Sizing a UV Filter

[ItsAName]

How do you size a UV filter and pump and make sure it's adequate to make a difference?

 

[Ryan@ShelteredReef Verified Sponsor]

How do you size a UV filter and pump and make sure it's adequate to make a difference?

Aqua UV provides a pretty useful chart on their site for comparing wattage to flow rate. http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/sites/default/files/brochures/UV Charts Salt and Fresh Water.pdf

 

[ItsAName]

Isnt there like some unwritten rule to double the size of what they recommend or something otherwise it doesn't make enough of a difference to fit stuff like ick, and Ostroepsis?

 

[Ryan@ShelteredReef Verified Sponsor]

Isnt there like some unwritten rule to double the size of what they recommend or something otherwise it doesn't make enough of a difference to fit stuff like ick, and Ostroepsis?

That's typically for the recommendations listed for equipment resellers. The chart from AquaUV is based on flow rate and UV dosage. Figure out the flow rate of your return pump and match that to the appropriate UV wattage to achieve the max sterilization(far right on the chart). This way, every bit of water that passes through your sump is then sent through your sterilizer at a rate that ensures any free floating pathogens are sterilized.