Just installed UV. Do I need a chiller or fan?

[glb]

I just put in an 8w UV sterilizer in my 40g and my water temp has crept up. I’m wondering if I need to add a fan. I don’t really have room for a chiller but if it became necessary I could probably figure something out. Here’s my readings. You can see that the temp went up a few days ago when I installed it. So far the tank inhabitants are fine. Any help is appreciated!

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I don’t know your situation and uv needs but you could only run uv at night when the lights are off. That might help with the temperature. If you have to run it 24/7 I would try a cheap fan across the top to see if that helps. Evaporation may go up so keep an eye on your top off. Chillers work great but aren’t exactly cheap.

 

[TheDuude]

80.5 max is perfectly fine IMO... I have my fans turn on around 81.5

 

[glb]

80.5 max is perfectly fine IMO... I have my fans turn on around 81.5

Thanks! I’m hoping it doesn’t keep going up!

 

[glb]

I don’t know your situation and uv needs but you could only run uv at night when the lights are off. That might help with the temperature. If you have to run it 24/7 I would try a cheap fan across the top to see if that helps. Evaporation may go up so keep an eye on your top off. Chillers work great but aren’t exactly cheap.

I’m using it for water clarity and algae control. The tank has been crystal clear since I installed it.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I’m using it for water clarity and algae control. The tank has been crystal clear since I installed it.

Gotcha. They can add heat. Mine kept creeping up as well. I’ve been running a chiller with the uv for about two years now. Without uv I have to clean the glass every two or three days, with uv only once a week. The water is also noticeably clearer, same as when I run carbon really.

 

[glb]

Gotcha. They can add heat. Mine kept creeping up as well. I’ve been running a chiller with the uv for about two years now. Without uv I have to clean the glass every two or three days, with uv only once a week. The water is also noticeably clearer, same as when I run carbon really.

How long did it take for the temp to level off? If I do anything, it will probably be a fan.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

Gotcha. They can add heat. Mine kept creeping up as well. I’ve been running a chiller with the uv for about two years now. Without uv I have to clean the glass every two or three days, with uv only once a week. The water is also noticeably clearer, same as when I run carbon really.

Oh, if the uv is plugged into the apex you could also add code to turn off the uv if the temp hits a certain point if you haven’t already

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

How long did it take for the temp to level off? If I do anything, it will probably be a fan.

It didn’t. Once it hit 81 I figured I needed to manage it. I used a fan on a smaller tank in the past and it worked out well. It did double my evaporation though.

 

[glb]

It didn’t. Once it hit 81 I figured I needed to manage it. I used a fan on a smaller tank in the past and it worked out well. It did double my evaporation though.

Yikes. I think I’ll try turning it off at night to see if that helps. Thanks!

 

[glb]

It didn’t. Once it hit 81 I figured I needed to manage it. I used a fan on a smaller tank in the past and it worked out well. It did double my evaporation though.

Yeah I’m not crazy about topping off my ato more often.

 

[glb]

Oh, if the uv is plugged into the apex you could also add code to turn off the uv if the temp hits a certain point if you haven’t already

I programmed it to shut off at 80f. The lights will continue to bump the heat up a little. I may try running the UV at night and see if the tank stays as clear as it is now.

 

[glb]

I programmed it to shut off at 80f. The lights will continue to bump the heat up a little. I may try running the UV at night and see if the tank stays as clear as it is now.

It shut off at 80 an hour ago and the temp is holding steady for now. Fingers crossed!

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I programmed it to shut off at 80f. The lights will continue to bump the heat up a little. I may try running the UV at night and see if the tank stays as clear as it is now.

I’m pretty sure it will continue being clear with only running it at night. Happy reefing!