Emperor Aquatics is one of the few UV manufacturers who publishes realistic numbers for a proper exposure and high kill rate. Lots of other manufacturers are marketing to hobbyists hoping to buy a cheaper/smaller unit even though it won't be very effective.
If the wattage of the UV is similar and the geometry is the same, you'll have the same impact from a unit. However, the lower amounts of flow Emperor Aquatics publishes are much more realistic for that setup.
Agreed. 1k gph through a UV is absurd if you ask me.
Come on guys!!! Do you even understand the manufacturers specs?? I think you guys should really read closer and understand the specs before making comments that make no sense. My guess is it was not a case of not understanding but instead not comparing the numbers close enough and you just overlooked some facts.
EAPeterson.. You are right though AE and AquaUV are the ONLY manufacturers who publish realistic specs for UV sterilizers when used in salt water.
As far as the specs and flow, let me break it down because they are both about the same for their wattage.
EA is quoting 260-330GPH for
180,000 µWs/cm sterilization.
AquaUV is suggesting 1066GPH
90,000 µw/cm sterilization.
Notice that the AquaUV in question is more than 10% more powerful than the EA unit in question. The recommended sterilization factor for the given flow in the AquaUV chart is half of what EA is listing and if you do the math, the difference in flow rates make
PERFECT sense! If you want to run the AquaUV at 180,000µw/cm2, then cut 90,000 flow rate in half (530GPH). They are both 1000% realistic numbers and if you read and understand the specs, that becomes very clear as does running 1000GPH through a 57 watt sterilizer on a 350 gallon tank. Both of these sterilizers in question are designed for higher flow rates. They have large reaction chambers with large inlets and outlets. The deciding factor is what your goal or sterilization rate target are with the sterilizer and based on that, the flow rate is self explanatory.
180,000 µWs/cm isn't recommended for a reef tank as it will kill virtually anything that passes through it. In a fish only system, 180,000 is fine. 90,000 µWs/cm is a good balance between kill factor and polishing although more than I would ever run in a reef. A UV filter will not kill or control ich so there is no point in running minimal flow though them. I run my AquaUV's at around 60,000 µw/cm2 but can slow or increase my flow though it as needed. I find that to be a good balance betweem kill rate and bacterial control with great water polishing on my reef tank. On fish only systems, I run them around 90,000.
AquaUV is every bit as reputable as EA. This isn't Coralife Twist or a Jebao we are talking about. AquaUV makes sterilizers that are every bit as good as EA's and the AquaUV's specs are every bit as factual. Infact, Unlike EA, AquaUV lists proper and accurate flow rates for a wide range of sterilization factors. AquaUV has MUCH better support than EA. If you need pre or post sales support for any reason, Aqua UV always answers their phones during business hours and they have very knowledge staff to answer any questions you may have. They have been around a VERY long time and have an impeccable reputation. Parts are readily available for all AquaUV sterilizers both direct from AquaUV as well as countless online retailers. If you need a part be it a bulb, ballast, seal or anything else, you can usually have it within a day without having to pay for next day air. This is due in large part to their well supported distribution chain. I've run AquaUV sterilizers for nearly 20 years and frankly, I wouldn't use another brand in large part due to their support and most importantly, parts availability because I never really need support unless I need a part number for an odd seal or something which is rare but the UV at my office is going on 10 or so years of use. I've got 5 years on my 114 watt unit on my reef and both haven't had an issue yet. I do maintain them well and change seals every year or two.
