Turbo-Twist U.V. Sterilizer

[lucky?]

I just bought a turbo twist 36 watt x 12X sterilizer. It's rated for 800 gph, whats the best way to maximize it, with a small pump or large one to achieve 800 gph. If the light is what kills the organisms wouldn't it make sense to have a slow flow so the water is exposed more? Or, would it be better to have a high flow rate and clean 800 gph? It's going to be used on a 240 reef.

 

[beeryc]

It should say in your instruction manual what the flow rate should be. I have a small turbo twist

 

[lucky?]

I just ordered it and don't have the manual yet. I just want to be ready and order the pump so they both get here and I can get it up and running. I ordered one 2 months ago but never got it from an ---- store, I just got my refund from paypal.

 

[sign guy]

the slower the better my 18 watt is rated for 200 to 400 gph. If you are looking to kill free floating parisites stick to the lower gph if you just want to keep your tank more clear speed it up a little

 

[waterworld]

Your flow depends on what you are targeting to kill with the UV. If you want algae and parasites to be eliminated a slower flow is required. For algae only the higher flow rates will be fine. I run a smaller Turbo and installed it with a pump that un-restricted ran at the slower rate to kill parasites as well as algae. Nice units. Couple of points,
1) Mount the UV unit so that trapped air will always travel upwards and out the higher exit point. Air will always travel to the highest point and that should be your exit point. You do not want any air to be trapped in the unit housing.
2) Replace the bulb about every 6-9 months. DO NOT buy the bulbs from a fish supply house. You can research on the net and find compatible bulbs for considerably less. My Turbo uses a standard bulb used for medical and industrial applications made by Phillips.
3) When you replace the bulb clean the quartz sleeve as well. This maximizes the transfer of the light to the water.
Good Luck
WW