UV strerilizers and rays

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
i run one but only because i got it with alot of other stuff and its a nice one. i had a spare pump to run it so i figured why not.
 
Same thing i got mine in a bundle of used stuff so i bought a new bulb and installed it. At first i saw a difference in water clarity but now i don`t. I run mine for 1 month then shut it off for 1 month. I think a well kept tank probily does not need one but they will definately not hurt if you have it.
 
So far we all run them because we pretty much got them for free, not a very glowing endorsement lol

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i had an algae problem recently as well, i have 2 triple tube 36" fluorescent's on my 210, yes i know its overkill but i got a sweet deal on them and couldn't pass it up. these things are BRIGHT and at first i didn't have them set on a timer, the water turned green in no time,i freaked out and went and bought a 36 watt uv, and i havent even hooked it up yet, i did a couple very large water changes and put the lights on a timer. i think i will eventually plum it up so i can run the lights a little more. how do you guys have yours hooked up? is it a whole separate pump setup? does anyone run there's inline with there return pumps?
 
Chances are if you ran them inline with your return the flow would be too high. You want between 40-50gph per watt to clarify and between 20-30gph per watt to sterilize. The easiest way to do it is just run them in a loop from your sump on their own small pump. I have mine going from the the filter sock chamber through the uv and then returning onto the drip tray
 
johno27 said:
I know this topic has been discussed before but it wasn't easily found with a search so I will go ahead and start a new thread.

Just finally got around to hooking up a 40 watt lifeguard unit to my tank which I plan on running for 8 or so hours a day on a timer (the pump will always run just not always with the light on) I am running a 500 gph pump on it so give or take 400 gph after very minimal head loss. The unit is rated for up to 1500gph

I was wondering how many people use them?

How much do you run yours?

How many watts and how many GPH you run?

I am also open to discussion of why some people choose not to use them

I pretty much just want to discuss them because this is my first time ever running a uv after 15-20 years in the hobby

:popcorn:
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it needs to be turned on all the time as far as i know parasites and green water dont sleep

the tubes/bulbs are changed every 6 months if you turn it on off how will you know when to change the tube
 
T1KARMANN said:
it needs to be turned on all the time as far as i know parasites and green water dont sleep

the tubes/bulbs are changed every 6 months if you turn it on off how will you know when to change the tube
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:grinyes: off and on also shorten bulb life.
 
I would change the bulbs every 6 months if I run it 24/7 or not.

My tank is 99% clear of green water after 24 hours so I don't think I would need to run the uv 24/7 to keep the green water at bay.

Is there anything to suggest turning the bulbs on and off is bad for them or the ballast? That would be my main concern is wearing out the ballast or bulbs faster.

Edit: NM Ken answered my question while I was typing it
 
I love my uv on my big tank. Keeps the water crystal clear. With the massive amounts of food i dump in this tank the water is always cloudy without the uv.

On my smaller tanks i dont need one because the load is small enough
 
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