UV Sterilizer and Heat question

collarman · 05/22/2014, 06:50 PM

I installed an Emperor 40 watt UV on Saturday.

I was looking forward to better clarity and reduced algae.

I have experienced an algae bloom of sorts with small strings of algae rising from the bottom of the tank and rock. (picture enclosed)

I noticed my temperature has gone from 79 degrees to 82.7 since the addition of the pump and UV.

Here are my questions:

1) Is it normal to see this large of an increase as a result of the addition?
2) is the temperature increase the result of the algae bloom?
3) I would prefer not to have a chiller, what good methods can I use to decrease the temp. Fan, Place UV on timer for night use only when lights are off?
4) How can I quickly eradicate this algae? I lost one hammer coral already. Not sure if this is the reason.

collarman · 05/22/2014, 08:01 PM

Measurements taken a few moments ago

1.024 Salinity
8 Ph
7.4 Alk
490 Calcium
.08 Po4

Working on the Alkalinity increase right now with Natureef kalkwasser.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

bravanc · 05/23/2014, 06:27 AM

Couple of question, how old is the tank, Do you have a clean up crew, any thing to turn over the sand bed, what do your nitrates and phosphates look like?
40 watt uv is pretty big unless your tank is large. It will put out some heat. What pump are you using for it, internal or external. Some internal pumps will also heat the water add to the temp rise. It could tank a few more days and you will see how much clearer your water is. What is your photo period. May want to lower that and see if the algae eases back so you can control it. Change you RO filters lately?

sirreal63 · 05/23/2014, 07:57 AM

82.7 isn't high, not by any means, algae doesn't increase the tank temp, a fan over the sump will help with cooling, but I wouldn't worry about it, that temp is perfectly fine.

ca1ore · 05/23/2014, 08:10 AM

I run a 40 watt UV on a 265 (total system volume of 350 gallons) and do not notice a temperature difference; but I could see it on a much smaller system.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 05/23/2014, 10:45 AM

I was looking forward to better clarity and reduced algae.

FWIW, I do not think that reduced algae is a realistic expectation for a UV unless you mean algae suspended in the water column.

collarman · 05/24/2014, 03:46 AM

Tank is 4 months.

I have a clean up crew but they dont appear to help with this algae.
Nitrates 0
Po4 .08
Alk at 7.4 which is an issue

I turned off the UV but kept the pump running through it and the temp is in the 77-78 range.
Potentiallly I will run the UV only during the night to offset the heat without the lights.

RO Filters are new with 0ppm.
I will look at some fans but also will need an top off system as my evaporation will increase. Any suggestions?

05/23/2014, 07:57 AM	#4
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	82.7 isn't high, not by any means, algae doesn't increase the tank temp, a fan over the sump will help with cooling, but I wouldn't worry about it, that temp is perfectly fine. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

05/23/2014, 08:10 AM	#5
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	I run a 40 watt UV on a 265 (total system volume of 350 gallons) and do not notice a temperature difference; but I could see it on a much smaller system. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

05/23/2014, 10:45 AM	#6
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I was looking forward to better clarity and reduced algae. FWIW, I do not think that reduced algae is a realistic expectation for a UV unless you mean algae suspended in the water column. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/22/2014, 08:01 PM	#2
collarman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 90	Measurements taken a few moments ago 1.024 Salinity 8 Ph 7.4 Alk 490 Calcium .08 Po4 Working on the Alkalinity increase right now with Natureef kalkwasser. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

05/23/2014, 06:27 AM	#3
bravanc Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 210 Blog Entries: 1	Couple of question, how old is the tank, Do you have a clean up crew, any thing to turn over the sand bed, what do your nitrates and phosphates look like? 40 watt uv is pretty big unless your tank is large. It will put out some heat. What pump are you using for it, internal or external. Some internal pumps will also heat the water add to the temp rise. It could tank a few more days and you will see how much clearer your water is. What is your photo period. May want to lower that and see if the algae eases back so you can control it. Change you RO filters lately?

05/24/2014, 03:46 AM	#7
collarman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 90	Tank is 4 months. I have a clean up crew but they dont appear to help with this algae. Nitrates 0 Po4 .08 Alk at 7.4 which is an issue I turned off the UV but kept the pump running through it and the temp is in the 77-78 range. Potentiallly I will run the UV only during the night to offset the heat without the lights. RO Filters are new with 0ppm. I will look at some fans but also will need an top off system as my evaporation will increase. Any suggestions?