UV opinions

[jaymz101]

Im thinking of adding a small UV sterilizer to my 50 gal. Im still not sure though. It was going to be part of my plan of attack on my diatom problem (yellow water.... blech! ) any opinions?

 

[PiNaPLeX]

for yellow water try carbon first...as for the diatoms, how are your nutrient levels? try getting those in control first. if they're in check, then a UV isn't a bad way to go....I use one

 

[jaymz101]

Thanks. My PO4 is high. Everything else looks pretty good. I had been using tap water for top offs. NewB mistake. Ive switched to RO or DI water.

Run carbon in a small HOTB filter??

How much flow would I need in a UV for a 50 gal tank?
What unt would you recommend on a budget? (<$150)

 

[Triterium]

Ive had yellow water for quite some time... until yesterday.

I added a Gamma UV 40w and my water turned crystal clear overnight.

 

[BreadmanMike]

I would run both UV and carbon. I've done it for years on my FO setups and always had crystal clear water. When I set my reef up in November, I added carbon and UV to the setup and you can't even tell there's water in the tank. I recommend both!

You can get away with a small wattage UV on your tank. On my reef(125g) I'm using a cheap Coralife 18w. I'm not looking for parasite control, but rather to kill free floating algae... thus I don't need a big wattage UV. If that's your goal, then you can do the same.