Those who like UV sterilizers

[ricwilli]

I currently have a 57w uv that I'm planning to run on my 300. I'm thinking of running it on a seperate pump. My only concern is, it killing the pods that I have as I have two manderines. Would it be a problem if I added a sponge filter to the intake of the pump that will feed the uv?

 

[o2manyfish]

Ricwilli,

If you have a healthy established pod population you will be fine. The separate pump means your return pump is still pulling pods from your sump into your tank. If you aren't running a refugium then your pods are already in your tank, and repopulating like crazy. The UV only kills what passes through it. The pod are cruising around the substrate, rock, and corals in your tank, not out in the water column.

Dave B

 

[ricwilli]

OK, thanks for the response. This means one less thing (sponge) for me to clean. One more thing. Should I put the output of the uv in front of the skimmer pump input or does it not matter?

 

[mainereefer]

I run around 50gph threw a tetra tec 5w on my 30g seahorse tank. wouldnt have a sh tank without a uv.

 

[Xingu]

I am going to use an 80w Lifeguard UV sterilizer on my new 150. Bought 2 of them years ago and figured I would use it since I had it. I intend to run it continuosly for a month or so after I get the tank up and running. I will then use a controller to only run it for 1 day week after that. If I have new additions to the tank, I will run it for a week straight, after the new additions come out of quarantine. I will adjust the run time if it looks like it is needed.

 

[ritter6788]

Alright Dave I liked your answer so much now I gotta pick your brain. It's OK to run off a separate pump and leave my returns as they are then? I had the impression that I had to make everything returning to the display go through it, but didn't like the idea of lowering my flow that much through my main return. I'm looking at this unit 40 Watt (260 Gallon) Emperor Aquatics Smart UV - Bulk Reef Supply for my 225, how do you feel about this size wise?

Now I see why I've never tried one. Out of my price range.

 

[-Logzor]

How do you folks hook up flow to your sterilizers? Do you use a maxijet or hook it up to your main return pump?

 

[navila06]

i used a separate pump, small one

Aquarium Water Circulation and Powerheads: Hydor Pico Evolution Mini Pump

I used the 600 model, but the flow rate will depend on your sterilizer

 

[Xingu]

How do you folks hook up flow to your sterilizers? Do you use a maxijet or hook it up to your main return pump?

I am teeing off my return line, installing a valve and returning straight from sterilizer to the tank. I can control the flow thru the unit that way.