UV Sterilizer to big?

[tony91lx]

I was given a 36W Custom SeaLife Sterilizer, but my tank is only 42 gallons, with maybe another 10 gallons of sump, canister and skimmer capacity. Will this be to much? It is a reef tank with about 60lbs of LR and another 75 in live sand.

 

[tony91lx]

It was given to me?
Have a sick fish and was hoping it would help.

 

[tony91lx]

I already did, more to treat the tank from any thing else that could be there.

 

[jbanks]

I don't think the 36watt will hurt your tank. I've had my 40 wat UV running on my 120 reef for 4 mos now and and it hasn't affected anything in a negative manner. What I can tell you is that I had a pretty bad ich outbreak before I added it and I have not seen ich since. I'm sure it won't eradicate it but it will definately give your fish a fighting chance and your water will be super clear with less algae to worry about. Just make sure that your flow rate is correct through your UV.
Good luck!

 

[jbanks]

Actually, my pod populations is not as abundant as it was prior to adding the UV however, there is still a strong presence in my refugium. As for the coralline algae, it is at the point where it is more of a nuisance than something I am excited about My coralline growth increased significantly after my 4 month point and now at 9 months old (The tank that is), the back of my tank and all of the rocks are almost fully encrusted. I will post a picture when I get a chance. It is pretty labor intensive keeping it off the front and side glass.

 

[flatzboy]

Originally posted by jbanks
Actually, my pod populations is not as abundant as it was prior to adding the UV however, there is still a strong presence in my refugium. As for the coralline algae, it is at the point where it is more of a nuisance than something I am excited about My coralline growth increased significantly after my 4 month point and now at 9 months old (The tank that is), the back of my tank and all of the rocks are almost fully encrusted. I will post a picture when I get a chance. It is pretty labor intensive keeping it off the front and side glass.
Get an urchin or 2 they will eat your coraline algea. Star with one and if its not doing the job add another.

 

[badkharma]

Originally posted by chriscobb
Have you noticed a decrease in your pods or your corralline algae????
A UV does not affect pods or coraline. In fact, contrary to yours and many others' beliefs, a UV is an excellent addition of equipment to a reef tank. I've had mine for 6 months and the coraline grows like mad - as do the pods. I haven't had a disease outbreak since. My water is also crystal clear, all the time. I have seen many full-blown established reef tanks with UV.
I will agree that 36W is a TON of wattage for that size tank. I don't think it will matter much though as long as the pump flow is correct. What pump do you have for it, Tony?

 

[tony91lx]

I was going to use a rio 2100, after thinking about it I thought that the 36W was going to be to big, to I didn't take it.

 

[badkharma]

A 9 watt would be just fine. I have a rio400 on mine.