Gamma UV Sterilizers on reef Tanks?

[thing2do]

I currently have a 55gal. mixed reef with several fish and a 40 gal refugium w/chateomorpha Sp. algae. Currently this is the only filter on the tank and water is clear but could be better and thats what im shooting for.

So i ordered the Rena Filstar xp3 canister filter, so i can have mechanical/chemical filtration along with the current biological filtrations the refugium and LR provide. I plan on using Phosphate media and reef carbon in the canister along with fine filter pads.

I am considering the use of a Gamma UV Sterilizer to assist in the water clarity filter process. The 15 watt model Below.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

Is there anyone that has some advice on these or that uses them on there reef tanks.? Are they benefical and safe to use?

[thing2do]

^^^^

[thing2do]

^^^

[carlos_fb]

Free bump, I was thinking on getting the same thing for my 60 gallon.

[thing2do]

bump^^^^^^

[thing2do]

doesnt anybody have some info on this subject?

[jag1979]

I use the 40 watt on my 180, I started w/ it so not sure exactly if it works...but I don't have a qt and no ick even w/ a yellow tang, my water is always clear, I don't have an algea problem (never did)...

[Slingshot]

I am curious as well...

[boxfishpooalot]

UV lights will only kill pathogens that enter the UV chamber. It will not assist in removing yellowing compounds in the water.

It will assist in the clarifying the water by killing phytoplankton that may give it a green cast. It does this by destroying their DNA and by burning their tissue.

FWIW, ozone can do a much better job removing yellow tannis/humic acids. Wich is the final undegradable product of bacterial mineralization. Ozone works by separating parts of the molecular structure of tannis/humic acids, not by removing them. By removing part of the molecule that contributes to color you have clear water.

[Gwee]

I was also thinking of getting one.
One question though (probably a dumb one)
Do the UV sterilizers need a powerhead to work?
If so which UV and powerhead would I need for a 79G tank?
Thanks

[boxfishpooalot]

All the uv i had and seen require somthing to move water through it. So yes they do need a pump.

[Gwee]

How much gph would I need for a 24W Gamma UV?

[jag1979]

I tee off my return pump so that about 100 gph go through my 40 watt uv then it goes back to the sump

[Gwee]

Oh wait then I'm getting all confused.
It says on Marine Depot that the MAX GPH. for a 25W UV should be 1200gph and that they support up to 125g tanks.

[jag1979]

I wouldn't use the max, I would use very minimal flow to kill the parasites

[Gwee]

Yeah but how do you get from 100 gph for a 40W to 1200gph for a 25W
I'm lost

[jag1979]

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...ma.asp?CartId=


This is the one I got the 40 watt w/ 2880 max flow, I just think it is more effective w/ a very low flow. I want to kill everything

[Gwee]

So would you agree with a 25W and lets say 200GPH flow for a 79G tank?

[jag1979]

I think you would kill a lot of stuff using that, I just get scared of ick b/c I have no qt and I have one tang and will have at least one more, thats why I want to kill everything

[Gwee]

But actually a pump with 200gph flow doesn't really suck up much from a 79g tank, correct me if I'm wrong.
Why does is say MAX 1200gph for the 25W?

[jag1979]

the max flow would kill some algea but won't killl parasites, you should call marine depot or another distributor and ask them

[thing2do]

Ok thanks guys. What is ozone?

can you post a link so i can see and read about it.