Uv sterolizer

I just got a 25w GAMMA Uv sterelizer. I had a couple of questions about it. I was told I would need a new bulb, and when I checked inside the glass casing for the bulb was broken. Where can I buy these items at? And how many gph are recomended for running one? Any and all extra info is appreciated.

 

Replacement bulb can be found here. This what I found for Specifications:

- Wattage: 25W
- Inlet/Outlet: 1/2" & 3/4" barb
- Max. Aquarium Size: 125gal
- Max. Flow @ 30000µw sec/cm2: 1200 gph
- Dimensions: 26" x 4.0" x 2.75"

I'm not sure what size pump to tell you to get though. I wouldn't go with the max flow though. I would probably go with about 600 - 800 gallons per hour to allow for exposure to the UV light.

 

Wow that expensive

 

In order for the sterilizer to be effective you want just enough flow as to not heat the bulb too much. The slower the better. The longer the water is exposed to the light the more effective it will be.

 

That sort of depends on what your trying to kill. If you want to kill something that reproduces fast, you need the flow to be higher, as you need to cycle your tanks water before the majority can reproduce. For example, bacteria.. Many pathogens, such as bacteria will reproduce faster than your killing them and the net effect will be that your doing absolutely nothing. Of course, to increase flow through and still kill other things, you need to increase power. Although mathematically, 100% of the water will never flow through the UV, in a closed system anyways..

 

If the glass casing is broken you may be screwed. I doubt you will be able to find that casing anywhere but from the manufacturer and, without knowing the product very well, it may not be easily replaceable. It is the sheath that protects the light from the water.

I'd start by contacting the manufacturer to see what they recommend.

If/when you do get it going, the rate through it depends totally on what you want to use it for. Based on the stats listed below, if you want to kill ich you will need to run at a max of about 120 gph. For marine velvet you could run it at about 350 gph. For algae, 800ish would be good.

 

I found the items but they are way expensive. I think i rather just not run it at that price

 

Lol, it would probably just be cheaper to buy a new one.