Question about setting up a UV

[nhannon8]

I'm getting ready to install a Current USA Gamma 40 watt UV on my 75 gallon reef tank. I'm sure this is overkill, but it gives me the chance to go to a larger tank without having to buy all new stuff. My question is, do I plumb it into my return line or just run it off a powerhead. I am running a Mag 7, and everything I have read about this UV says the flow from the Mag 7 would be good to kill everything including ich. I know adding the UV will raise the temp and I'm concerned an additional MJ1200 will just add more heat.
Also, should I run it 24/7 or just a few hours a day? I am not trying to cure anything, every fish I add goes to quarantine and so far so good. I do plan on adding one or two tangs in the future and know they have a hard time with ich so I'm trying to prevent, rather than cure.
Any thought on the plumbing and run time would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Nathan.

 

[brandonmason]

IMO, with you running an open top and a fan in your sump area heat would not be a concern especially if you can elevate your lights an inch or two off the tank... not a big deal as you are going to do leds soon... the Mag 7 will push water twice as fast through the UV over the MJ1200 as it is only 295 GPH when set up as a pump. This is not counting headloss you will have through elbows and pipe... this is what the UV can handle Max. Flow @ 30000µw sec/cm2: 2880 gph

 

[nickg]

I would build a small manifold off the mag.
My $.02

 

[elfloyd]

I am running the Gamma 40w on my tank. Fed through a manifold by a much larger pump. However, I am also using a flow guage and reduce flow to the proper rate for killing ich, etc. (180-200 gph. For the Gamma 40w).

 

[jeffmuse]

nickg;901914 wrote: I would build a small manifold off the mag.
My $.02

+1 I use a manifold to direct flow to my calcium reactor, gfo, and UV sterilizer.

 

[camellia]

Ive read its bad to run such a high UV (way past flow recommendations)? I've read it kills the good bacteria (phytoplankton etc.)?
Another reason I'm asking is because a few years ago a experienced reefer told me to get the biggest UV I could afford. Then while shopping around the websites that sell them clearly tell you not to over kill!

Whatca think?
Thanks

 

[nhannon8]

My understanding is most of the beneficial bacteria resides on the live rock and sand. Anything that is killed in the water column is minimal.

 

[camellia]

Ok, makes sense. It's just odd that the manufacture would discourage buyers from spending more money on their product!

 

[jeffmuse]

Camellia;901956 wrote: Ive read its bad to run such a high UV (way past flow recommendations)? I've read it kills the good bacteria (phytoplankton etc.)?
Another reason I'm asking is because a few years ago a experienced reefer told me to get the biggest UV I could afford. Then while shopping around the websites that sell them clearly tell you not to over kill!

Whatca think?
Thanks

I know that there are a lot of conflicting arguments about the use of UV sterilizers; however, it is my understanding that you cannot over sterilize your tank.

 

[grouper therapy]

Nathan
I would run it 24/7 and feed it from a manifold with a properly sized pump to handle the return and the added manifold. If you plan to go larger you could go with a larger pump and dial it back. If heat becomes an issue I would entertain using a different pump (brand/ type). Mags are old diehards but they have a history of running on the warm side. Maybe an external pump if real estate allows it. Back to run time, I ran a 57 watt on my 250 gallon system 24/7 at around 150 gph with positive results. I never had ich and I had several tangs but I also was fanatical about my quarantining .

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Nathan.....I think it's already been said and it's sound advice....manifold it so you can control flow rate and run it 24/7. I run mine that way and the heat that's added by the UV is minimal. I sometimes have to run heaters just to keep the temp up (I don't have a high heat load).

 

[bcavalli]

Some good information on UV's.