UV sterilizers...

[MbunaReef]

Hey Guys,

I hate to clutter up your board with non reef questions, but I thought the hobbyists here would be the most knowledgeable to answer this question.

I'm thinking about adding a UV sterilizers to my 210gal Tanganyikan (mostly tropheus) aquarium. What I'm looking for is advice on is how many watts it should be. Also, if it needs a pump to run it, what type of pump with what kind of flow rate? Anyone have a suggestion on why brand and model I should use. Are there any adequate submersible types? Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[iamwrasseman]

all steralizers differ for the wattage per gallon ratio because there are so many different types of them . some swirl the water some run it up onee side and then down the other and some just let it run free around the buld lineraly and the back to the tank . all of them will give you plenty of information to help make your discision easy and simple . they also all will tell you flow rates hose sizes and other facts and figures . i have a 160 watt comercial unit that is plumbed into a 12 tank system and it sees flows of 2600 gph but it is designed for it so it eradicates properly . so i would ask the manufactures or sales people to set you up with their numbers and go from there .you can run it inline with your return and then you wont have to buy a pump .mine is a rainbow and it is very simple but not as efficient as some of the "twist " styles but i have never had anything get from one tank to another except clean water.

 

[dancewithethan]

+1 ^. I have my plumped from my return pump and added a ball valve to control water flow. this method save energy consumption and no need for extra pump.

 

[iamwrasseman]

yup thats the wayto do it IMO .

 

[MbunaReef]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for your responses. I talked to a guy who owns his own business here locally specializing in reefs and salt water fish tanks and he said I need a unit that will turn my tank over ten times a day and 36 watts is ideal. Does everyone agree with this and if so, can you recommend a unit to me. He suggested one that's made for a pond might be the best idea for me. Thanks in advance.

 

[iamwrasseman]

yes the pond ones are built a bit better so i would go with that and i would get one that twists the water