UV for large system

ca1ore · May 8, 2018

Any suggestions beyond the usual suspects for a large system? I've looked at the Aqua UV units but, frankly, they seem absurdly priced for what you get. Just suggestions please, no need for 'you don't need a UV' comments.

LobsterOfJustice · May 8, 2018

It sounds like you’re already doing this but I would definitely be looking at pond units, much better bang for your buck.

AlexG · May 8, 2018

What are you trying to accomplish with UV? Killing algae or pathogens or other? I keep an emperor aquatics 80watt High output UV on my system which is technically only about 1/3 the size I need to be at full capacity for anti pathogen use. I could not pass up a good deal though for a UV this size. It does help the system though keeping the water clear and removing some pathogens/algae from the water column. There is a noticeable increase in the ORP when the UV was added to my system which has helped the performance of the protein skimmer. The exposure time of the water to the UV is important when sizing a UV sterilizer. These units can be expensive but it also depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

Luno · May 8, 2018

Debarry it's all you need to know for uv sterilizers absolute best

Buckeye Hydro · May 9, 2018

ca1ore said:
Any suggestions beyond the usual suspects for a large system? I've looked at the Aqua UV units but, frankly, they seem absurdly priced for what you get. Just suggestions please, no need for 'you don't need a UV' comments.

What is the gpm flow you want to push through the UV unit?

ca1ore · May 9, 2018

I’m thinking 1,500 gph nominally; and it’s for parasite pressure reduction.

Buckeye Hydro · May 9, 2018

We like to go with a uv exposure of 75,000 to 90,000 on marine systems, so at 1100 gph you could use a 40 watt unit.
http://www.buckeyehydro.com/40-watt-classic-twist-uv/

When comparing units make sure you are comparing apples to apples - consider the flow and the exposure.

Russ

jt17 · May 9, 2018

What size system?
I run a 120 watt emperor aquatics on my 850 primarily to keep water clear. It's a high powered single bulb.
I was between emperor and aqua uv and opted for the emperor so I only need to replace 1 bulb instead of 3.
Some reefers I respect said to not get the wiper option and some said get the wiper. Emperor doesn't recommend wiper for marine systems while aqua uv does. I went with no wiper.
Since i have had this unit on this system since day 1 and can't really comment if it made a difference but my water is clear.

Buckeye Hydro · May 9, 2018

ca1ore said:
Any suggestions beyond the usual suspects for a large system? I've looked at the Aqua UV units but, frankly, they seem absurdly priced for what you get. Just suggestions please, no need for 'you don't need a UV' comments.

How many gallons in your system?

ca1ore · May 9, 2018

I was hoping for options beyond aqua and emperor - as I note, they seem absurdly priced to me for what you get. Anyone used TMC? Or PondMaster?

ca1ore · May 9, 2018

LobsterOfJustice said:
It sounds like you’re already doing this but I would definitely be looking at pond units, much better bang for your buck.

This is a very helpful suggestion; should have occurred to me

jinbing0905 · May 9, 2018

I have 180 gal and I use a pond unit uv, it is waste of my money don't do anything to my tank.

ca1ore said:
I was hoping for options beyond aqua and emperor - as I note, they seem absurdly priced to me for what you get. Anyone used TMC? Or PondMaster?

xaflatoonx · May 9, 2018

i agree to the comment of absurd pricing on these larger units.
I am also looking for a UV option to cover 300-400 gallons.. but any unit that does over 200 gallons has sky high incremental costs.

hatfielj · May 9, 2018

I just hooked up this to my 250gallon system:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/emperor-aquatics-smart-high-output-uv-80-watt.html
It's well made and with proper flow rate more than adequate in size for my system. It actually has made a huge difference. My achilles and hippo tang were getting ich pretty bad, but have been mostly spot free since starting this up (been a few weeks now). I'm hoping it continues to help.

That company makes bigger models as well. This one is huge. It's like 4 ft tall and probably 6" in diameter.

Bayareareefer18 · May 9, 2018

ca1ore said:
I was hoping for options beyond aqua and emperor - as I note, they seem absurdly priced to me for what you get. Anyone used TMC? Or PondMaster?

I definitely wouldn't say the price is absurd on these. When it comes to uv you get what you pay for. Not all uv are created equal.

I own a pool business and install uv on high end residential and commercial pools and they do work. The key is properly sizing the unit as well as ensuring proper flow rate. Where most fail with uv is exceeding the flow rate where the uv becomes a sterilizer rather than a clarifier.

Also keep in mind uv can kill your micro fauna as well. Aqua ultraviolet had a great chart where it shows the flow rate difference for reef compared to fowlr

My opinion is if you are going to go uv for the benefit then pay for something quality that will do the job. Why by something cheap that will not be effective or ultimately fail

ca1ore · May 9, 2018

Well, we will have to agree to disagree on that. A PVC housing, Quartz sleeve, a ballast and bulb for $800 ...... I don't think so. Plus you have it backwards. Exceed the proper flow and it becomes just a clarifier not a sterilizer.

LobsterOfJustice · May 9, 2018

ca1ore said:
This is a very helpful suggestion; should have occurred to me

Just remember the system sizing and flow rates for ponds don’t exactly transfer over to reef tanks. For ponds they are mostly used for keeping green water in check (clarifying) and you will need to run a slower flow rate than spec’d to have an effect on parasites (sterilizing) but it sounds like you already understand that. Still, much better pricing on large units and once you adjust the flow rate accordingly to achieve your goals, you should be just as effective.

ca1ore · May 9, 2018

Yes, understood. The old pond rule of thumb was 10 watts/1,000 gallons because it was assumed that the sun adds a measure of UV as well. Reef tanks use to be 10 watts/75 gallons, though it does seem that that has been 'relaxed' more recently.

Bayareareefer18 · May 9, 2018

ca1ore said:
Well, we will have to agree to disagree on that. A PVC housing, Quartz sleeve, a ballast and bulb for $800 ...... I don't think so. Plus you have it backwards. Exceed the proper flow and it becomes just a clarifier not a sterilizer.

You are correct that was a typo

I would also agree that $800 is overpriced

Luno · May 9, 2018

ca1ore said:
I was hoping for options beyond aqua and emperor - as I note, they seem absurdly priced to me for what you get. Anyone used TMC? Or PondMaster?

Check out debarry AN55, I've tried many uv sterilizers and these debarry ones seem to be the best IMO. They cost around $700AUD which should be about $500USD. Still a little on the pricey end but German quality built and outstanding life and performance

Edit - this one should definitely do your needs