UV Sterilizer Question

[Bluefin1989]

My tank is 140 gallons and I was thinking of getting a UV Sterilizer to avoid anything bad coming in. But I don't want to spend 300 + on it. I did find a sterilizer for 75 gallons https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/15-w...lizer-with-hanger-spout-aqua-ultraviolet.html for a bit less! is something better then nothing!? its hang over the back style and it would work for me! what are your thoughts?

 

[sp1187]

buy the right size or don't bother.

 

[Bluefin1989]

Thank you! Now do I really need one?

 

[Alaeriel]

Thank you! Now do I really need one?

Depends on your quarantine practice, lighting, feeding habits, etc. Many tanks run exquisitely without one, some run permanently and others run intermittently.

 

[Bluefin1989]

dang... how would I find out if it would be for me?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Just curious, are you going with a reef tank, or FOWLR? In any case, do you already have a skimmer? Because if not, I would go with a sufficiently sized skimmer first, then think of a sufficiently sized UV. (I run a 40W Pentair on my 150 gallon.)

 

[Bluefin1989]

I currently don't have have any coral but I'm waiting for a large purchase before Thanksgiving. I have a redsea 650 peninsula. Would I need a skimmer if I have the redsea sump and all?

 

[JumboShrimp]

You’ll never get a “No” on a skimmer question from me. Not when you see it a few months in (established tank) beginning to pull out thick green pea-soup from your water. Lol. And get a recirculating skimmer— no sump water-level worries.

 

[vintage detritus]

My tank is 140 gallons and I was thinking of getting a UV Sterilizer to avoid anything bad coming in. But I don't want to spend 300 + on it. I did find a sterilizer for 75 gallons https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/15-w...lizer-with-hanger-spout-aqua-ultraviolet.html for a bit less! is something better then nothing!? its hang over the back style and it would work for me! what are your thoughts?

I am not sure they make an HOB UV that will really handle 140 G. Of course, you can hang anything off the back of your tank, but the big UVs are heavy. If you have a place to mount it, Lifeguard makes pond/aquarium UVs which are significantly (50%) less expensive than those offered by the mega dealers, particularly if you by from a pond/aquaculture supplier rather a reefer outlet. "Just slap reef on the label and double the price". There is a long thread here on R2R regarding the Lifeguard product.
I'd recommend watching all 5000 BRS videos on the subject, keeping in mind that those lovable jambones often don't read the manufactures' (confusing) spec charts correctly.

 

[G Santana]

I bought this when I had a bad algae bloom for a two week period on my 130 gallon, it eliminated the bloom overnight, paid under $100 and it's been going non stop for 8 months.

 

[Bluefin1989]

This is awesome! Thank you!

 

[oldmonk]

So i am planning a deltec 39w uv for my new system. Its rated for 1000-2000 litres and my system will be some where around 700ltrs. My plan on plumbing is intake from return and output into overflow chamber. Does this sound good?

Also deltec says to go for 80w if i aim to fight white spot. My question is , is it really needed to opt for that size? Btw there is nothing in between 39w and 80w with deltec UVs.

Or should i look at it like this, with 80w i can possibly fight most of the issues and with 39w i will be fine with basic needs!!

Recommended flow rate for 39w is 2000lph
80w is 4000lph.

Thanks

 

[Duncan62]

My tank is 140 gallons and I was thinking of getting a UV Sterilizer to avoid anything bad coming in. But I don't want to spend 300 + on it. I did find a sterilizer for 75 gallons https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/15-w...lizer-with-hanger-spout-aqua-ultraviolet.html for a bit less! is something better then nothing!? its hang over the back style and it would work for me! what are your thoughts?

It will help but might not kill cysts . More is better. Buy submersible bulbs and create a compartment in your sump for them. It'll work.

 

[Duncan62]

I bought this when I had a bad algae bloom for a two week period on my 130 gallon, it eliminated the bloom overnight, paid under $100 and it's been going non stop for 8 months.

After 8 month I'd be concerned with efficacy of the bulb. Most decline after 3 or 4 months. Good lung finding the right combo for your tank. This setup does look really nice.