Do you run your UV sterilizer 24/7

[mmorrison55]

Do you run your UV sterilizer 24/7.

If not, how long do you power it on (how many hours a day do you run it)?

Are you using it for bacteria/algae control or parasites?

And finally, what flow rate is going through your UV (what does that equate to turnover in your tank)? I guess this one would determined on the above question, it still interested in the flow rate you are using to combat things.

 

[BasementBox]

For the moment. Yes as I’m beating Dino’s down…. But if you really asked me in all seriousness could I tell the difference between the UV being on or off and water clarity. I can’t tell.

 

[SonOfaGoat]

No, I used it at the beginning of dinos but as amphidinium settled in there wasn't much benefit. I will be introducing some new corals and 2 fish soon so I will run it again for a short time.

 

[jermzisurmom]

I run mine all time, not sure what gph.

 

[JTP424]

I run mine when it works :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing: im running a coralife and sometimes the light is on... sometimes it's off... ha!

 

[skey44]

Run it 24/7
Started up to beat Dinos, kept for water clarity and backup against other issues. I still have a steady zooplankton drift at night so it’s not killing everything.
80 gallon display, aqua uv 25w, plumbed inline with return from sump. I’d guess 700gph.

 

[mmorrison55]

I just turned my on since I’ve added some new fish. Thanks for all the replies.

180 gallon total volume.

I have mine in-line on a dual return pump system. Ecotech s2 goes direct to one return. Second return is driven by an ecotech m2. Have a 3 manifold system and then it goes through my uv before returning to the display. I have a flow meter directly after my uv output, so likely the flow inside the uv is a tad higher.

Currently running my m2 @ 80% and my Apex is reporting 410 gph flow. I’m using one of my manifolds that’s open about 1/2 to a carbon reactor. I need some plumbing parts before I can hook up a 1/2” flow meter on the manifold, so I’m not sure how much is lowering my flow rate at the main flow meter past the uv.

 

[PharmrJohn]

When I'm up and running I'll have UV, but will not keep it on 24/7. I'll only run it if/when required.

 

[BlueBayouReefHTX]

I picked up one of those small Coralife 9w twist UVs. I know everyone says they are junk but i've got a smaller tank and its clearing up my dinos gradually I feel. One word of advice- use a DC pump! Seems like with bigger UV sterilizers you can run more gph and keep it within the recommended specs- however with a small one you really need low flow to kill algae. I switched from an AC to a controllable pump and have it nice and dialed in. I really like the Axis pumps since you can calibrate them and the pump keeps running just above 0% when switched to feed mode to reduce back siphoning.

 

[RoanokeReef]

I run mine 24/7 but question for those of you that don't run 24/7. Do you keep a log of run hours for bulb replacement?

 

[BlueBayouReefHTX]

I run mine 24/7 but question for those of you that don't run 24/7. Do you keep a log of run hours for bulb replacement?

I run mine maybe an average of 20 hours/d but I don't really monitor it. Just keep it turned off at night for a few hours after dosing my tank.

 

[BryanM]

24x7 when tackling something.

 

[MindlessToxin]

I've been running mine 24 7 for about 6 months. I actually just turned it off today to see if my carbon dosing will actually start bringing down my nutes. I've been dosing ElimiNP for a month or so now with NO effect. I'm thinking the uv may be effecting it.

 

[RockRash]

All day every day. I'm not running it for parasites it's set for algae control. I dont know if its doing anything but I will say with a good cuc and the uv I've had a really easy go of the "ugly stage".

 

[MindlessToxin]

I've been running mine 24 7 for about 6 months. I actually just turned it off today to see if my carbon dosing will actually start bringing down my nutes. I've been dosing ElimiNP for a month or so now with NO effect. I'm thinking the uv may be effecting it.

Can't be coincidence. My PO4 halved in one day after cutting off the UV... I've been carbon dosing for a month and the day after I stopped UV it started working.:thinking-face:

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

For parasite control, should water run faster or slower through it?

 

[MindlessToxin]

For parasite control, should water run faster or slower through it?

Slower for parasites and faster for algae

 

[MindlessToxin]

For parasite control, should water run faster or slower through iit

Here's you a handy chart

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Here's you a handy chart

This is so helpful. Thank you!!!

 

[Singspot]

I run everyday 12 hours while the lights are on …. in night small pods and other critters move around in water and I keep my UV off.

It certainly helps with bacteria and water clarity