uv for a fowlr, yay or nay?

[acrylic51]

Originally Posted by Merredeth
This is true, however I know mine is going very slowly through the UV. Easy fix to insure it was to make sure that the tubing going from the pump to the UV was longer than normal. That seemed to work when I was concerned about the flow being too high on the first TurboTwist I installed. I left that one alone, but knew that any subsequent ones I was going to make a longer intake, which would reduce the flow rate, thus creating more exposure to the light.
I haven't used Aqualogic. How about posting a pic up and telling me a little about them.
Thanks,
Denise M.

You still haven't answered the question you still can't guarantee the flow rate, by lengthening the tube or shortening it, because you can't verify the actual output of the PH................I'll have take a pic of the unit.....

 

[merredeth]

Originally Posted by acrylic51
You still haven't answered the question you still can't guarantee the flow rate, by lengthening the tube or shortening it, because you can't verify the actual output of the PH................I'll have take a pic of the unit.....
I agree you cannot guarantee - however, we all know that part of the UV success depends on the slowest flow rate possible, as the longer the light source is exposed to the water column - the better the success.
I suppose you could buy a smaller powerhead but the manufacturer doesn't recommend going smaller, so I made longer intake lines.
Thanks for taking a pic of the unit. The only tank I didn't have moonlights mounted to was the one in the bedroom, because the hubby sleeps on that side of the bed.
If I get the opportunity to replace that TurboTwist, then maybe the Aqualogic is the way to go. Gotta do my research on it.

Denise M.

 

[hatessushi]

The only one UV sterilizer I see with a flow rate control onit is the JBJ Submariner UV-C submersible. It look like you can submerse it in the sump.

 

[acrylic51]

Going with to slow of a flow rate IMO only would add more heat to the water.......Haven't seen the JBJ, but all units can easily be adjusted with a small control valve.....The Turbo if I'm not mistaken has the little valve included......

 

[hatessushi]

The JBJ looks like a control that is marked also. The water is sucked in through the side and does through a sponge filter and looks pretty easy to clean also.

 

[michaeltx]

I am going against the flow I have never had and dont plan on a UV I use the QT method before it goes into the tank and with as close to pristine water conditions as possible.
My problem is I put in another posts is its an indicrimant killer and will kill everything that goes through it good and bad,. I work to hard to get the good things in the tank just kill them off for a UV to kill it. They work and I would never say that its not a good purchase but in my experience nothing can beat a QT period of time to rid the bad stuff in the first palce.
Mike

 

[merredeth]

Originally Posted by MichaelTX
I am going against the flow I have never had and dont plan on a UV I use the QT method before it goes into the tank and with as close to pristine water conditions as possible.
My problem is I put in another posts is its an indicrimant killer and will kill everything that goes through it good and bad,. I work to hard to get the good things in the tank just kill them off for a UV to kill it. They work and I would never say that its not a good purchase but in my experience nothing can beat a QT period of time to rid the bad stuff in the first palce.
Mike
I use a UV in conjunction with QT most of the time. I cannot say I ALWAYS QT fish, but 90% of the time I do. Yes, I know it is the 10% that I should worry about. However, since most of my tanks are stocked already with fish and I'm concentrating on buying more corals right now.
Denise M.

 

[waterworld]

I also went with the 18w TurboTwist model for my 125 gallon FOWLR. I have have had no problems with it and it certainly does the job. Agreed the plumbing fittings were less than impressive. The hose provided seemed flimsy and thin so I hooked it up with some that was heavier. I am curious about the flow-meters that Acrylic is suggesting, I have not seen those and will look for them. My Turbo is rated to kill parasites at 300GPH or under so I just bought a 300 GPH pump knowing the actual flow rate would be slightly under and not pump too fast to be effective. I was told by the bulb manifacturer (Phillips) that the bulb had a life of 8000 hours = about 11 months of constant use. I change mine about every 6-8 months. Do not buy your bulbs from a fish store or supply source. These bulbs are a commonly used bulb for medical and industrial applications and searching on-line you can identify your bulb as well well as pruchase for $20 per bulb less than the fish supply sources.
WW

 

[merredeth]

Originally Posted by Waterworld
I also went with the 18w TurboTwist model for my 125 gallon FOWLR. I have have had no problems with it and it certainly does the job. Agreed the plumbing fittings were less than impressive. The hose provided seemed flimsy and thin so I hooked it up with some that was heavier. I am curious about the flow-meters that Acrylic is suggesting, I have not seen those and will look for them. My Turbo is rated to kill parasites at 300GPH or under so I just bought a 300 GPH pump knowing the actual flow rate would be slightly under and not pump too fast to be effective. I was told by the bulb manifacturer (Phillips) that the bulb had a life of 8000 hours = about 11 months of constant use. I change mine about every 6-8 months. Do not buy your bulbs from a fish store or supply source. These bulbs are a commonly used bulb for medical and industrial applications and searching on-line you can identify your bulb as well well as pruchase for $20 per bulb less than the fish supply sources.
WW
I agree changing bulbs sooner than the recommended time frame is one of the ways to make sure the color spectrum does the job. Flow rate like you said is also important. Slower flow rate means more exposure to the light so the light can do the job effectively.
Denise M.

 

[yimmy]

As long as you change your bulbs I would say good idea. I have one and I have never had any diseases in my tank. It's been up for a bit under a year.

 

[acrylic51]

Hey Merredeth......The flow meters are pretty inexpensive depending what your looking for and such.....Toms is making I think a 3/4" flow meter that would work on these applications, and most online places are carrying them now.......Another place to check for flow meters is AquaticEco. They have several different types, and they get really pricey after a while......I use the ones from AquaticEco and they are calibrated for 1 1/2" pipe. My UV for clarity purposes can be pushed to 3000gph......Here's a pic of a flow meter, but the Toms meters are a little different......

 

[acrylic51]

Hey Merredeth here's a poor pic of my UV....will try to get a better shot tonight........Aqua Ultraviolet

 

[merredeth]

Originally Posted by acrylic51
Hey Merredeth here's a poor pic of my UV....will try to get a better shot tonight........Aqua Ultraviolet
Nice and clean looking - not the cluster fu@k I've seen on some tanks.
I'll check it out further.
Thanks for posting the pics.
Denise M.

 

[acrylic51]

Thanks.....I have room to space my stuff out which alot of people don't have the luxury to do........Plus the unit is on the big side.....I couldn't mount it where I actually wanted to, because it would either have to be totally removed to either change the bulb out or to utilize the wiper. You can't see the wiper arm/knob on the other side due to pic......It was just easier to mount it under the MT, that way I wouldn't have to dismount the unit from it's location, and could clean it easy, and makes bulb replacement super easy as well.