UV flow question

[boehm742]

Just finished plumbing in a Icecap 40w sterilizer. Instructions state simply max flow 1000 gph for marine. Can anyone provide me on proper flow for level 2 sterilization of protozoa. I can find documents with specific numbers on contact time and output for other units but not the icecap specifically. Trying to dial in flow and seeking some insight. Thanks!

 

[14 foot reef]

I would look back at the old emperor aquatics flow rates before Pentair bought them. IMO I believe they had the best conservative flow rates for parasitic control. I've posted it here a few times, let me see if I can find again.

 

[14 foot reef]

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[14 foot reef]

Just finished plumbing in a Icecap 40w sterilizer. Instructions state simply max flow 600 gph for marine. Can anyone provide me on proper flow for level 2 sterilization of protozoa. I can find documents with specific numbers on contact time and output for other units but not the icecap specifically. Trying to dial in flow and seeking some insight. Thanks!

If max flow is 600 I'd guess under 300 is a good starting point for now until someone else can chime in.

 

[boehm742]

Oops. Correction 1000 gph max. The 27w was 600.

 

[14 foot reef]

Just finished plumbing in a Icecap 40w sterilizer. Instructions state simply max flow 600 gph for marine. Can anyone provide me on proper flow for level 2 sterilization of protozoa. I can find documents with specific numbers on contact time and output for other units but not the icecap specifically. Trying to dial in flow and seeking some insight. Thanks!

there website says for salt water, Max is 1000 GPH, so reading that, I'd say around 500 max for Protozoa control. I think that's generous though, but a good place to start till you find something better documented.
I run my 200 watt Aqua Ultrovilet at 1500 GPH. Their chart says I can run 3000 gph for protozoa. I can tell you that's not a true number, I run half that at 1500 gph.

I can't find anything from Emperor Aquatics prior to Pentair when Steve owned it. I'm sure someone has it, I remember finding it like 10 years ago.

 

[Seymo44]

Following, as I have just installed an icecap 27w on my mixed reef.

 

[boehm742]

I would look back at the old emperor aquatics flow rates before Pentair bought them. IMO I believe they had the best conservative flow rates for parasitic control. I've posted it here a few times, let me see if I can find again.

Thanks! I’ll have to see what I can dig up. AquaUV and and Pentair have different recommendations with one being much more aggressive in their sterilization numbers. Like you said just trying to find a conservative consensus on ideal flow rate.

 

[14 foot reef]

Thanks! I’ll have to see what I can dig up. AquaUV and and Pentair have different recommendations with one being much more aggressive in their sterilization numbers. Like you said just trying to find a conservative consensus on ideal flow rate.

Pentair is going to be probably good enough, maybe start there and slow it up if you find better info. Aqua Ultraviolet also says not to run UV on a reef tank, fish only.

I love my unit, I just don't run it too their recommendations.

I could be wrong but I believe the scientific community believes that this number is needed for protozoa kill 180,000 µw/cm2, Aqua UV publishes this 90,000 µw/cm2.

 

[boehm742]

Following, as I have just installed an icecap 27w on my mixed reef.

I wish Icecap had a more specific chart for flow rates and mW/cm2. I currently have mine set via bucket test method at aprox 180gph. I did see on BRS website they recommend 0.5x - 1.5x total tank volume per hour is generally the target for level 2 sterilization. Although this recommendation is not specific to any of the UVs they offer just a general recommendation…

 

[Whiskeyboy84]

So I have the Pentair 57w and I believe the flow rate was around 350gph but as others have suggested do a quick google and you should be able to find it. Really any manufacturer would be a good starting point as the exposure time ie goh needed is depended upon wattage so any sterilizer in the same wattage range should have the same or close flow requirements.