UV sterilizers

[DmitryB]

I'm starting to look at a UV sterilizer for my upcoming 170 tank (+74 gallon sump.) Obviously, there are many opinions on what the best sterilizer is. Of all the reviews, TMC Vecton seems to be basically universally beloved. But its biggest model is the 850 and still only has the a 25W bulb and is rated for up 224 gallons. So that's a bummer. It also happens to be remarkably cheap! This is too small for 170 + 74 gallons, right? What if there were two of them installed? (They also look kinda cool.)

 

[DmitryB]

 

[c4haskett]

I am now a budget reefer (for the most part) after finding not much value in higher end brands. Honestly, whats the real difference in a high end UV and a budget UV? The bulbs can't be but so different? I put an oversized Jebao 55 watt on my 200 gallon setup and have been happy with it so far. Maybe some one can explain to me what an expensive UV can do that my cheap one can't.

 

[Freenow54]

I am now a budget reefer (for the most part) after finding not much value in higher end brands. Honestly, whats the real difference in a high end UV and a budget UV? The bulbs can't be but so different? I put an oversized Jebao 55 watt on my 200 gallon setup and have been happy with it so far. Maybe some one can explain to me what an expensive UV can do that my cheap one can't.

Its the bulb rating that counts. First it HAS to be UV-C Rated before any discussion begins I see a lot that say Just an Example 55 but the effective rating is about 35 . Its sometimes difficult to find an honest description . I did see one manufacturer who did post all the ratings as to dose which takes into account the bulb itself which is sometimes referred to as a filter for some reason . Then the volume of the vessel its in . Then lastly the flow . Those three things determine the DOSE . The dose ratings for algae are way lower than for parasites . They cannot treat all parasites to extinction which was pointed out by a few Knowledgeable members , and was an education for me . I have no intention of ever controlling algae , but would not mind a back up for parasites as I refuse to use chemicals. I tried to see if I saved a link but I didn't for some strange reason . Try Science direct for an article