UV sterilizer

[Cozwey]

Ok so we are going to pick up a uv system today.
We have issues in our QT with ICH and some algae.
We found this unit Coralife Turbo-Twist 3X UV Sterilizer - 9W.
We think it will be a perfect size for our tank(s).
Have anyone else used this unit? I have read mostly positive reviews and it appears to be very simple to use.

 

[Jetblue2135]

I don't have a twist personally but I have a friend that has the 9W on a 30 gallon cube and they seem to like it. They haven't had any problems that I know of. I run a 25W Aqua Ultraviolet UV on my 100 gallon system and swear by UV sterilizers. I think any UV will do the trick really.

 

[Cozwey]

The 9 watt twist says it can handle up to 125 gallons. Initially we will use it on our 55gallon qt. if we like it we may pick up 2 more as we have a 60 dt and 120 dt.
Do you think the 9 watt will handle the 120?

 

[PhantomLoneWolf]

I have a 36watt on a 360 gal SW system. I love it. My water has never been so clean and clear. I am thinking about purchasing another for my 125 gal FW system. The only thing I don't like about it, it is hard to get apart with you want to clean the quartz sleeve.

 

[dkeller_nc]

One thing I'd note about UV sterilizers in general is that the power required for a particular application (and thus the max size tank for a given UV wattage) sensitively depends on what you're trying to kill. Bacteria require far less irradiation for a 99% kill than do parasites.

However, since a UV unit isn't effective at eliminating a parasite like ich or amlyoodinium from fish in a QT, one doesn't typically install the very high output that would be required to achieve a 99% kill for these pests.

So from the perspective of killing water-clouding bacteria and/or algae, the manufacturer's guideline is probably pretty accurate. That assumes, however, that the UV bulb is fresh. They deteriorate in short-wave UV output very quickly, however, so to remain effective the bulb has to be replaced every 3 months or so.

 

[snorvich]

One thing I'd note about UV sterilizers in general is that the power required for a particular application (and thus the max size tank for a given UV wattage) sensitively depends on what you're trying to kill. Bacteria require far less irradiation for a 99% kill than do parasites.

However, since a UV unit isn't effective at eliminating a parasite like ich or amlyoodinium from fish in a QT, one doesn't typically install the very high output that would be required to achieve a 99% kill for these pests.

So from the perspective of killing water-clouding bacteria and/or algae, the manufacturer's guideline is probably pretty accurate. That assumes, however, that the UV bulb is fresh. They deteriorate in short-wave UV output very quickly, however, so to remain effective the bulb has to be replaced every 3 months or so.

I agree. Also be sure to keep the sleeve clean.

 

[Cozwey]

One thing I'd note about UV sterilizers in general is that the power required for a particular application (and thus the max size tank for a given UV wattage) sensitively depends on what you're trying to kill. Bacteria require far less irradiation for a 99% kill than do parasites.

However, since a UV unit isn't effective at eliminating a parasite like ich or amlyoodinium from fish in a QT, one doesn't typically install the very high output that would be required to achieve a 99% kill for these pests.

So from the perspective of killing water-clouding bacteria and/or algae, the manufacturer's guideline is probably pretty accurate. That assumes, however, that the UV bulb is fresh. They deteriorate in short-wave UV output very quickly, however, so to remain effective the bulb has to be replaced every 3 months or so.

I recognize that it will not eradicate Ich but I am running at 1.009 salinity. Between this and the UV system I should ensure that I am doing the most I can.

I have been at hypo for 6 weeks now. This past week I began raising the salinity and noticed my coral beauty began showing signs of spots and fin root again.
Clearly I was not keeping the salinity at a low enough.

I am heading out to the LFS to pick up the UV and pump.