UV sterilizer for ich

[Dcal]

Im planning a 125-150 gallon build and was hoping to work in a UV for ich prevention/management. Would I be okay going for a smaller one since I wont be relying on it to do any sort of bacterial sterilizing/algae management?

 

[Jekyl]

Im planning a 125-150 gallon build and was hoping to work in a UV for ich prevention/management. Would I be okay going for a smaller one since I wont be relying on it to do any sort of bacterial sterilizing/algae management?

Ich prevention happens by solid quarantine practices. If you have ich, then a sterilizer isn't going to make the difference.

 

[Dcal]

Ich prevention happens by solid quarantine practices. If you have ich, then a sterilizer isn't going to make the difference.

does it not kill tomonts?

 

[Dcal]

Ich prevention happens by solid quarantine practices. If you have ich, then a sterilizer isn't going to make the difference.

oop read some more youre right since it would just bring it down to a level treatable with another method rather than stop it by itself

 

[gbroadbridge]

Im planning a 125-150 gallon build and was hoping to work in a UV for ich prevention/management. Would I be okay going for a smaller one since I wont be relying on it to do any sort of bacterial sterilizing/algae management?

This should be a FAQ.

In order to sterilize Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon Irrantans), you need a UV exposure of more than 280,000uW/cm.

In order to achieve that exposure you need to check the manufacturers specifications, and adjust your flow rate so that the exposure is achieved.

You also need to turn over the tank volume at least once per hour.

For example a Pentair 40W UV with a flow rate of 120 gallons per hour will achieve the required exposure, however the tank size must not be greater than 120 gallons, and in fact significantly less will achieve a better result.

I have a 40W Pentair on a 90 gal system (75 gal display) flowing at 120 gal per hour, and it is successfully managing Ich.

Do not fall into the trap many UV manufacturers provide, in that they list a flow rate that results in an exposure of 90,000uW/cm. This exposure relates only to freshwater Ich and will have no effect whatsoever on Marine Ich.

For a 150 gal tank, you'd be looking at a 55 watt Pentair minimum.

 

[Dcal]

This should be a FAQ.

In order to sterilize Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon Irrantans), you need a UV exposure of more than 280,000uW/cm.

In order to achieve that exposure you need to check the manufacturers specifications, and adjust your flow rate so that the exposure is achieved.

You also need to turn over the tank volume at least once per hour.

For example a Pentair 40W UV with a flow rate of 120 gallons per hour will achieve the required exposure, however the tank size must not be greater than 120 gallons, and in fact significantly less will achieve a better result.

I have a 40W Pentair on a 90 gal system (75 gal display) flowing at 120 gal per hour, and it is successfully managing Ich.

Do not fall into the trap many UV manufacturers provide, in that they list a flow rate that results in an exposure of 90,000uW/cm. This exposure relates only to freshwater Ich and will have no effect whatsoever on Marine Ich.

For a 150 gal tank, you'd be looking at a 55 watt Pentair minimum.

Thanks so much!