25w uv flow rate suggestion

[RippinReefs]

My main display including the sump is 102g. Minus rocks, sand and equipment, it holds about 75 gallons of water volume. Im using an aqua classic 25w UV. I’m using an ecotech vectra s2 to turn the display AND uv currently. I want to separate the two so I can control the flow rates a little easier. I’ve decide to go with the AI axis 90, because I like the small footprint and I like the axis40 I have in another tank. What should the flow rate be? From my understanding, my sweet spot for is around 500-600gph for parasites/algae. I’ve just seen a lot of conflicting information and I want to make sure. Appreciate it!

 

[slythy]

Honestly I would just run it through your return and not split it off. I have 2x 57w UV's on my 180g display (280g volume) and run it off my return at 650gph. Just need to upgrade those fittings from 3/4" to get the flow out of it.

If you really want it separate I would target somewhere between 250-400gph to get a high exposure rate.

 

[get-salty]

Hey hello.

This subject is everywhere here on R2R. I am sure you can get your answer

You are spot on with the sweet spot if you can get an accurate reading. I have used that exact UV on my 120gal - flow rate @150 for parasites bc i added a couple of new fish. It ran for 15 months and i took it offline bc there were no parasites, all the fish were healthy.

TBH other than controlling parasites, algae growth is nvr an issue for me. I have 3 xr15 at 50% intensity and only need to scrap the glass once a week with very minimal algae.

UV in a reef system can be very complex and questionable subject.

Good luck and happy reefing

 

[RippinReefs]

Hey hello.

This subject is everywhere here on R2R. I am sure you can get your answer

You are spot on with the sweet spot if you can get an accurate reading. I have used that exact UV on my 120gal - flow rate @150 for parasites bc i added a couple of new fish. It ran for 15 months and i took it offline bc there were no parasites, all the fish were healthy.

TBH other than controlling parasites, algae growth is nvr an issue for me. I have 3 xr15 at 50% intensity and only need to scrap the glass once a week with very minimal algae.

UV in a reef system can be very complex and questionable subject.

Good luck and happy reef

Honestly I would just run it through your return and not split it off. I have 2x 57w UV's on my 180g display (280g volume) and run it off my return at 650gph. Just need to upgrade those fittings from 3/4" to get the flow out of it.

If you really want it separate I would target somewhere between 250-400gph to get a high exposure rate.

I’ve never thought about it that way and honestly i love how much more simple that would be. Thanks for the suggestion

 

[RippinReefs]

Hey hello.

This subject is everywhere here on R2R. I am sure you can get your answer

You are spot on with the sweet spot if you can get an accurate reading. I have used that exact UV on my 120gal - flow rate @150 for parasites bc i added a couple of new fish. It ran for 15 months and i took it offline bc there were no parasites, all the fish were healthy.

TBH other than controlling parasites, algae growth is nvr an issue for me. I have 3 xr15 at 50% intensity and only need to scrap the glass once a week with very minimal algae.

UV in a reef system can be very complex and questionable subject.

Good luck and happy reefing

I saw a ton of threads, with different info. I do appreciate your time in responding. I do quarantine all my fish and I guess I’ve never had a problem with algae, but sometimes I do get Dino’s from low phosphate; I can’t seem to keep that up. I want to run the UV in an abundance of caution, because I lost over 1000 dollars in fish a year ago from being a lazy reefer and skipping QT . So I should be targeting slower rates? I bet the axis 40 would be sufficient…

 

[skey44]

I run mine inline with Vectra S2 in return with 3/4” reinforced vinyl tubing. Running Vectra at 95 pct or so. Works for me for water clarification and cleared up my Dinos like a charm. I quarantine so I’m not too worried about fish parasites but I don’t have any FWIW. People really fuss over flow rates but I’ve always ran them in-line with return and they’ve always accomplished my goals. Real world answer here. Keep it simple.

 

[slythy]

Yea I also like the Idea of All the UV going through the system. I feel like if you do the sump and then return it you are recycling a lot of water. you will miss things or it will take much longer to do everything.

 

[Largeangels]

According to Jay Hemdal requirement is180,000 to 200,000 µw/cm2 to kill Cryptocaryon tomites/theronts.

Some good info in this thread.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/uv-flow-rate-for-ick.1128592/#post-13866281

 

[RippinReefs]

Thanks for the replies. I think I’m going to just plum it in line with my return. Happy reefing

 

[RippinReefs]

I run mine inline with Vectra S2 in return with 3/4” reinforced vinyl tubing. Running Vectra at 95 pct or so. Works for me for water clarification and cleared up my Dinos like a charm. I quarantine so I’m not too worried about fish parasites but I don’t have any FWIW. People really fuss over flow rates but I’ve always ran them in-line with return and they’ve always accomplished my goals. Real world answer here. Keep it simple.

I’m pretty sure I’m just over thinking it, like usual. I’m going to run it inline with my return and see how I like it. 20 bucks vs 200 lol thanks for the reply!