UV or not UV

[lazibonez]

Sergio, what gph are you putting through your UV? Flow makes a huge difference in regard to what you are trying to kill with the sterilizer.

He is right. For algae problem, u need faster gph thru it. For parasites, bacteria, virus its slow flow. Bigger wattage bulb is always better.

 

[tcmike64]

yes I totally agree, the coral life 9watt units are not great. maybe for a nano tank. I def. recommend at least a 25W, and for a little extra the 40W. Also what return pump do you have because if you use one and tee it off the flow gets greatly reduced.

 

[PhoenixOne]

I have a Rio 600=200 gph. Is that enough?

 

[lazibonez]

I have a Rio 600=200 gph. Is that enough?

PhoenixOne, It depends on size of your tank, wattage and gph. Try to look it up in dr foster or marine depot. I remember seeing a chart for all UV brands and specifications.

 

[midtownman]

i got a 25 watt uv that i put in conjuction with my mag 9 is that to fast for my tank or does the wattage makes up for it?

 

[lazibonez]

i got a 25 watt uv that i put in conjuction with my mag 9 is that to fast for my tank or does the wattage makes up for it?

Good question, not too sure on the answer tho, but I know that lower gph is to give enough contact time for the UV lights to kill parasites if that is what you are going for. 25 watts is definitely a good size for your tank, I would change out the mag 9 to something smaller probably doing under 100 gph.

 

[lazibonez]

People actually buy flow meters to test their flows for the UV so they know exactly how much to supply.