too much UV sterilization???

[lildemmer]

I have a 72 bowfront reef tank and I have a 15w uv sterilizer on it, my question is, I may be able to get a 48w uv sterilizer with a wiper for free from a guy that I know. I was thinking I should trade him because I do plan on upgrading my tank one day, and I would already have a sterilizer that could handle a large system. Anyway, im rambling, my real question is could there be any negative side effects to having that much uv sterilization on my system? Thanks I appreciate the help in advance.

 

[billdogg]

IMHO, you don't need a uv at all. the problem is that it will indiscrimanatly kill all the good stuff too. Why do you think you need one? (my tanks have been up for 20 or so years and have never needed one

 

[lildemmer]

I think that they help kill off many free floating cingle celled organisms (alge and such) I am not saying that I need one, but they are helpful. I dont think it is a necessity, and from what I have heard and read, most of the "good stuff" that it could kill do not make it through the UV steralizer as they do not float through the water column the way that alge does. The other positive to the larger UV sterilizer for me is that I cold put it inline from my sump, rather than hanging on the back of my tank, because my 15w UV can only handle 100 GPH water flow through it, the 48w can handle the 700 GPH coming from my sump.

 

[robot2222]

i just purchased a 40 watt uv and i also have a 72 . i was thinking i wouldnt run 24/7

 

[cloak]

Doesn't a filter sock or any sort of sponge that you might run on your tank do the same thing? Kill stuff when you clean it. Pods and such have got to be accumulating. It's has to go through there.

FWIW.

 

[sdc19982002]

For U/V to work the flow has to be really slow to do any good. I seriously doubt a 45 watt with 700gph will give any results period. There just isnt enough contact time. I deal with U/V lighting on the HVAC side and believe it's basically hype, untill you get into hospital grade equipment. If it gives you piece of mind then go for it, but I'd bet you'll have the same results without it.

 

[tmz]

When running uvs bigger is generally better. Larger organisms require more radiation for lethality. The amount of radiation it delivers relies on wattage and time of exposure. A larger unit will allow faster flow rates and more frequent tank turnover.It will only kill what passes through it.
Uvs are highly over rated for disease control in recirculating systems especially for parasites but they do help to a degree.

 

[swpassion]

The primary purpose of a UV is water clarity, it does help wit water bourne parasite control as well but is not a disease or parasite controlloing device. I have run UV's on all my tanks for years and always will, are they required, NO, but it does not hurt the life forms any more than a skimmer IMO. I only run my units when the ligts are on, many beneficial bacteria's only come out n the dark and it extends the bulb life as well.

Just my 2 cents......

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14806721#post14806721 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by swpassion
The primary purpose of a UV is water clarity, it does help wit water bourne parasite control as well but is not a disease or parasite controlloing device. I have run UV's on all my tanks for years and always will, are they required, NO, but it does not hurt the life forms any more than a skimmer IMO. I only run my units when the ligts are on, many beneficial bacteria's only come out n the dark and it extends the bulb life as well.

Just my 2 cents......

I'd like to agree, I have a UV on my system and never had any type of out break.... now it's a conundrum to know whether or not it helped at all or not but I personally accredit it to the UV.

 

[tmz]

I ran three totaling 96 watts for years. Took them off line 2months ago since I wanted to boost bacteria plankton. No disease resulted. Since I run granulated activated carbon water clarity is still fine.