Need some info on UV filters

[breutus]

A buddy just gave me a brand new uv filter free of charge! He said he was gonna use it for his pond but got one that wasn't big enough and there were no returns...

SO do i need a pump to run this thing or just gravity, if so what kind of pump?

And most importantly, do I want one of these on my system will it do anything for me?

All I know id it is a 27 watt bulb

Lucas

 

[ncox38]

The good side is they will kill anything that goes through it, the bad side is they will kill EVERYTHING that goes through it. Including pods and good bacteria. They can be run anyway you want as long as you stay within the recommended flow rate, too fast and it wont kill the stuff going through it. I use one on my planted tank, probably dont need it, but not on my reef.

 

[breutus]

Hmmm so like anything in this hobbie it seems theres and up and a down :lol: will it get rid of my diatom problem?

 

[geoxman]

I use one 24/7 and replace the bulb about every 6-9 months. 27 watts should be good up to 200 plus gallons. I would hook it somehow into your return. If not then slap a MJ on it and you should be fine. The longer the water is in the UV the more it kills. Most of your bacteria is in your rock and substrate any way. good luck

 

[ncox38]

Im not sure about diatoms as they grow on rocks and glass, but I guess the spores are in the water column. It kills freshwater algae problems like no other though.