best uv for 250 gallon water volume

[pdnyc69]

my system has 250 gallons water volume. i currently have either the 6x or 12x turbo twist. i believe its the 12x tho. is this the best uv sterilizer or are there better?

 

[masterswimmer]

I would definitely rate the Aqua UV better than the Turbo Twist.

Russ

 

[armani4o3]

it goes to 36 watt if I remember... But russ is correct aqua is better

 

[dj ze]

i run both the turbo twist does more volume of water and the bulbs are supposed to last longer but i normally change the bulbs on the coralife twice a year because they just burn out the bulbs on the aqua last better

 

[mluz]

here's a link that may find helpful http://americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html

 

[NYreefNoob]

aqua uv and a 57w, and also how do you plan to use it ? for disease or algea killer

 

[Domboski]

If you want something that will kill parasites you need around a 60 watt UV being fed at 375 gph.

 

[pdnyc69]

aqua uv and a 57w, and also how do you plan to use it ? for disease or algea killer

algae control

 

[kaOzGrUnT]

If you want something that will kill parasites you need around a 60 watt UV being fed at 375 gph.

How do you come up with the numbers? Is there a chart?
Example, for 120gallons, X amount of watts for algea or X amount for bacteria at X amount of GPH?

Thanks.

 

[Domboski]

For algae just make sure that whatever unit you buy has a recommended gph of at least your system volume turning over once an hour. Do not trust their reco for parasites unless its an Emperor Aquatics unit

 

[Domboski]

How do you come up with the numbers? Is there a chart?
Example, for 120gallons, X amount of watts for algea or X amount for bacteria at X amount of GPH?

Thanks.

Unfortunately the formula is not as simple. I have an excel file I created based on research. Its for killing parasites though.

 

[kaOzGrUnT]

here's a link that may find helpful http://americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html

Never mind my question, Mluz link explains everything, it's a must read.

 

[Jzhou]

How did you come up with that number? I know some ponds that are a few thousand gallons that uses only 96 watts to kill algae. And for my system that is 340 total gallons, the 18 watt sterilizers i have used has been more than enough to keep parasites at bay. I personally like the turbo twist. Compared to the lifeguard sterilizer I replaced it with, it doesn't slow the water flow that is going though the pump at all.

 

[Jzhou]

I should be more specific, the tank runs to 18watt sterilizers just in case one decides to break down.

 

[Domboski]

The number is based on research done by a company who makes UVs. As far as I know, they are the only ones who have done research to test the needs for aquariums. You don't need nearly the amount of UV watts to kill algae. That's why the pond UVs are so low in wattage. They say they kill parasites but I doubt they do with the exception of the Aqua UVs.

As far as the numbers I come up with they are a guide. There are many factors with UVs that make it near impossible to come up with a 100% accurate algorithm. For example, the amount of time exposed to the light factors in the wattage necessary (the link provided earlier recommends a certain amount of watts per gallon but that is not accurate). Lets say water is exposed to an 18 watt UV for 6' it may do the same job as a 36 watt bulb with 3' of water exposure (these numbers are made up for explanation purposes). So if exposure time has a direct relationship with the amount of watts necessary how could you create an accurate algorithm only based on gallons? See my point? The file I created is based on the most commonly available sizes of UVs (exposure length) of 12"-24".

Hopefully that makes sense. I've seen the research conducted that shows the levels necessary to kill most parasites so I created the file based on that.

Like I mentioned in a previous post, if you want to kill just algae, make sure you buy a UV that recommends a water flow through rate (gph) equivalent to 1.5 times (or at least 1 x) your system volume. When it comes to parasites, I don't trust the manufacturer recommended specs (similar to how skimmers seem to exaggerate their capabilities) unless it is an Emperor Aquatics UV (Makers of Aqua UVs and others).

 

[pdnyc69]

i think part of my problem is i have the uv hooked up inline on my return line to a mag 18. way to much flow