I have decided to practice ich management for my long term sanity sake. As part of this, I would like to run UV on my system, but all UV systems are freaking expensive plus needs pump/plumbing! Wondering if people have success just running UV lights (something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-500...P91V/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1) in their tanks.. I assume the light has to be added inside a PVC or something else to avid causing damage to the tank/eyes? Any other alternatives?
UV
- Thread starter spuri87
- Start date
Coral reefer
Past President
No and no
It’s like your RODI. Get a real one
It’s like your RODI. Get a real one
Kensington Reefer
Supporting Member
Get the right tool for the job!
What size tank/system are you constructing?
What size tank/system are you constructing?
230g..
haha, RODI turned out to be OK, DI resin was getting spent faster coz that stupid brand doesnt support float valves.. TDS back to 0, but yeah RODI system is still on the upgrade list for X-mas!
Getting a used Aqua UV 40W, will probably need. a new bulb/light.. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/40-watt-classic-uv-sterilizer-black-body-aqua-ultraviolet.html thoughts? anything better?
tribbitt
Supporting Member
UV is a range of spectra. The type of UV you need in a UV sterilizer is not the same as in UV lights.
UV lights are usually UVA and UV sterilizers are usually UVC. UVA is just past violet, and can excite fluorescent pigments without us seeing the light itself, which is cool for viewing purposes. It won’t kill much though.
UVC kills stuff, and can cause skin cancer and severe eye damage - you don’t want that in your tank just spilling into your room.
Pentair or aqua uv. Want to be cheap 40 watt. Med 57w. Great 80w. Get a designated pump and a flow meter. Dial it in. And you’re done. Don’t turn it off. Clean quartz tube every quarter. Change the bulb once a year.
I only run those two companies. Why ? Cuz they are industry standard. Go cheap and in a few years. You’ll end up buy one of these two.
I only run those two companies. Why ? Cuz they are industry standard. Go cheap and in a few years. You’ll end up buy one of these two.
If you haven't purchased yet, Aqua Ultraviolet's 57w unit is considerably shorter than Pentair, only 20" long. I personally run a Lifegard Max 55w unit almost 24/7. It's a beefy unit that's completely serviceable with replacement parts (inner sleeve which corrodes over time, seals, etc).
Agreed with above ^ Cheap UVs I'd only recommend for temporary use. Quality units for prolonged usage.
Agreed with above ^ Cheap UVs I'd only recommend for temporary use. Quality units for prolonged usage.
BAYMAC
Supporting Member
Is that LG one of those vertical units on a stand? Brown/tan?
Kensington Reefer
Supporting Member
I run several of them on several systems
25 watt, 40 watt, 57 watt
it hurts, but splurge for the real deal that we recommend
25 watt, 40 watt, 57 watt
it hurts, but splurge for the real deal that we recommend
Thanks, hvnt purchased yet, hoping they go on sale and I could buy a new one instead of a used one.. but if anyone has a used Aqua UV or Pentair UV sterilizer in good shape, they would like to sell, let me know!
iani
Supporting Member
They are black. It's what I run as well.
55 Watt Pro-MAX High Output UV Sterilizer Aquatics
LifeGard Pro-MAX 55-watt High Output UV Sterilizer For freshwater or saltwater aquariums up to 350 gallons Effective against bacteria and water-borne algae blooms Unique design, allowing for multiple plumbing configurations Available in 25w, 40w, 55w, 90w, and 120w sizes The Lifegard...
www.bulkreefsupply.com
BAYMAC
Supporting Member
They are black. It's what I run as well.
55 Watt Pro-MAX High Output UV Sterilizer Aquatics
LifeGard Pro-MAX 55-watt High Output UV Sterilizer For freshwater or saltwater aquariums up to 350 gallons Effective against bacteria and water-borne algae blooms Unique design, allowing for multiple plumbing configurations Available in 25w, 40w, 55w, 90w, and 120w sizes The Lifegard...
I'm used to the old version of QL series, the uprights. They are blue now.
They used to be the standard for LFS LSS.
The Pro_max is new to me.
Planning to buy 57W aqua UV this thanksgiving.. Can anyone with the same UV unit share what pump do they use and what’s the recommended flow for ich management? I read AquaUV flow guide, but not sure if 1200 what they claim to kill Protozoa is what I should use in a reef tank, since they say it can kill some of the good stuff too at that rate.. for reef tank IIRC the suggestion is to use flow at around 3200 gph (my sump will go crazy with that much flow).. please share any plumbing ideas too, I am thinking to dads UV input at mechanical filtration chamber and output in the return pump chamber
Coral reefer
Past President
300-400 gph
You want pump in tank and return into tank
You want pump in tank and return into tank
That doesn’t mean you want a 400 gph pump. You have to account for the bends and head pressure. Best thing to do is get an over sized dc controllable pump and a flow meter. If no flow meter. Then you can do the bucket and stopwatch trick. That’s if you want to maximize your uv.