Still lost with this U.V.

[dstockwell]

9w turbo twist, 1/2 in and out. Initially I was running it from a T on my return pump, not enough flow, not stopping turf algae. So I changed to 1/2 out max 1200 gph powerhead that I use for GFO and water changes. Still does not appear to be enough flow. I am trying to pump through a 1/2 PVC in up 32 inches over the top of the tank.

Is this to high? This pump has no problem pumping from a bucket to the tank through a 6ft 1/2 inch hose.

 

[CoralB]

The UV light works best with slower flow to give the water longer contact time in front of the light . That being said I don’t know how big your tank is , and I’m not sure about that particular 9 watt unit , but I personally believe that to work effectively I believe it needs to be a minimum of 25 watts . I push my water through my 25 watt pentair unit , split off from a manifold . I’m probably pumping out between 75 - 125 gallons per hour through it . Contact time with the light and the higher wattage to me is key in my opinion .

 

[dstockwell]

55 gallon tank, probably 60 gph through UV.

 

[Tamberav]

9w turbo twist, 1/2 in and out. Initially I was running it from a T on my return pump, not enough flow, not stopping turf algae. So I changed to 1/2 out max 1200 gph powerhead that I use for GFO and water changes. Still does not appear to be enough flow. I am trying to pump through a 1/2 PVC in up 32 inches over the top of the tank.

Is this to high? This pump has no problem pumping from a bucket to the tank through a 6ft 1/2 inch hose.

UV only effects what goes through it... so being that turf algae is on the rocks... it won't be useful. Just FYI

 

[CoralB]

55 gallon tank, probably 60 gph through UV.

Yah ! I always tried to shoot for turning the tank volume over down close to once a hour . But I also like having the higher wattage and longer bulb unit as well . Not sure 9 watts is strong enough .and yes I agree with tamberav that in might not do anything for already established turf algae except that which is in the water column

 

[dstockwell]

 

[CoralB]

Manual removal and adding Mexican turbo snails and a few tuxedo urchins can help greatly. Maybe also cutting back lighting time and intensity for a week could help along with lowering nutrients. Just don’t zero out your phosphates or nitrates as it will lead to other issues like possibly Dino’s

 

[dstockwell]

UV only effects what goes through it... so being that turf algae is on the rocks... it won't be useful. Just FYI

Guess I'll move it back and the clean water, at least appears to be.