Which UV Sterilizer is right for me?

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by Roemer3, Jun 12, 2013.

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  1. Roemer3

    Roemer3 Astrea Snail

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    Hey guys I want to add a UV Sterilizer to my tank. Which would be the best one for me that is going to get the job done but isnt over kill and going to break the bank.

    I have a 30 Gallon sump.
    The pump in my sump is a SICCE Syncra Silent 2.0 (568 US GPH)
    I have a 1" Pipe from my over flow to the sump.


    What UV Sterilizer would you suggest?


    Thanks!
     
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  3. rocketmandb

    rocketmandb Ocellaris Clown

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    Questions:

    - What do you want it for? Keep algae down? Kill bacteria? Kill parasites?

    - How big is your overall system? (total water volume)
     
  4. Roemer3

    Roemer3 Astrea Snail

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    Mostly worried about killing bacteria
     
  5. Roemer3

    Roemer3 Astrea Snail

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    Total system is about 110 gallons with sump
     
  6. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    I don't think you really need one IMO. If you have live rock and a good skimmer, then why run something that isn't needed.
     
  7. Greg@LionfishLair

    Greg@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

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    The bacteria we're concerned with in our aquariums are not found in the water column, so the UV unit will have no effect on them. I'd leave out the UV unit.

    Where they HAVE been useful is in fry rearing tanks where they're used to control the population of protozoa which often kill fry.
     
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  9. rocketmandb

    rocketmandb Ocellaris Clown

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    If you're running a reef, semi-reef or fowlr tank there are really only two reasons to have a UV:

    - Parasite control (and see some of my other posts, you need a pretty big one if you want to kill ich. Having one for velvet, otoh - that's why I run mine.

    - Reduce algae growth.

    You should not have free floating bacterial problems. If you do it is indicative of something else wrong in the tank.