifier unit or a LV 2 Sterilizer unit, since most UV setups for aquariums tend to be built for killing free floating algae and not necessarily pathogens etc...

 

[BugFreak72]

Nice tank you have there. I've used UV filters on my tanks for years. It is true you need to change the bulb regularly so keep that in mind when you mount it or store it under the tank. I learned that one the hard way. Pay attention to your specific UV filter's flow rate chart. Depending on the UV filter size you may have to buy a specific pump to ensure you kill everything. The water needs to move by pretty slow to kill in some cases. There should be a chart on the box or manufacturer website to give you an idea of what pump.