6 watt UV Sterilizer

[sinking]

I picked one up from purelyh2o.com just because it was so cheap.. i dont know much about using UV but from a few searches it seems 6 watt is really low.. im just using gravity to run a line from the main tank through it and back into the sump. Does 6 watts even do anything? TIA

[TWallace]

My 9w Turbo Twist UV sterilizer says it's rated for tanks up to 125g. So yes, I'd say 6w does do something. You just need fairly low flow through, which it sounds like you have.

[sinking]

cool, thanks alot

[reefgeek84]

what size is your tank?

[sinking]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7530878#post7530878 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefgeek84
what size is your tank?

125g display.. and about 50g in fuge/sump water
Its a reef tank so im not looking to do ultra UV.. i just would like for less algae to form on the front glass so i don't have to clean it as much.... Been running this 6 watt for about 24hrs now.. i guess it looks alittle more clear then before.. i duno really..
how long is recommended to run UV? I would leave this little unit going all the time if it helps.

[DaveG99]

dont they make intank ones that you can place into your sump. That would be an easy instal.

[reefgeek84]

6w is probably to small for that tank. There should be specs on it from where ever you got it from.

[sinking]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7531275#post7531275 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefgeek84
6w is probably to small for that tank. There should be specs on it from where ever you got it from.

I kinda figured it was small for my tank since Twallace uses 9w on his 125g. Does that mean it wont do anything to help with algae? is it pointless to run it or not?

[reefgeek84]

If you have it and you are not going to get another one...then you might as well, I think it would maybe help somewhat.

[sinking]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7531519#post7531519 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefgeek84
If you have it and you are not going to get another one...then you might as well, I think it would maybe help somewhat.

cool, like i said.. its a reef tank and i dont want to kill all the bugs.. just want less algae on the front glass

[TWallace]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7531452#post7531452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sinking
I kinda figured it was small for my tank since Twallace uses 9w on his 125g. Does that mean it wont do anything to help with algae? is it pointless to run it or not?

Actually I use 9w on my 55, but the sterilizer I have says it's suitable for tanks up to 125g. 9w is the smallest version of this particular sterilizer (Coral Life Turbo Twist).