Undersized uv

[bevo5]

Is there any actual disadvantage to running an undersized uv? Or would it just maybe not work quite as well?

Looking for a 25w on my 200. It’s undersized but the 40 is so giant it becomes a hassle in my sump. My main objectives would be algae related with the additional benefit of any ich protection.

 

[Gablami]

If you’re hoping to prevent ich, it won’t work. You need a certain amount of tank turnover and for a 200g tank, the flow rate through sterilizer given your wattage is significant underpowered to kill ich. It will probably help with algae.

If you’re looking at aquaUV, the 57W is actually shorter than the 40, and might fit better. But if you’re hoping to prevent ich, even the 57W in a 200g system is undersized.

 

[Gablami]

This was a helpful post for me from @FarmerTy:

Who uses UV?!

Hi NeptuneGarden. sounds like you know the UV stuff. what would you recommend for 130 Gal of water volume ?

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Ribo15]

Preventing ich and algae require 2 separate flows. Ich control is low like maybe 1.5 times tank turn over an hour where as algae is a higher flow. Not sure exactly but more like 3-5 times I think. Have to check those numbers. I have mine mounted along the side of my tank with an inline pump of Amazon it works great! Keep that in mind when under tank sump space is an issue. BRS did a couple videos on UV that are very helpful.

 

[bevo5]

Thanks all. I’ll check some flow rates. I could definitely mount it next to the tank but I get worried having more joints and connections out of the sumo area...where any drips would be collected more safely. I guess I could get over that.