New 600g setup - when to set up UV sterilizer

[jmccown]

I just finished cycling a 600g display (780g total volume). I have a 150 watt UV sterilizer and want to know when would be the appropriate timing to start the UV up for parasite control. I don't want to do this too prematurely for fear of killing any beneficial bacteria. My plan is to start transferring my fish over later this week.

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

Not going to get what you want to hear here.

The UV will not really do much for parasites, it's more of a bandaid or crutch.

With such a big setup (I was around ~ 670 total) you'll really want to make sure you quarantine everything wet. It's a real PITA but worth it down the line. Just think about having to go fallow in a tank your size...

 

[jmccown]

I have had great success with UV in the past and I also QT. My question wasn't about whether they work or not it was about the timing of a new tank setup. Not trying to be disrespectful but I'm trying to sort out whether too soon or not.

 

[Tamberav]

Well it’s going to kill bacteria that flows through it regardless of when you turn it on. There is plenty of bacteria on the rocks though, fire it up whenever the cycle is done and you add the first fish.


That UV is tiny on that size tank.

 

[jmccown]

Well it’s going to kill bacteria that flows through it. There is plenty on the rocks though, fire it up whenever the cycle is done and you add the first fish.


That UV is tiny on that size tank.

Not sure if being sarcastic, buta 150 watt UV is rated for 1600g volume. Its overkill if anything. The UV is taller than I am.

 

[Tamberav]

Apparently you are not familiar with UV sizing. A 150 watt UV is rated for 1600g volume. Its overkill if anything. The UV is taller than I am. Please don't comment if you don't know what you are talking about.

It’s an open forum and I am free to comment. I said nothing offensive. If you don’t like comments then do research yourself instead of asking questions.

I answered your question first so not sure why your panties are in a twist.

Your quote for tanks up to blah.. tells me nothing. It’s about contact time and flow and the power of the bulb.

150w pentair turnover for parasites suggested turnover is 840gph. So just a bit over 1 turnover per hour for a tank your size.

My opinion that turning over the tank about once for hour for parasites is small. The bigger the UV, the faster you can run the flow and the more you will kill before they find a host or the substrate. The more effective it will be.

Can’t go back in time though

 

[crusso1993]

I just finished cycling a 600g display (780g total volume). I have a 150 watt UV sterilizer and want to know when would be the appropriate timing to start the UV up for parasite control. I don't want to do this too prematurely for fear of killing any beneficial bacteria. My plan is to start transferring my fish over later this week.

If the system is fully cycled then there is really no additional harm in adding the UV now. Since I do not know what you know, or do not know, and I abhor making assumptions, the following info can prove to be beneficial. The UV filler will have an effect on water clarity, effect multiple forms of algae and also be effective at removing/reducing parasites and bacteria. The effectiveness of a UV filter is driven by the type of UV employed, size of the filter, wattage and flow rate (contact time) of the water flowing through it.

Since I do not make assumptions, I will also recommend adding bio-load to your system slowly. This, of course, is dependent upon the amount of contact surface - i.e. rock work, substrate, etc. present in your system. Nevertheless, always a smart idea to err on the side of caution and go slow.

 

[Sdot]

I just finished cycling a 600g display (780g total volume). I have a 150 watt UV sterilizer and want to know when would be the appropriate timing to start the UV up for parasite control. I don't want to do this too prematurely for fear of killing any beneficial bacteria. My plan is to start transferring my fish over later this week.

I would add the UV when you start adding any form of livestock to the tank (Corals, fish, live rock).... As far as the bacteria argument im hearing.... i believe it to be moot.... most bacteria lives on the surface of things (Glass, substrate, rocks...etc) not so much in the water column.

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

i dont see any downside on turning the uv on right away.. i run heavy uv and ozone on my tanks and would never do a large tank without either one. i dont think a 150 uv can handle a 1600 gallon tank though..
i run 2 120 watters on my 300 gallon reef and 2 120s plus and 80 on my 300 gallon predator reef tank

idont think you can ever have too much uv (unless it heats your water up too much- even then get a chiller)