UV Sterilizer

[Playdope]

Hey all,

Please let me start by saying, too many people I have talked to have immediately said... "don't use it" - when I ask them, "why have you used one?" they say "no - they are not worth it, and no good". Well, I have one here, and I'd like to put it to good use, even if it only means turning it on as a precaution at the right times. I have an Aqua UV Sterilizer, and I am looking for the best way to use it with my new 100 gallon reef setup. I would like to make it usefull in either keeping away undesireably algae killing parasites. However, there are a few concerns/issues:

1. I have learned that the flow rate going through the sterilizer is very important for what one is trying to do. Any help here? How many gph should be pushed through it for what I am trying to accomplish?

2. Should i be concerned about killing off life I don't want to. I intend to keep a Copperband Butterfly and Dragonet eventually - so having pods will be important.

One person recommended putting the sterilzer on only when i put a fish in the tank, or just before adding a fish.

Will you help steer me in the right direction for making the sterilizer usefull?

Thanks a lot!
Jon

 

[mountainbiker619]

I would research the model via the makers web page in regards to the flow rate. As far as the best use for the item, I would say it would be on your RO/DI, assuming that you use one.

 

[liquid]

What wattage is it? How new is the bulb? How long has the bulb been currently used for? What's the internal diameter going thru the UV sterilizer?

Odds are you'll also kill some of the beneficial stuff you want to keep alive in your tank. Heh you heard my rsponse on #reefs, but if you'd still like to use it, I can run the numbers for you. I'd be using P.R. Escobal's Aquatic Systems Engineering book to figure it out.

Shane

 

[Playdope]

Aqua 25 watt UV Sterilizer is what I've got. It is unused.

I was thinking of hooking it up to the return line with a flow meter, and maybe using some sort of valve to regulate flow going through the sterilizer. Someone mentioned using a filtronic flowmeter (affiliated with aquatronics). By doing the above I guess I could turn the UV on and off when i desire.

Jon

 

[liquid]

I'm gonna need some detailed specs on the UV sterilizer beyond that it's a 25 watt unit. Specifically I need to know the internal diameter of the flow thru tubing thru the unit. The larger the diameter, the slower you're gonna have to run the flow thru the unit. Did it come w/ a pump?

Shane

 

[ADS]

There was a good article(~6 mos ago) in FAMA on using UV. It specifically addressed flow rates and tank turnover. I would 'T' it on return unless you use a refugium. 25W should be adequate for 100g tank. Adam

 

[Anonymous]

well I work for a company that manufactures uv sterilizers (aquanetics) and the proper flow rate for that unit according to us is about 500 gpm. It is also very important that you replace the bulb every year or else it will use its effectivness. The flow in our 25 watt is from 750 to 375 gph and that is supposed to kill typical viruses and bacteria as well as free floating algea spores but you wil also kill some beneficial bacteria as well. I think the pros out weigh the cons IMO you will get super clear water though! Hope this info helps

 

[Anonymous]

the proper flow rate for that unit according to us is about 500 gpm.

I hope you mean GPH

 

[Anonymous]

SBGRAD24 Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2003 8:56 am Post subject:

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supaboy1981 wrote:
the proper flow rate for that unit according to us is about 500 gpm.


I hope you mean GPH

you know what I mean man, we pretend to work for the same dang company yes GPH