Interesting, I need to read more on that.
Very quick look online at AquaUV 115W. The manufacturer suggested flow rate is 1300g per hour for 90,000 uw/cm2, and 700g per hour for salt water tank. That means the manufacturer suggest to run it at 180,000 uw/cm2 for salt water tank - same as Emperor Aquatic. I don't know whether they consider salt water tank fish only or reef.
Not sure if I am misunderstanding your reply. AquaUV recommends 1300 GPH at 90,000 µw/cm2 (max sterilization rate) for salt water. Not 180,000 µw/cm2 (EOL). The 114 watt is rated for up to a 700 gallon system. EA's recommendations for all their UV's are all at 180,000 µw/cm2 which is a typical green water sterilization rate which is where most of EA's testing was done. I've never seen any white papers or supporting documentation from them on marine aquariums. 180,000 µw/cm2 not a typical marine sterilization rate and while it's an OK rate for a pond, it's not needed at those rates either in pond applications. Also, I wouldn't run a UV filter on a reef at 90,000 µw/cm2 full time. In a fish only system, sure. I prefer someplace closer to 60,000 as it has virtually no impact on pods or other micro life in our reefs. Granted 90,000 will have little impact on plankton or micro life in our reefs too but it still will have some impact.
Reality is that UV's have little impact on ich in our aquariums since they will never come in contact with all the free floating parasites. As such, one has to look at why we use UV's in a reef to begin with. My position based on experience is that when used properly, they do wonders for water clarity. They reduce algae growth by oxidizing water born algae. They reduce cyano bacteria and eliminate bacterial blooms. They can reduce the spread or slow down the spread of ich and other parasites that are in the water column but that really isn't why I use them because the impact a UV will have on that is negligible. Especially in the midst of an outbreak. That said, I am a firm believer in running UV's on marine aquariums including reefs. I've been using them for well over 20 years. I can tell when it's time to change my bulbs just by changes in the algae growth and or the presence of cyano in my system as well as water clarity.
