Help with UV plumbing suggestions...

[jck3120]

So I have an 80w Aqua UV sterilizer for my 300g DD display tank, 120g sump, and 80g frag tank. Planning on keeping a mixed reef.

Plumbing the system with an Ecotech Vectra L1 return, which will tee-off to the display tank and frag tank. Was planning on running about 1000gph to the display and 500gph to the frag tank.

I know there's a lot of controversy about the effectiveness of UV's in the first place, but I've also been under the belief that unless you pass 100% of your water thru them, that they are also worthless. This would mean plumbing it directly inline with the return pump before it splits off to both tanks (1500gph).

My other options are to plumb it inline with one tank or the other (1000 or 500gph). Aqua UV's website states that an ideal flow rate for reef tanks for this sterilizer is around 2400gph, or 1200gph for FOWLR systems as it will kill the plankton also. Is there any merit to this statement or any reason to worry about my corals if I have too low of a flow rate?

I plan on having a tank of mainly tangs, so anything to aid in the outbreak of ich is helpful, but also to kill algae. My experience with UV in the past is without it I have to scrape the glass about 3x as often.

Thoughts on where it should be placed and optimum flow rate for my system?

 

[luvreefs23]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2032922

I had a 57 watt on a 150 and just ran it inline with my return. While it was better than nothing i feel i would have had increased benefit of slowing it down. I have another 57 watt for my 120 im setting up and im gonna shoot for 150 gallon per hour or so on this tank.

 

[Deahttub]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2032922

I had a 57 watt on a 150 and just ran it inline with my return. While it was better than nothing i feel i would have had increased benefit of slowing it down. I have another 57 watt for my 120 im setting up and im gonna shoot for 150 gallon per hour or so on this tank.

Agreed...the slower the flow the more effective the light will be...

Here is a good read....

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html

Me personally, i see the benefit of a uv sterilizer...however, the flow has to match the bulb....

Rich

 

[SantaMonica]

I only used my 57 watt when needed, if a new fish started ich. Then just put the UV back on the shelf. Got rid of the ich every time.

One time it was not a new fish; a hippo had jumped out, and after putting him back in he started ich. UV fixed it.

 

[pepcrylic]

I have a 57watt on my 310 DT. I use an Ehiem1262?? About 900gph... but I split the pump to also run a carbon reactor. I only run the UV when the tank temp is below 78 deg. (apex controled) Saves on the bulb, saves on heat. Runs maybe 50% of the time. Only pro's I have seen are less glass cleaning.