UV Sterilizer

Mark0818 · 11/24/2009, 10:52 PM

I have 75G FOWLR, I'm considering purchasing a UV sterilizer, however is it really needed?

I'm looking in the Doctor Foster and Smith book and see a Turbo-Twist 9w 200gph $102

tgray3 · 11/24/2009, 11:01 PM

I have one and IMO it helps with water clarity and algae blooms. For a 75 the 9 watt i think is too small. I'd run at least a 15 if not a 25 watt.

Avi · 11/24/2009, 11:16 PM

Conceptually, they are worth it....I've used them extensively and in practice, I don't think that they are really worth the expense. The "dwell time" or the rate in gallon-per-hour that the pump that you use to drive the water through must be chosen in strict accordance with the recommendation of the manufacturer...presumably they tested it adequately to determine which rate would be optimal for effectiveness. I've use them after doing a lot of research and I never found them effective. I believe that in a bare tank they'd be far more effective but with all of the live rock's nooks and crannies, substantial parasite population...if that gets into your tank...are not drawn through the UV-sterilizer before they find a host in their free-swimming stage, so its effectiveness and value is severely limited, IMO. Besides, so long as normal precautions are taken for a reef, the fish can usually be unstressed enough to naturally combat parasites. Quarantining is very effective in that regard so that newly acquired fish don't introduce parasites when placed in your reef. In fish only tanks...even with live rock...parasites are much more likely to be deadly, IME, and quarantining is essential.

rezaktp · 11/24/2009, 11:24 PM

I have a 25 watt unit for sale!

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1743784

11/24/2009, 10:52 PM	#1
Mark0818 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dyer, In Posts: 99	UV Sterilizer I have 75G FOWLR, I'm considering purchasing a UV sterilizer, however is it really needed? I'm looking in the Doctor Foster and Smith book and see a Turbo-Twist 9w 200gph $102

11/24/2009, 11:16 PM	#3
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	Conceptually, they are worth it....I've used them extensively and in practice, I don't think that they are really worth the expense. The "dwell time" or the rate in gallon-per-hour that the pump that you use to drive the water through must be chosen in strict accordance with the recommendation of the manufacturer...presumably they tested it adequately to determine which rate would be optimal for effectiveness. I've use them after doing a lot of research and I never found them effective. I believe that in a bare tank they'd be far more effective but with all of the live rock's nooks and crannies, substantial parasite population...if that gets into your tank...are not drawn through the UV-sterilizer before they find a host in their free-swimming stage, so its effectiveness and value is severely limited, IMO. Besides, so long as normal precautions are taken for a reef, the fish can usually be unstressed enough to naturally combat parasites. Quarantining is very effective in that regard so that newly acquired fish don't introduce parasites when placed in your reef. In fish only tanks...even with live rock...parasites are much more likely to be deadly, IME, and quarantining is essential. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

11/24/2009, 11:24 PM	#4
rezaktp Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Gurnee, IL Posts: 1,407	I have a 25 watt unit for sale! http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1743784 __________________ Happy Reefing! Current Tank Info: 180g. Reef w/8-80w t-5's, 70g. Rubbermaid basement sump w/10g. fuge, APEX, Reef Octopus SRO 2000 Skimmer, 1/3hp Aqualogic chiller, 57w Aqua Ultraviolet UV, BRS 2-part w/2-Drews Dosers, 4-MP40wES

11/24/2009, 11:01 PM	#2
tgray3 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 258	I have one and IMO it helps with water clarity and algae blooms. For a 75 the 9 watt i think is too small. I'd run at least a 15 if not a 25 watt.