Uv sterilizer questions

[Built347]

Hey guys.. I apologize cor my ignorance on the subject but im shopping uv sterilizers and im curious about the max gph ratings. The ones im looking at are all in the 4000 to 6000 max gph range. Can I push 2000 through it? Is there a minimum gph? I really dont want to run another big pump just for this.. want to use existing dt return.. thanks guys
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[slief]

The slower the flow the better the sterilization or kill rate. The high end of the flow is typically for water polishing and much less sterilization. I think you would be fine with 2000GPH but I wouldn't expect things like copepods or other beneficial free floating critters to survive after being nuked assuming the minimum flow rate is in the 4K range. . If it's an Aqua UV, their support is great. You could always call them to get their opinion. What UV are you looking at and how big is your tank? I run an Aqua UV 114 watt which would be perfect for your flow rate.

Here is a useful sizing chart on Aqua UV's.
http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/sites/default/files/brochures/UV Charts Salt and Fresh Water.pdf

 

[Built347]

Ive just googled it so far.. brand recommendations was next.. lol.. I have a 750 gallon system.. so far ive made it without one but my operation is becoming pretty serious and it seems every successful large aquarium i see online has a big UVS.. thats really what sparked my interest..

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[Built347]

And thankyou.. thats a helpful chart. Which is more important? Matching the tanks size or appropriate uv units for desired flow?

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[slief]

Ive just googled it so far.. brand recommendations was next.. lol.. I have a 750 gallon system.. so far ive made it without one but my operation is becoming pretty serious and it seems every successful large aquarium i see online has a big UVS.. thats really what sparked my interest..

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I'd suggest an Aqua UV 120 watt with wipers for your size tank and your flow assuming you have the space.. You need to make sure you can access and remove the bulbs within the confines of your install. Worst case, the built in unions make removing the entire UV a snap if you dont have the room to remove bulbs.
They make a great UV that is easy to maintain with parts readily available from most online aquarium supply stores. They have built in unions for easy installation, crystal sleeves and easy access to the bulbs for ease of maintenance without having to shut down pumps or close valves. I think they make one of the best UV's for the money by a long shot.

Here are a couple shots of my 114 watt Aqua UV.

You can see the ballasts mounted to the wall behind the UV in pipe hangers that I got from Home Depot.

 

[jjk_reef00]

I have a 25 watt on 400+ gallons and I run the recommended flow through the unit. Slower than recommended is fine also. I really want one of those viper units that aqua uv makes. I haven't read about anyone using one quite that large though.

 

[Built347]

Thanks guys.. before I spend 600+ on one has anyone noticed any real benefits to having one?.

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[jjk_reef00]

I definitely have clearer water. Before I was struggling with cloudy water. AZ water isn't the best...