How much is too much UV

[Jake Martensen]

Good afternoon. I have a 400 gallon reef system with a sump, Algae scrbber (200), large skimmer. I lucked into a professional grade UV sterizer. BioSystems Commercial UV Sterilizer P6 Twin 660w. https://biosystems-tmc.com/uk/biosystems-commercial-uv-sterilisers-pl-comuv.

This thing is big and has 12 x 55 watt UV tubes. Question: What are the down sides to hooking this up as it is? Is there such a thing as too much UV?
In addition to killing Algae and Ich, will it kill beneficial organisms, good bacteria?
Thanks!!

 

[Dragen Fiend]

100% overkill.

But its not just about power output. Flow is also a factor. UV targets all organisms. Depending how strong the UV is and how long they are exposed.This is why it should not be ran unless needed. At 400G tank, you probably want to stick around 100watt UV or less. You can probably get away with a single 55w bulb running.

If you still want to use it. I'd remove the 10 bulbs and keep 1 or 2 active. Then hook it up.

Personally I think it would over complicate the setup. But free stuff is free stuff.

 

[BryanM]

Generally I've heard bigger is better, but this is on a scale that doesn;t really fit that bill.

If its possible I'd only run 1-2 bulbs like was said above.... But I'd be more inclined to sell this, and get a right sized UV for your 400g.