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08-14-2003, 08:56 AM
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#1
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 1,689
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Need a UV Sterilizer
Hey folks... I have decided to buy a UV sterilizer and I'm looking for reccomendations (please include a pump reccomendation as well) THANKS
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125 gal mixed REEF
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08-14-2003, 10:32 AM
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#2
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Aquarium Advice FINatic
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Posts: 507
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Based on my research, I have two recommendations for you...
1) buy a UV sterilizer that's rated for a tank bigger than your tank
2) look at the recommended gph, and aim for the bottom end of that range for a pump
I have a 9 watt rated for up to 100 gallon tanks on a 42 gallon tank. The recommended flow is 100-200 gph, and I have a 100gph pump running through it with some head pressure, so I'm getting more like 60-70 gph. It seems to do its job quite nicely. The water remains very clear.
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- Gauge
92-gallon corner tank, 100lbs of LR, 140lbs of sand, 250watt 10,000K MH, 110watts of actinic PCs, Mag 7 return, custom refugium, AquaC EV180 w/ Mag 5
Female lyretail anthias, eyelash blenny, tomato clown, saddleback clown, firefish goby, 2 sand-sifting stars
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08-14-2003, 10:46 AM
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#3
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AA Team Emeritus
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Virginia
Posts: 2,256
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I would just like to go one step further with Gauge's comments and explain.
Quote:
1) buy a UV sterilizer that's rated for a tank bigger than your tank
2) look at the recommended gph, and aim for the bottom end of that range for a pump
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One of the biggest mistakes made with UV units is people will get underpowered units and then force to much water thru them at to fast of a rate. UV sterilizers work by exposing the water and subsequently the creatures in your water to the UV light. Just like with the sun and your skin the UV rays if your exposed to long will burn you. The correct exposure to the UV rays will kill the bactera, parasites, algae spores, etc in your water. The incorrect exposure (to short) will do very little in the way of killing these items.
Unless you get a large UV unit it should be run by its own pump vs beign connected inline with your main filtration pump.
Remember to add the UV bulb to your list of items you must replaced on a set schedule.
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08-14-2003, 10:46 AM
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#4
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Aquarium Advice Freak
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Seattle,WA
Posts: 323
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What kind of UV do you have gauge?
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08-14-2003, 10:49 AM
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#5
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Aquarium Advice FINatic
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Posts: 507
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It's a CoraLife 9watt turbo twist with a Minijet 404 running at about 6 inches of head pressure.
__________________
- Gauge
92-gallon corner tank, 100lbs of LR, 140lbs of sand, 250watt 10,000K MH, 110watts of actinic PCs, Mag 7 return, custom refugium, AquaC EV180 w/ Mag 5
Female lyretail anthias, eyelash blenny, tomato clown, saddleback clown, firefish goby, 2 sand-sifting stars
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08-14-2003, 11:17 AM
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#6
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 1,689
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I have a 90 gallon tank... Can you give me a specific Reccomendation: Make, Wattage, and Pump rating?
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125 gal mixed REEF
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08-14-2003, 11:24 AM
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#7
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Aquarium Advice FINatic
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Posts: 507
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I'd go with a 15watt (I believe those are usually rated for 150-175 gal) and the one I looked at recommended 200-300 gph of flow. I'd say, if that is the case, get a rio 600 as your pump.
As far as UV sterilizer brand, I would just go with a brand name of any type. I don't believe there is any real difference between them. It's just a bulb with a compartment for water to travel through around it. I just say name brand so you know you're getting a quality item that won't die on you in a month.
__________________
- Gauge
92-gallon corner tank, 100lbs of LR, 140lbs of sand, 250watt 10,000K MH, 110watts of actinic PCs, Mag 7 return, custom refugium, AquaC EV180 w/ Mag 5
Female lyretail anthias, eyelash blenny, tomato clown, saddleback clown, firefish goby, 2 sand-sifting stars
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08-14-2003, 03:28 PM
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#8
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Aquarium Advice FINatic
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Central PA
Posts: 971
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Just wondered if you could relay your experiences that have you wanting to purchase the UV?
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08-14-2003, 03:48 PM
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#9
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Cleveland, Oh. USA
Posts: 2,158
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on my 75 gallon, I have a U2 double pass 18 watt, with a rio (I know rio's suck) 90 gpd running it with 6" head.
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08-15-2003, 11:17 AM
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#10
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 1,689
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It was suggested that the cloudy eye that is affecting my hippo tang and coral beauty is most likely a result of parasites which the UV would take care of. I hope that advice is correct. It's better to treat the source than mask the problem and stress my fish more... plus, a UV can only be beneficial right? Anyway... I bought a Custom Sealife and a MaxiJet 1200 from Marine Depot ... 120 & 19 (respct.)
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125 gal mixed REEF
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08-15-2003, 02:07 PM
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#11
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Aquarium Advice FINatic
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Central PA
Posts: 971
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I was just curious as I have never used or seen one used in marine aquariums so I like to take note to people's experiences for what they added it for and if it was successful. Make sure to reply with yours!
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08-15-2003, 11:28 PM
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#12
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Guest
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by PrettyFishies
It was suggested that the cloudy eye that is affecting my hippo tang and coral beauty is most likely a result of parasites which the UV would take care of. I hope that advice is correct. |
Cloudy eye more often than not is caused from bacterial problems and/or high DOC water. In which a UV will have no affect on. A few small 10% water changes several times over the next few weeks will have much better results.
UV's can however aid in parasitic problems, reduce instances of nuisance algaes as well as the drawback ( IMO) of reducing planktonic populations. It should never be considered a cure for anything. Only an aid for an already proven cure in regards to fish ailments.
Cheers
Steve
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08-16-2003, 08:24 PM
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#13
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Aquarium Advice FINatic
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Posts: 507
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Wouldn't a good protein skimmer be an advisable method of attack in addition to the water changes for high DOC in the water?
Is there any way to test for DOC other than just general cloudiness in the water at the really extreme points?
__________________
- Gauge
92-gallon corner tank, 100lbs of LR, 140lbs of sand, 250watt 10,000K MH, 110watts of actinic PCs, Mag 7 return, custom refugium, AquaC EV180 w/ Mag 5
Female lyretail anthias, eyelash blenny, tomato clown, saddleback clown, firefish goby, 2 sand-sifting stars
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