UV Question

[Gary Ellis]

Which one will do an all-around better job on my 75g tank? The Vecton 2: V2 300 rated at 16 watts or the Green Killing Machine rated at 24 watts? Is the Green machine overrated in watts?

 

[150 Gallon Reef]

I have the green killing machine for a 60 gallon (total volume) tank and it works wonders!

 

[dwest]

I’ve heard about positive results with green killing machine.

 

[piranhaman00]

The Green Killing Machine will not sterilize water, it is a UV clarifier. I have never heard of the Vecton before, but from looking at images I would most likely go with that. Few things, with UV watts do not equal watts, UV contact time is very important, the GKM has to low contact time to sterilize. The GKM is also submersible while the other is not, not sure what you are looking for.

If your looking to clear water or kill dinos cheaply, the GKM will work great! If you want to sterilize and you have the money, look into aquaUV 15-25 watts or pentair. Good luck!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Higher wattage is always beneficial and id use green machine

 

[Waters]

I think they are a wash honestly.......UV sterilization is based on wattage, length of time water is in contact with the light, and clarity of tube. The GKM has higher wattage but very short contact time....which makes it only worthwhile for clearing green water or bacterial issues (unless you slow it WAY down which renders it worthless in any but the smallest of tanks). The other unit has longer contact time but lower wattage. I personally would go with something besides either of those, unless you are just clearing green or cloudy water...then I would go with the GKM. I do use the GKM in my freshwater planted tanks and my QT.

 

[leepink23]

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Another in-sump option

 

[piranhaman00]

Higher wattage is always beneficial and id use green machine

Thats not true at all, its all about contact time. This is why the pentair UV get such praise, the contact time is insane, they are massive units.

I think they are a wash honestly.......UV sterilization is based on wattage, length of time water is in contact with the light, and clarity of tube. The GKM has higher wattage but very short contact time....which makes it only worthwhile for clearing green water or bacterial issues (unless you slow it WAY down which renders it worthless in any but the smallest of tanks). The other unit has longer contact time but lower wattage. I personally would go with something besides either of those, unless you are just clearing green or cloudy water...then I would go with the GKM. I do use the GKM in my freshwater planted tanks and my QT.

Right on.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thats not true at all, its all about contact time. This is why the pentair UV get such praise, the contact time is insane, they are massive units.



Right on.

Piranahman:
Wattage is very important as is contact. With contact, i dont think anyone in their right mind is going to run water at full or fast flow to shock bacteria, etc. The wattage is important to accomplish the purpose of uv unit to begin with. I sure wouldn’t feel confident using an 8wt unit on a 150gal tank because I have good contact time. I want Both and enough wattage to assure the uv is Effective

 

[Gary Ellis]

I think they are a wash honestly.......UV sterilization is based on wattage, length of time water is in contact with the light, and clarity of tube. The GKM has higher wattage but very short contact time....which makes it only worthwhile for clearing green water or bacterial issues (unless you slow it WAY down which renders it worthless in any but the smallest of tanks). The other unit has longer contact time but lower wattage. I personally would go with something besides either of those, unless you are just clearing green or cloudy water...then I would go with the GKM. I do use the GKM in my freshwater planted tanks and my QT.

I have limited space in my cabinet, so that's why I'm comparing these two. Anything 21 inches or longer will not fit. I do already have the GKM but it's time to replace the bulb. Just wondering if I should put the money for something better.

 

[piranhaman00]

Piranahman:
Wattage is very important as is contact. With contact, i dont think anyone in their right mind is going to run water at full or fast flow to shock bacteria, etc. The wattage is important to accomplish the purpose of uv unit to begin with. I sure wouldn’t feel confident using an 8wt unit on a 150gal tank because I have good contact time. I want Both and enough wattage to assure the uv is Effective

Yes of course! From your post, it sounded like because the GKM is more watts it is better. Sorry I guess I kind of misunderstood watts is equally as important as contact time, having just one doesnt make the unit. I wouldnt choose the GKM in this case based solely on its higher wattage.

