New UV Installation Thoughts & Advice

[brmreefer]

Hey Fellow Reefers,

I just bought a new oversized UV Sterilizer (40 Watt - Able to handle 350 Gal Systems). I wanted to oversize it becuase I plan on doing a big upgrade later down the road. Current system specs are in the signature down below. I want to run it at 1800 gph.

Question:

- Does anyone run their UV sterilizers 24/7, or for a set amount of hours during a 24 hour period?

Additional thought. If I am only able to run it at a lower flow rate (Say ~500 gph), then my thought is to "Definitely" run it for less hours within a 24 hour period to not completely sterilize the entire system creating any negative results. Exampe: only 2 or 4 hours daily.

Looking for some experienced reefer's inputs that have used UV sterilizers, but anyone is welcome to chime in. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

[FishTruck]

I run mine 24/7 which helps keep the quartz sleeve clean. I just changed it after a year and there was no algae or anything on it. I prefer to use a DC variable speed pump so that I can run it at high flow for clarity, or low flow if I am paranoid and think I saw a spot on one of my fish.

My frag tanks are fed by the UV treated water, and they are loaded with pods and bristle worms who make a living just in a few pieces of live rock and clinging to the bottom of frag tiles - so, the 24/7 does not seem to diminish the desirable micro fauna in my system.

The main reason I run it is for water clarity.

 

[brmreefer]

I run mine 24/7 which helps keep the quartz sleeve clean. I just changed it after a year and there was no algae or anything on it. I prefer to use a DC variable speed pump so that I can run it at high flow for clarity, or low flow if I am paranoid and think I saw a spot on one of my fish.

My frag tanks are fed by the UV treated water, and they are loaded with pods and bristle worms who make a living just in a few pieces of live rock and clinging to the bottom of frag tiles - so, the 24/7 does not seem to diminish the desirable micro fauna in my system.

The main reason I run it is for water clarity.

When you first installed the UV, did you notice a significant difference in clarity?

I was concerned about the micro fauna population when it is finally installed. Thanks for the input. It is greatly appreciated.

 

[FishTruck]

When you first installed the UV, did you notice a significant difference in clarity?

I was concerned about the micro fauna population when it is finally installed. Thanks for the input. It is greatly appreciated.

Yes I did, I posted pictures on my build thread of the before and after. I had a hazy whitish discoloration (bacterial bloom), which cleared nicely with the UV. I keep it running to hopefully help with parasites and dinos etc...

I should also point out that mine just runs in a parallel loop in and out of the sump, so there are lots of bypass opportunities for microfauna.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I run my Pentair 40W 24/7, off a variable speed pump. Like @FishTruck , I’m looking for nice water quality (150-gal. FOWLR), and get it.

 

[brmreefer]

I run my Pentair 40W 24/7, off a variable speed pump. Like @FishTruck , I’m looking for nice water quality (150-gal. FOWLR), and get it.

You normally run it at the recommended, higher, or lower gph for that particular model?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Sorry I can’t give you the exact gph (because I didn’t measure), but I definitely don’t have the variable pump cranked too high. My thinking is that by running 24/7, slowly, I might get some Ich-destroying benefits as well as the algae destruction I’m really after. :)