UV sterilizer.

[Batman222b]

I have a 120 gallon tank and lately have been thinking about adding a UV sterilizer. Would want to use it to kill parasites and for algae/ water quality. From what I've read, this isn't possible. Wanted your thoughts. If I did get one to kill parasites, what would be my min wattage? Could I just change the flow rate from time to time? I also feed live Phyto. Could I put this on a timer? Few hours off in the evening? Sorry for all the questions. I'm new to UV. Thanks

 

[JCOLE]

I guess the answer is it all depends on the situation. Some run UV 24/7 and some don't. Those with FOWLR or a heavy fish population will run them 24/7 for parasites, infections, diseases, etc. I usually run mine for 12 hours and at night. I originally set mine up for when I had Dinos, and the type of Dinos I had went into the water column when the lights were off. Also, if you are using UV for parasites or pathogenic bacteria, then run a slower flow through the UV. If trying to help eliminate some algae, then run it faster. The speed depends on the size, application, and type of UV you decide to go with. It should tell you the GPH for those issues.

An adequately sized UV for your system and the controllability of a DC pump will allow you to fine-tune your UV for whatever you would like to achieve.

 

[Batman222b]

What Watt would you recommend? Want to make sure I kill parasites. I also feed live Phyto. Any suggestions welcomed. Thanks