Uv Steralizer

[zuri]

just picked up the 15 watt Aqua Ultraviolet hang on was curious as to how low of flow can get away with, was thinking a small 90 gph or even a 50gph? This is for a 17g tank but I have heard the bulbs need a certain amount to stay cool? Just want the most out of it

 

[blaxsun]

I’m running about ~250 Gph through mine, but mine is the fixed version with the 3/4” outlets. I think you’ll be fine with any pump that has a 1/2” outlet, although 15 watts is way overkill for a 17 gallon tank. As long as the bulb is immersed in water you’ll be fine. If you plan to have the pump off for an extended period, just turn off the UV.

 

[zuri]

well thanks I just wanted to check an see how slow I can run it.

 

[blaxsun]

well thanks I just wanted to check an see how slow I can run it.

The slower you run it the more you sterilize things.

 

[Waters]

I would check with the manufacturer...they always give flow requirements dependent on what you are trying to kill (parasites vs bacteria).

 

[Deep]

why are you running a UV?

 

[jt8791]

https://aquaultraviolet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/UV-Charts-Salt-and-Fresh-Water-Web.pdf

Manufacturers listing for pump flow on the uv sterilizers. I ran 300gph previously on my 15w and going with 550gph this time. No idea if it’s the right flow but will find out

 

[zuri]

old thread I ran it just fine with 90 and got the results I was looking for mind you it was 17g tank 5 times the turnover the chart is based of a 75g tank

 

[jt8791]

oh whoops yeah it was a few months old. Okay 5x turnover rate, wish the manufacturer would give that information. Had me thinking that 233gph was the minimum flow. 550 is way too much, I know this now, sends sand flying all over, had to pinch the hose with an alligator clip to slow it down a bit. I was overkill in the first place, guess I only need a 150gph pump. Thank you for that information.