UV opinions welcome!

[pktech]

I've been kicking around the idea of adding a uv to my fowlr & wanted some opinions on in-line vs submersible or even the canister filters that have a uv built in.

Tank is a 150gal.
Thanks!

 

[viggen]

Inline yes
Submersible no
Canister no

I think inline is the only way. You need a descent size uv to do anything and every submersible or canister one I have seen is way to small. I have used them in the past on fo tanks and they do reduce the algae growth but I always thought they were more of a pita then they are worth. Bulb replacement and cleaning was a hassle compared to its benefits.

Just be sure to get a properly sized one whith the proper flow to kill whatever you want to kill.

 

[jnc914]

I run 97 watts of UV inline on my 180 gallon (250 gallon total water volume). I have always used UV and occasional Ozone on all of my FOWLR. That combined with a rigorous QT regimen and I have not had any significant fish loss since 2006ish(velvet wipeout). I may be in the minority, but I think UV is a good investment for FOWLR.

 

[pktech]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the input

 

[jjk_reef00]

I run 97 watts of UV inline on my 180 gallon (250 gallon total water volume). I have always used UV and occasional Ozone on all of my FOWLR. That combined with a rigorous QT regimen and I have not had any significant fish loss since 2006ish(velvet wipeout). I may be in the minority, but I think UV is a good investment for FOWLR.

I agree.

 

[mtlreeffreak]

really 97 Watt for 250Gallons? so on my 265 Display and 90 Sump what should I run?

 

[jnc914]

really 97 Watt for 250Gallons? so on my 265 Display and 90 Sump what should I run?

Is it Reef or FOWLR? I would run any where between 57W-80w of UV based on a FOWLR of that size. On a Reef tank, many people believe that high levels of UV can be detrimental to the bacteria in the tank and also kills off natural food sources for the coral. When I ran a full blown SPS/LPS reef, I did not use any UV.

 

[fishgate]

The wattage is highly dependent on the quality of the UV bulb. I ran a 15 watt UV on a 120 tank for several years and never had any issues. But the bulbs were $50 each and last around 8 months (about as long as T5 lights).

I used this one:

http://www.marineandreef.com/Lifegard_Aquastep_Pro_15_Watt_UV_Sterilizer_p/rrl31132.htm