UV Sterilizer recommendation (~90g)

Serpentman2024 · Mar 22, 2024

I would like to have a UV sterilizer in my upcoming build. Total system will be approximately 90g. Space will be very limited and am considering submersible models as well. I'm currently considering the 10W Aquashield from IM which seems to have mixed reviews. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

AuqaShield 10 Watt UV Sterilizer/Clarifier (Universal) - Innovative Marine

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

slythy · Mar 22, 2024

I assume you are running the UV for algae reasons? I ran a 55w AquaUV on my 70g, and now 110w on my 180g

doubleshot00 · Mar 22, 2024

Why is space an issue? I have my 25 watt aqua uv soft plumbed so its out of the way. Pump in return chamber and looped into a baffle.

I have that uv in my IM15. IDK if it would work for a 90.

Serpentman2024 · Mar 22, 2024

slythy said:
I assume you are running the UV for algae reasons? I ran a 55w AquaUV on my 70g, and now 110w on my 180g

Thanks. Algae will be my primary concern.

Serpentman2024 · Mar 22, 2024

doubleshot00 said:
Why is space an issue? I have my 25 watt aqua uv soft plumbed so its out of the way. Pump in return chamber and looped into a baffle.

I have that uv in my IM15. IDK if it would work for a 90

Everything will have to fit in my stand. And its looking like things will be pretty tight.

slythy · Mar 22, 2024

In my stand on the far upper left side I have my Ballast mounted, then on the back I added a board to hold my UV on the right hand side. Get creative and you can make a real UV system work! Just make sure you can pull the bulb out!

Serpentman2024 · Mar 22, 2024

slythy said:
In my stand on the far upper left side I have my Ballast mounted, then on the back I added a board to hold my UV on the right hand side. Get creative and you can make a real UV system work! Just make sure you can pull the bulb out!

Serpentman2024 · Mar 22, 2024

Thanks. I'll have to wait for the tank to arrive. This will be an AIO IM system. I'm not sure I'll be able to add any mounting boards to their APS stand.

Nice setup btw!

doubleshot00 · Mar 22, 2024

Sirlagzalott said:
Thanks. I'll have to wait for the tank to arrive. This will be an AIO IM system. I'm not sure I'll be able to add any mounting boards to their APS stand.

Nice setup btw!

So no sump? Yeah UV may be out of the question or just use the small one you posted.

Serpentman2024 · Mar 22, 2024

doubleshot00 said:
So no sump? Yeah UV may be out of the question or just use the small one you posted.

This is the NUVO 75INT so it will have a sump.

I'm thinking 10W may be too small as well.

doubleshot00 · Mar 22, 2024

Sirlagzalott said:
This is the NUVO 75INT so it will have a sump.

I'm thinking 10W may be too small as well.

Its really simple if you loop it and not plumb it into anything else. Separate pump from return into uv then back into sump. But keep in mind uv is not a must. Mines been off for over 6 months now and i see no difference in my tank.

Serpentman2024 · Mar 22, 2024

doubleshot00 said:
Its really simple if you loop it and not plumb it into anything else. Separate pump from return into uv then back into sump. But keep in mind uv is not a must. Mines been off for over 6 months now and i see no difference in my tank.

Yeah, I may just hold off. I ran without one the past with no issues. I'm more concerned at the start with algae, etc. Longer term, its probably unnecessary.

doubleshot00 · Mar 22, 2024

Sirlagzalott said:
Yeah, I may just hold off. I ran without one the past with no issues. I'm more concerned at the start with algae, etc. Longer term, its probably unnecessary.

Add a tang or foxface and you wont have an algae issue. I like having it just for water clarity.

slythy · Mar 22, 2024

The reason I run high UV is because I dont quarantine...

Serpentman2024 · Mar 23, 2024

It’s been decades since I cycled a tank from scratch so decided to cover my bases definitely want a UV sterilizer to battle blooms. My biggest issues with the IM model is wattage and no indicator light to see if its working.

Still don’t want to break the bank on this particular piece of equipment. Thinking of going with this: