How do I choose a UV sterilizer?
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The chart below provides guidelines for determining the bulb size and flow rate you require for UV sterilization. To use this chart, identify the maximum gph rating in either column that most closely matches the number of gallons in your aquarium. The maximum flow rate should be greater than the number of gallons in the system (tank & sump).
For example, if you have a 100 gallon tank and want to control parasites, you will need a minimum 18 watt UV with a maximum flow rate of 100 gph. A 25 watt UV at a flow rate of 150 gph would be preferable. With UV sterilizers, bigger is better.
Maximum Flow Rate for Controlling: UV Bulb (Watts) Bacteria and Algae Parasites Aquarium Size 8 120 gph N/A under 75 gallons 15 230 gph 75 gph 75 gallons 18 300 gph 100 gph 100 gallons 25 475 gph 150 gph 150 gallons 30 525 gph 175 gph 175 gallons 40 940 gph 300 gph 300 gallons 65 1700 gph 570 gph 570 gallons 80 1885 gph 625 gph 625 gallons 120 3200 gph 900 gph 900 gallons 130 3400 gph 1140 gph 1140 gallonsUV sterilizer while cycling my aquarium?
While UV sterilizers usually do no harm, do not use one when you first cycle your aquarium, as it may kill beneficial bacteria before they attach to the bio-media or gravel. Also, many medications can be "denatured" by the UV light, so the sterilizer should be turned off when using medications, especially chelated copper treatments. The UV light will "break" the bond of the chelating agent, and the aquarium will have a sudden, lethal concentration of ionic copper.
Once you introduce a UV Sterilizer into your system, carefully monitor your aquarium's temperature. Depending on your aquarium size and flow rate, a UV Sterilizer may add heat to your aquarium water. If this occurs, you may wish to consider installing a chiller.
How do you maintain a UV sterilizer?
As with all sophisticated pieces of equipment, your UV Sterilizer needs to be properly maintained to remain effective. Quartz sleeves should be cleaned at least every six months. UV bulbs will need to be replaced after 9 to 12 months of continuous use.
Is a UV sterilizer worth it?
UV sterilizers have many advantages and very few drawbacks. In addition to being easy to install, requiring low maintenance, and being affordable, they can provide huge health benefits for your fish. Make sure you get one that is the correct size, operate it under the appropriate conditions, and follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines to ensure that your UV sterilizer can do the job for which it was designed.
Most of us have heard about the advantages of a UV sterilizer for the health of your body of water — be it an aquarium, pond, or even commercial zone. While size is a decisive factor for any UV sterilizer, there are variables at work here, such as flow rate, the type and size of the water body, and more to consider.
If you’re wondering, “How big of a UV sterilizer do I need,” let’s discuss the variables you should consider before purchasing one.
Let’s start small and discuss fish tanks. Once you’ve decided to add a sterilizer to your aquarium, your next question might be, “What size UV sterilizer do I need?” Determine your sterilizer size by two things: your tank size as well as the flow rate of the pump.
Flow Rate: The rate at which water flows through a UV sterilizer determines its kill ratio. Flow rate is measured in gallons per hour (gph).
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Choosing a sterilizer with the correct flow rate for your body of water is crucial. Algae and bacteria will be unaffected if water moves too swiftly through the system. If it’s too slow, the water will heat up, raising the temperature of the tank and damaging the UV lamp and any other life in the tank.
Most UV sterilizer manufacturers list their UV systems’ minimum and maximum flow rates at various wattages. You can see the flow rate of any Aqua Ultraviolet system in their product description. When choosing a UV sterilizer, the maximum flow rate of the unit should be greater than the tank’s total volume.
For example, if you have a 100-gallon tank and want to manage parasites, you’ll need a minimum of 18 watts of UV light with a maximum flow rate of 100 gph. In this example, you would want a 25-watt UV light with a 150-gph flow rate for this tank.
Type and Size of the Water Body: For a UV sterilizer to be successful in an aquarium, it must be the correct size. A small UV won’t cut it, and you’ll be disappointed with the results. Always ensure that the wattage of the device and the flow rate of water through it are appropriate for the size of your tank.
Furthermore, the appropriate wattage for saltwater, freshwater, and outdoor ponds differs.
As a general guideline, add 10 watts to your total for every 75 gallons of salt water and 10 watts per 150 gallons of fresh water.
Outdoor ponds don’t require a strong UV sterilizer because they receive daily sunlight, a good UV source. Ten watts per 1,000 liters of water works in an outdoor pond scenario.
For your UV sterilizer to perform best, ensure the water flow rate adheres to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Not all UV sterilizers are rated the same; research which brand would be best for your aquarium needs, or just stick with the best and buy from Aqua Ultraviolet.
Now, let’s move on to what size you’ll need for various bodies of water.
Aquariums: If the first thing that comes to mind is “what size UV sterilizer do I need for my aquarium,” know that for any tank under 75 gallons, you’ll need an 8-watt sterilizer with a flow rate of 120 gph.
Residential Water Body: UV sterilizers rated in the 30,000-45,000 columns are ideal for the reef environment. In marine fish tanks (no reef or live rock), a UV sterilizer rated in the 75,000 to 90,000 columns will most effectively control fish disease. But this varies for salt water or fresh water.
Ponds/Water Features: Some people have many pumps in their ponds. In this case, you’ll need a UV sterilizer for each pump. Usually, ponds also require more UV sterilization because their occupants produce more waste, which results in more aggressive algae development. A highly-powered UV sterilizer will destroy the algae quicker than it grows.
Commercial Size: These bodies of water can contain up to 50,000 gallons. To effectively disinfect this volume, increase the UV light’s intensity. For every 1,000 gallons of water, you’ll need about 30 watts.
Based on the required flow rate and body of water size, Aqua Ultraviolet can provide the right UV sterilizers to ensure efficient disinfection. Get in touch with our team today to get the best deal available.
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