I keep going back and forth on this, and only want to buy this once so I could use some help on making a decision.
My tank DT volume is 70g and Sump is 30g. I think it is fair to say total volume after rock and equipment displacement to be 70g give or take.
The UV sterilizer brand I plan on going with is Aqua Ultraviolet and I was deciding between the 15 watt or 25 watt classic.
According to their ratings, the 15 watt version is for tanks up to 75 gallons, while the 25 watt version is for tanks up to 150 gallons.
Based on ratings along I would think 15 watt is sufficient for my tank but I keep second guessing due to these factors:
1. What if my water volume estimate is off? If somehow my water volume turns out to be 80g, would it mean that 15 watts is undersized?
2. Suggested flow rates are 233gph for the 15 watt and 400gph for the 25 watt. My return flow rate is 630gph. Would that mean that I
would have insufficient contact time for both (more so for the 15 watt) if I decide not to adjust that return flow rate?
3. If it turns out that 15 watts is sufficient, would 25 watt be overkill or even potentially harmful to the tank? Or is this a case of more is better?
(or specifically if more wattage compensates for less contact time)
Other factors:
1. Cost consideration: Though not terribly expensive, the 25 watt version costs $77 more than the 15 watt version, so if the extra wattage isn't
needed or helpful then I'd prefer not to waste money.
2. Size consideration: 25 watt version is considerably larger than the 15 watt version and my stand is only 3' by 2'. It'll technically fit in my tank
but the larger one might make the space more cramped and make it potentially harder to work on things in the sump.
Appreciate any input on this. Thanks.
My tank DT volume is 70g and Sump is 30g. I think it is fair to say total volume after rock and equipment displacement to be 70g give or take.
The UV sterilizer brand I plan on going with is Aqua Ultraviolet and I was deciding between the 15 watt or 25 watt classic.
According to their ratings, the 15 watt version is for tanks up to 75 gallons, while the 25 watt version is for tanks up to 150 gallons.
Based on ratings along I would think 15 watt is sufficient for my tank but I keep second guessing due to these factors:
1. What if my water volume estimate is off? If somehow my water volume turns out to be 80g, would it mean that 15 watts is undersized?
2. Suggested flow rates are 233gph for the 15 watt and 400gph for the 25 watt. My return flow rate is 630gph. Would that mean that I
would have insufficient contact time for both (more so for the 15 watt) if I decide not to adjust that return flow rate?
3. If it turns out that 15 watts is sufficient, would 25 watt be overkill or even potentially harmful to the tank? Or is this a case of more is better?
(or specifically if more wattage compensates for less contact time)
Other factors:
1. Cost consideration: Though not terribly expensive, the 25 watt version costs $77 more than the 15 watt version, so if the extra wattage isn't
needed or helpful then I'd prefer not to waste money.
2. Size consideration: 25 watt version is considerably larger than the 15 watt version and my stand is only 3' by 2'. It'll technically fit in my tank
but the larger one might make the space more cramped and make it potentially harder to work on things in the sump.
Appreciate any input on this. Thanks.