Im designing my sump for a 92 corner reef. My plan is to go with out a skimmer and have two algae scrubbers in the sump. They are going to alternate being on in order to keep a nice stabilized pH. My only concern with the algae scrubber idea is that it will create strong algae spores that will be circulating in the tank. Obviously the scrubber design creates "fertile" algae. Would a UV sterilizer on the return line kill the algae spores before they get to the tank. I know it will kill the pods but I am thinking about creating a safe haven for them in the tank hidden in the rock work so the tank will maintain its population on its own. Any other issues with the UV sterilizers?
Uv sterilizer on return pump with ATS
- Thread starter biglurr54
- Start date
If it kills the pods it will kill algae. Algae is the easiest to kill and its all about flow rate. You just need to size the uv properly.... Aqua uv and most other manufacturers list zap rate to kill certain things. If you already know the pump you plan on using then get a uv that's large enough to kill the algae at that rate.
There will be algae spores in your tank regardless of whether you run a turf scrubber or not. The key to keeping algae growth on the scrubber and not in the display is to control nutrients and have a CUC. Use a UV, certainly, I do, but if it just to 'control' algae spores, then don't bother.
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