What watt UV do I need?

[ChicagoReefMan]

I have a 75 gallon tank and I assume I would put the UV on my return line? I have a mag 9.5 as my return. What UV light does everyone recommend. Does anyone have one for sale? Also I have a hair algae problem so I need one that is good enough to kill spores!! :rollface:

 

[BreadmanMike]

I would go with a 25w Aqua, Gamma, or Lifeguard UV. If you do a Coralife UV go 36w.

 

[sellout007]

I would also be careful about using your return line running through the UV. The cant have to high of flow going through them or they dont work properly. Also running your return through the UV will kill your flow in your tank. Which is important.

 

[bpd964]

I would get at least a 25W. Also use a separate pump or t-off your return with a ball valve to regulate flow. If your flow is too fast, it will be inefficient..

 

[sellout007]

Also if your tank is a reef tank I would re-think the use of a UV sterelizer. Its going to kill off beneficial stuff that your reef tank needs/wants.

 

[ChicagoReefMan]

Could I use it just until I got rid of some hair algae?

 

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8596115#post8596115 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sellout007
Its going to kill off beneficial stuff that your reef tank needs/wants.

How do you figure?

 

[ChicagoReefMan]

well if I scrub hair algae off my rocks then the uv light will kill any spores that are free floating.

 

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8596228#post8596228 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChicagoReefMan
well if I scrub hair algae off my rocks then the uv light will kill any spores that are free floating.

I agree with your statement.... I was referring to sellout. I'm not sure what a UV would kill that a reef needs/wants.

 

[prugs]

Use the 25 watt UV unit with a maxijet 1200 to create its own closed loop.

 

[sellout007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8596212#post8596212 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
How do you figure?

The question is how do you not figure? o)


The UV bulb is going to kill any free floating microbes, beneficial and harmful. Its not racists, it doesn't descriminate. haha


Ask Rod about it, he can explain it much better.

 

[BreadmanMike]

Reefman...

Here is a good discussion thread on UV.

 

[ppurcell]

Aquaticman, that was a very informative thread. I feel pretty good right now about the 40w I just installed on my 75g...

 

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8603509#post8603509 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ppurcell
Aquaticman, that was a very informative thread. I feel pretty good right now about the 40w I just installed on my 75g...

I think the positives far outweigh the negatives, but you don't NEED one. There's many ways to be successful in this hobby!

 

[rockdiver]

OK what UV do you use or recommend?
was looking at the Gamma or the Coralife
Coralife is cheaper....... all the same?
bulb differance?
any thoughts on either looking to buy this weekend
rock

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8596206#post8596206 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChicagoReefMan
Could I use it just until I got rid of some hair algae?

You can use it. I have a reef tank and run it 24/7 for the last four years. Unless you way over size it it will kill basically algae spores, zooplankton and most other parasites (like ich) usually laugh at it. 25 watts is the size for your tank.

 

[rockdiver]

what one do you run jdieck?

 

[BreadmanMike]

I've used Coralife, AquaUV, and Rainbow Lifeguard.... My favorite is the AquaUV units. For your 150 I'd do a 40 or 57 watt version of your choice brand. If you choose the Coralife, then go with the 36w version.

 

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8606283#post8606283 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rockdiver
what one do you run jdieck?

Hope you don't mind me answering for you jdieck....

He runs a 40w AquaUV. He is a former TOTM and also has all his info on his website. Awesome setup!

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8606335#post8606335 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
Hope you don't mind me answering for you jdieck....

He runs a 40w AquaUV. He is a former TOTM and also has all his info on his website. Awesome setup!

I do not mind at all although feels like someone is watching over my shoulder :lol:

Yes it is a 40 watt aqua ultra violet but notice that I have 330 gal in my system so to run it 24/7 in a 75 you may want to consider a 15 watter.