UV Sterilizer: Does size matter?

[TrampledByEwoks]

I have the opportunity to buy a 3 month used UV Sterilizer from Aqua for about 1/4 of its new MSRP. Issue is that it’s rated for 70 gallons when I am running a 90 gallon tank.

Would it supposedly being undersized be that big of a disadvantage that I should pass on this deal?

 

[landlubber]

I mean it depends on your goals but both size and flow matter.
Flow is the more meaningful factor as you need proper exposure to the bulb for it to work against pathogens. You will get the same job done with the smaller UV, it'll just take longer.

 

[TrampledByEwoks]

I mean it depends on your goals but both size and flow matter.
Flow is the more meaningful factor as you need proper exposure to the bulb for it to work against pathogens. You will get the same job done with the smaller UV, it'll just take longer.

I am thinking if I’m just running it 24/7 it’ll do what I am hoping to do. Goal is to kill the dinos suspended at night

 

[landlubber]

I am thinking if I’m just running it 24/7 it’ll do what I am hoping to do. Goal is to kill the dinos suspended at night

yea i did the same when i was running mine. you'll notice the water clarity pickup after a few days which is a nice little treat too

 

[TheStrangler]

The sizing requirements for sterilizing parasites is much more strict than the requirements for sterilizing algae and dinoflagellates. You can check the manufacturer exposure/flow recommendations for a better idea to see if they're saying its for 70 gallons for protozoa or algae. My thought process is that if you in the future want more UV exposure, you could always get a second small unit in order to get the exposure you need.

 

[BudgetR33f]

I mean it depends on your goals but both size and flow matter.
Flow is the more meaningful factor as you need proper exposure to the bulb for it to work against pathogens. You will get the same job done with the smaller UV, it'll just take longer.

agreed

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

If you get one too big, it could overheat your Aquarium.

 

[BudgetR33f]

If you get one too big, it could overheat your Aquarium.

I don't know about this, I have one recommended for 70g in my 20g. It could be possible but I don't think it would increase more than a couple degrees

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

Wattage is Wattage, doesn’t matter if it’s from a Heater, Submersible Pump or UV.

 

[dangit]

I recommend watching the BRS guide on UV sterilizers…flow rate and size of the bulb impact the contact rate. If you get one too small it’s not going to properly work and you will see reduced benefits.

 

[TrampledByEwoks]

The key piece I am seeing from everyone here seems to be around flow rate. If my return pump is within the range of the recommended flow I should be good to go right?

 

[Gundy]

Size does matter. From all my research, a lot of reefers actually purchase a unit substantially larger than is recommended. With UV sterilizers, more can be better. I’m actually going to put 2 units on my new system.