Can I use my canister filter as a UV sterilizer

JWally · 07/02/2014, 06:10 PM

I am new to the reef. I am going to start a 60g reef with a sump. I have a 4 stage canister filter with a built in 9w uv light. Can I run the filter free of any filter medium and use it as a UV sterilizer?

skimjim · 07/02/2014, 07:57 PM

Yes, you can do that.... but dont put any filters in there, ever. trapped debris will cause nitrate problems big time. those problems lead to major outbreaks of algae.

if you put any media in there it should only be active-carbon.

If you do put this in service, be sure to disconnect and rinse the insides once a month. Any debris that gets caught in there, even though there are no filters, will cause nitrate problem...and eventually algae that is hard to get rid of once its established in the tank.

I'd also go as far as buying a Salifert nitrate test and test your water once a month so you can head off problems before algae over takes your tank.

hth

scubadan206 · 07/02/2014, 09:25 PM

I have the same filter I think. Currently providing gyre flow in my growout tank.
Make sure the quartz tube is sealed TIGHT. I had one model where water got in with the bulb and FFFFZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!
I'm going to buy the smallest model for my water holding tanks to keep circulation, and to keep down potential bacterial strains.
+1 on the weekly cleaning though.

Donkeykong · 07/03/2014, 08:35 AM

You might do some searching on here about UV sterilizers, most have gone away from running them on their systems. They still can be useful in specific situations but aren't really being used on a regular bases by most reefers.

skimjim · 07/03/2014, 08:46 AM

also a very important point here.

its my understanding that for UV to work properly your flowrate has to be pretty slow.

like less than 100gph to control parasites, algae and bacteria.

you'll have to modify the flowrate somehow thru the canister.

scubadan206 · 07/03/2014, 10:42 AM

Depends on how much you want to kill off but that's correct. I believe this thing has a twist design internal, so contact time is maximized. I have taken mine apart to clean it and found snails, feather dusters, and copepods crawling inside. Run the filter with ceramic bio-stuff, but not the sponge filter pads JWally.
Daniel.

JWally · 07/03/2014, 12:58 PM

Thanks for all the info. I think I will not try and run it. If anything, I may go with a regular UV sterilizer so I can regulate the flow. I am also wondering if I should set up RO system before I start the set up. Any thoughts there? I have a great location for the tank that lends a room behind the wall & it houses my utilities and has plenty of room for a huge sump & RO equipment with salt ready & fresh ready water holding containers.

scubadan206 · 07/03/2014, 04:29 PM

You have me at "utility room with plenty of room for big sump and other filtration equipment".
Start up a build thread so we can see how much fun you have..

Mike Ordner · 07/03/2014, 10:12 PM

What do you plan to accomplish with the UV? 9 watts in 60 gallons is not very much. If you keep the UV glass clean all the time it might clarify the water a little but will do nothing to kill any parasites. Even if you get a bigger unit, the parasite would have to pass through the UV to be possibly killed.

JWally · 07/04/2014, 05:48 AM

Thanks Mike. All this is new to me. This is really helping me figure out if I need a UV, skimmer, refuge, what type of lighting, do I need an R/O system, etc. I'm having a blast already and have just started to gather some equipment. I wish I had joined this site prior to getting anything, but I only have bought a few things and hope all the reading I have done; and will do, will lead me in the right direction. I am feeling I really don't need the UV. Would this be a correct assumption? Thanks!!

pmrossetti · 07/04/2014, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWally

Thanks Mike. All this is new to me. This is really helping me figure out if I need a UV, skimmer, refuge, what type of lighting, do I need an R/O system, etc. I'm having a blast already and have just started to gather some equipment. I wish I had joined this site prior to getting anything, but I only have bought a few things and hope all the reading I have done; and will do, will lead me in the right direction. I am feeling I really don't need the UV. Would this be a correct assumption? Thanks!!

Correct.

07/02/2014, 06:10 PM	#1
JWally Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Russell, Kentucky Posts: 26	Can I use my canister filter as a UV sterilizer I am new to the reef. I am going to start a 60g reef with a sump. I have a 4 stage canister filter with a built in 9w uv light. Can I run the filter free of any filter medium and use it as a UV sterilizer?

07/02/2014, 07:57 PM	#2
skimjim Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 513	Yes, you can do that.... but dont put any filters in there, ever. trapped debris will cause nitrate problems big time. those problems lead to major outbreaks of algae. if you put any media in there it should only be active-carbon. If you do put this in service, be sure to disconnect and rinse the insides once a month. Any debris that gets caught in there, even though there are no filters, will cause nitrate problem...and eventually algae that is hard to get rid of once its established in the tank. I'd also go as far as buying a Salifert nitrate test and test your water once a month so you can head off problems before algae over takes your tank. hth

07/02/2014, 09:25 PM	#3
scubadan206 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Kenosha WI Posts: 985	I have the same filter I think. Currently providing gyre flow in my growout tank. Make sure the quartz tube is sealed TIGHT. I had one model where water got in with the bulb and FFFFZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!! I'm going to buy the smallest model for my water holding tanks to keep circulation, and to keep down potential bacterial strains. +1 on the weekly cleaning though.

07/03/2014, 08:35 AM	#4
Donkeykong Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Grover Beach CA Posts: 1,847	You might do some searching on here about UV sterilizers, most have gone away from running them on their systems. They still can be useful in specific situations but aren't really being used on a regular bases by most reefers.

07/03/2014, 08:46 AM	#5
skimjim Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 513	also a very important point here. its my understanding that for UV to work properly your flowrate has to be pretty slow. like less than 100gph to control parasites, algae and bacteria. you'll have to modify the flowrate somehow thru the canister.

07/03/2014, 10:42 AM	#6
scubadan206 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Kenosha WI Posts: 985	Depends on how much you want to kill off but that's correct. I believe this thing has a twist design internal, so contact time is maximized. I have taken mine apart to clean it and found snails, feather dusters, and copepods crawling inside. Run the filter with ceramic bio-stuff, but not the sponge filter pads JWally. Daniel.

07/03/2014, 12:58 PM	#7
JWally Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Russell, Kentucky Posts: 26	Thanks for all the info. I think I will not try and run it. If anything, I may go with a regular UV sterilizer so I can regulate the flow. I am also wondering if I should set up RO system before I start the set up. Any thoughts there? I have a great location for the tank that lends a room behind the wall & it houses my utilities and has plenty of room for a huge sump & RO equipment with salt ready & fresh ready water holding containers.

07/03/2014, 04:29 PM	#8
scubadan206 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Kenosha WI Posts: 985	You have me at "utility room with plenty of room for big sump and other filtration equipment". Start up a build thread so we can see how much fun you have..

07/03/2014, 10:12 PM	#9
Mike Ordner Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas Posts: 415	What do you plan to accomplish with the UV? 9 watts in 60 gallons is not very much. If you keep the UV glass clean all the time it might clarify the water a little but will do nothing to kill any parasites. Even if you get a bigger unit, the parasite would have to pass through the UV to be possibly killed.

07/04/2014, 05:48 AM	#10
JWally Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Russell, Kentucky Posts: 26	Thanks Mike. All this is new to me. This is really helping me figure out if I need a UV, skimmer, refuge, what type of lighting, do I need an R/O system, etc. I'm having a blast already and have just started to gather some equipment. I wish I had joined this site prior to getting anything, but I only have bought a few things and hope all the reading I have done; and will do, will lead me in the right direction. I am feeling I really don't need the UV. Would this be a correct assumption? Thanks!!