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View Full Version : UV Sterilizer proper operation

narwal
03/04/2009, 07:48 PM
Hi,
What is the recommended way to run a UV unit? Should it be left on all the time or on a schedule? Is there any harm to the tank running it all the time? (I'm not concerned with electricity cost or lamp life).

Thanks
SeanT
03/04/2009, 09:18 PM
Leave it on all the time and have its outlet feed into your skimmer.
narwal
03/04/2009, 09:56 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14538304#post14538304 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SeanT
Leave it on all the time and have its outlet feed into your skimmer.

Thanks for the info. I have a hang on skimmer, not in sump, so it just draws water from the tank.

I was planning on putting the unit between the output of my filter and the return to the tank. Is that a good way?

Thanks

PS-How's the nighclub biz down there?
2006
03/04/2009, 10:13 PM
Some good info here:

http://www.emperoraquatics.com/
andrew jacoby
03/04/2009, 11:09 PM
Not sure but that might be to fast of water flow through the UV if you run it through your return pump. My UV only recommends about 100gph.
andrew jacoby
03/04/2009, 11:11 PM
Diregard previous message. I read your post wrong. I have mine sitting where you stated and it works fine.
tmz
03/05/2009, 12:15 AM
I prefer to run it 24/7. It will only kill what passes through it. Flow rate (dwell time) and wattage relative to the size of the targeted organism will determine lethality. For example an 18watt turbo twist will kill bacteria at 400gph, algae at 200gph or so and parasites at 100gph. Larger wattage will support lethal doses of radiation at higher flow rates.You also have to figure how often you want to turn your tank over( 4 to 5x per hour perhaps) . I don't know why you would run it through the skimmer.

If your plan is disease control the uvs effectiveness in a recirculating system such as an aquarium is quite limited,particularly for parasites. Even if it is large enough, those that do not pass through will likely equilibriate( pick up reproduction to make up for the losses). It is good for water clarity and may limit the density and virulence of pathenogens in the short run. It is not a substitute for quarantine and standard disease treatments, however.