U.V. STERILIZER

[jwillis]

I am in the process of setting up my new 75gal fowlv.I am using a sealife w/d and 1 2100 Rio powerhead and 1 700 powerhead in tank.I have installed a Rio 2500 pump to take care of the 4 ft upward push for the w/d.The 25watt Startronics U.V Sterilizer is being powered by a Maxijet 600 pump.My question is how long should the strilizer run per day as well as the Smartlight I have overhead. I have been told by the local lfs to run the U.V. and light for approx 8 hours a day.Is this correct? I have had other lfs tell me it is ok to run the U.V all the time so now I am totally confused,Mr Salty I know you have the correct answer.

 

[beth]

I'm not Salty, but I can answer....its up to you.
In a FO tank there is absolutely no reason not run the UV 24/7. Reefers debate the use of UV in reef systems for various reasons, but you can definately run it all the time in the FO.
Now, your LFS may have told you to run your particular UV for only 8 hours because at 25watts, in a 75 gal tank, you are kinda overdoing on the UV. Overdoing is also a debated issue. My personal opinion is that you need to get a UV that is rated for your size aquarium, and with a 75gal, that rating is usually 15watts. What does your UV specs say about that?
There are, on the other hand, many hobbyists including other Sharks on this BB, that believe that you can't get too much UV.
UV sterilizers are designed to kill microbes. The aim is to kill mostly parasitic microbes as well as some bacterial and algae. The UV can't tell the difference, however, between these negetive microbes and the other beneficial microbes that is present in aquarium water...it will zap both. Thus, IMO it is best to stick with a UV that is made for your size aquarium, and, if you have one that is bigger, then running it less than 24/7 is probably good advise.
There are many discussions on this BB regarding this matter. If you wish to review them, use the Search feature and type in UV Sterilizer.

 

[jwillis]

Beth this was the recommended size for the 75 not a 15watt.
But thanks for the reply,I am planning on running the u.v for eight hours a day as well as my lighting.
Any comments appreciated.

 

[beth]

Landescaper, are you a Landscaper? If so, I wouldn't mind sharing some emails with you about gardening sometime!

 

[beth]

Homestead? That right up my alley [so to speak] LOL
Do you know of any great garden shops in that area? We're kinda limited here in the Keys.
Sorry, guys for breaking the momentum with unrelated aquarium topiic.

 

[jwillis]

Thanks to all for the input I did find a better lfs in the Cincinnati area call House of Tropicals. Very well educated in the field largest in the area and been in business for 3 yrs. He told me not to turn off the u.v. as it will shorten the life of the bulb.They run U. V. in all thier 600 TANKS yes 600.They also specialize in Piranha's as well.They have two rather large nurse sharks on display as well as a 18inch bursa trigger.What a place worth the trip if you live close to Cincinnati.

 

[jwillis]

That was supppose to say 35 years not three.
Sorry typed to fast

 

[jwillis]

Just some food for thought guys. According the the manuf. Star-Tronics my 25watt U.V. should not be run 24/7. The manual states to run the U.V. 12hrs a day and on a timer.They state 24/7 is a waste of time and money.They also state that using a timer will give 2-3 years of bulb life......just thought i woudld see what u guys thought of this

 

[jwillis]

As stated in the first pargraph maxi jet 600