 

[Gary Ellis]

Yes of course! From your post, it sounded like because the GKM is more watts it is better. Sorry I guess I kind of misunderstood watts is equally as important as contact time, having just one doesnt make the unit. I wouldnt choose the GKM in this case based solely on its higher wattage.

So you think the lower watt Vecton would be a better choice?

 

[piranhaman00]

So you think the lower watt Vecton would be a better choice?

Just as @Waters said, its probably a wash. I was just saying that higher watts does not mean a better sterilizer. See if you can find the uws/cm2 data like this. With these units you are mentioning its really hard to know which is better.

The GKM will absolutely clear your water if thats what your looking for. Since you already have it, how are you liking it?

 

[Gary Ellis]

Just as @Waters said, its probably a wash. I was just saying that higher watts does not mean a better sterilizer. See if you can find the uws/cm2 data like this. With these units you are mentioning its really hard to know which is better.

The GKM will absolutely clear your water if thats what your looking for. Since you already have it, how are you liking it?

I'm liking the GKM but would like to get it out of my sump. I'm making space for a Clarisea. I'm having trouble finding a small but powerful UV to fit in my cabinet though. I like the design of the Vecton, but not sure if it's going to do the job. My water is crystal clear now, but my glass gets filmy after a couple of days. I'm not sure if a better UV would help that.

 

[piranhaman00]

I'm liking the GKM but would like to get it out of my sump. I'm making space for a Clarisea. I'm having trouble finding a small but powerful UV to fit in my cabinet though. I like the design of the Vecton, but not sure if it's going to do the job. My water is crystal clear now, but my glass gets filmy after a couple of days. I'm not sure if a better UV would help that.

This unit works great for me, it is quite small actually and having known data is very useful in determining flow rate. All you would need is to have a small pump in your sump. Not too pricey either, and takes up very little room. You could also use the one that hangs right on the back of your sump or tank.

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[vetteguy53081]

Yes of course! From your post, it sounded like because the GKM is more watts it is better. Sorry I guess I kind of misunderstood watts is equally as important as contact time, having just one doesnt make the unit. I wouldnt choose the GKM in this case based solely on its higher wattage.

Often, this is what makes selection difficult. For organisms to be killed by UV, they must be exposed to the radiation at a certain strength (wattage) for a certain amount of (contact) time. Because reef aquuarium water contains so much suspended matter, it is easy for the organisms to hide behind other particles and organisms as they flow past the UV light. This reduces exposure to the UV radiation and limits its effectiveness where the higher wattage can be of benefit.

 

[piranhaman00]

Often, this is what makes selection difficult. For organisms to be killed by UV, they must be exposed to the radiation at a certain strength (wattage) for a certain amount of (contact) time. Because reef aquuarium water contains so much suspended matter, it is easy for the organisms to hide behind other particles and organisms as they flow past the UV light. This reduces exposure to the UV radiation and limits its effectiveness where the higher wattage can be of benefit.

I think its also important to note that not all UV bulbs are made the same, spectrum can shift or start out not being at the UV-c nm. Thats getting even more technical but not all 55 watt UV bulbs are going to be the same either.

 

[ca1ore]

Sample size of one …. but I was not impressed with the green machine. Bought a small one for my QT tank. Went to turn it on yesterday after only having used it for a few weeks last year …. and it doesn't work. Of course, I seem to have issues always with the ballasts on UVs in general. I'd personally get the vecton.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I think its also important to note that not all UV bulbs are made the same, spectrum can shift or start out not being at the UV-c nm. Thats getting even more technical but not all 55 watt UV bulbs are going to be the same either.

Good point - Yes

 

[S.Pepper]

Which one will do an all-around better job on my 75g tank? The Vecton 2: V2 300 rated at 16 watts or the Green Killing Machine rated at 24 watts? Is the Green machine overrated in watts?

Unfortunately, u don't mention the reason you are considering a UV sterilizer. If it is to clear up a bacterial bloom, which is why I purchased the GKM, it does wonders and at a moderate price with easy installation. GL