Is it safe to use an oversized UV?

[sc50964]

I have a 75G FOWLR and I recently came across a good deal for an UV that’s rated up to 250g. The UV is coralife turbo twist 6x (18w). Question is if it’s safe to use it on a 75g. My concerns are 1) is it too powerful and it harms too much of the free floating denitrifying bacteria & 2) will it cause a heating issue. Thanks.

 

[attiland]

I have a 75G FOWLR and I recently came across a good deal for an UV that’s rated up to 250g. The UV is coralife turbo twist 6x (18w). Question is if it’s safe to use it on a 75g. My concerns are 1) is it too powerful and it harms too much of the free floating denitrifying bacteria & 2) will it cause a heating issue. Thanks.

You will be fine. Floating denitrifying bacteria is not your concern.
higher wattage is used in Dino treatment and that has no heating affect you have to be concerned about too.
You always have the option to not to run it 24/7 too as many others do the same

 

[SantaMonica]

The bacteria of interest is on surfaces, and in the rock. So the UV won't hurt. Here's more...

Temporary UV technique for ich

This technique is simple: Keep a strong UV (such as 57 watts or more) and water pump in storage, and when you encounter ich then put the UV and water pump in a for a few weeks. When ich is gone, remove the UV and store it again. Has worked for me 5 times in a row, if I start using it as soon as any ich is seen.

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

You're good. You can also adjust the flow on the UV pump to increase (slow flow) or decrease (high flow) it's effectiveness. IMO UV filters are a must for a tank.

 

[fishface NJ]

If it is a used Turbo Twist just inspect the inside. They have been know to rust from the saltwater