400G UV, what would be the best for me?

Atlantis_Reef · May 8, 2020

Hi all, so i am doing my biggest build at the minute. I am almost finished buying everything i need just a sump (waiting to pay on once i get the nod) but i have not yet picked out a UV. my question is what brand is best for a FOWLR build? i just want to make sure the water is crystal clear more than anything.
would i be best buying multiples of UVs? one giant muscle UV? or an underscaled UV for just keeping the water crystal? is there any other methods? (I have purchased carbon from Aquaforest to help out) any advice will be great.
any details needed please ask. (tank is not yet built due to the COVID 19 virus outbrake so has been delayed by two weeks)

blitzkragz · May 8, 2020

I have a 400g system, and after a lot of research settled on this one and I have been really happy with it over the 1.5 years I have had it in service:

https://www.marinedepot.com/aqua-uv-120-watt-2-inch-uv-sterilizer

Atlantis_Reef · May 9, 2020

blitzkragz said:
I have a 400g system, and after a lot of research settled on this one and I have been really happy with it over the 1.5 years I have had it in service:

https://www.marinedepot.com/aqua-uv-120-watt-2-inch-uv-sterilizer

would this not be overkill? i have noticed people using pond UV's of late, few years ago people would never do this, has the builds been changed for most of the pond uv's?

ca1ore · May 9, 2020

Search the TMC 110 .... a solid unit for a reasonable cost. Only downside is it’s physical size.

blitzkragz · May 9, 2020

Atlantis_Reef said:
would this not be overkill? i have noticed people using pond UV's of late, few years ago people would never do this, has the builds been changed for most of the pond uv's?

no it is not overkill. there are two levels of effectiveness for uv -- the lower level is just algae control, and you can get that with not much power. the second level is pathogen killing (ick etc) and to achieve that level you need a good deal more power. my unit is perfectly matched to my flowrate according to the manufacturer for a pathogen level of sterilization.

Atlantis_Reef · May 9, 2020

ah i am after just algae only, all my fish are to be QT (i have 7 QT right now but aiming for 10 with the smallest being 25L sizes for the wrasses and all the way up to a 2.5ft tank for the rest) i am just after algae control only which i feel will be best for me.

Atlantis_Reef · May 9, 2020

ca1ore said:
Search the TMC 110 .... a solid unit for a reasonable cost. Only downside is it’s physical size.

just looking now thanks dude, finding a nice cheap one at 210

Atlantis_Reef · May 9, 2020

blitzkragz said:
no it is not overkill. there are two levels of effectiveness for uv -- the lower level is just algae control, and you can get that with not much power. the second level is pathogen killing (ick etc) and to achieve that level you need a good deal more power. my unit is perfectly matched to my flowrate according to the manufacturer for a pathogen level of sterilization.

so just getting this right i could buy 2 25w UV's and i will remove algae? or are you on about the speed on what goes in the UV? just want to make sure i get all this right

blitzkragz · May 9, 2020

Atlantis_Reef said:
so just getting this right i could buy 2 25w UV's and i will remove algae? or are you on about the speed on what goes in the UV? just want to make sure i get all this right

the manufacturer of a given uv should have specs on the required wattage for algae control given the flow you intend to put through it. first you should calculate how much flow your return pump will be putting through the uv, then determine the wattage from there. it is generally recommended that you do not use bypass flow with uv, you want all of your return flow going through it.