UV Sterilizer choice

[seth the wine guy]

Yes, I have read the sticky. I'm not looking to f around here and put a beast on my system. I just ordered a Eheim 1250 that puts out 360gph to feed it. I'm about to order the Emperor Aquatics 80w Smart HO. I've got around 200-220g of water volume. I know the pump flow is a little more than what is generally recommended for UV sterilization for this size tank but I'm hoping the size of the UV unit will compensate for the lack of dwell time. Any thoughts on what I'm planning?
And any input on my selection?

 

[elfloyd]

Hi Seth... Good choice. In my opinion, All UVs are basically the same. That is, they have a pvc pipe surrounding a UV shielded bulb. What seperates the brands are the build quality, bulb, and gap between shield and pvc.

My one suggestion... Use a valve between the pump and UV to get proper flow.

 

[grouper therapy]

elFloyd;649507 wrote: Hi Seth... Good choice. In my opinion, All UVs are basically the same. That is, they have a pvc pipe surrounding a UV shielded bulb. What seperates the brands are the build quality, bulb, and gap between shield and pvc.

My one suggestion... Use a valve between the pump and UV to get proper flow.

Exactly. It will actually help the pump a little to be throttled back.

 

[smallblock]

emporer's are huge, make sure you have the space first!!!

 

[elfloyd]

Did the calculations... you need 250-300gph to kill ich...

 

[skriz]

elFloyd;649610 wrote: Did the calculations... you need 250-300gph to kill ich...

With the Emperor 80w HO unit, you only need 450 gph to kill ich. In fact, you can kill ich with as much as 600 gph.

Seth, I see no problems with what you're planning, so long as you have your temperature controlled. An 80w unit will generate heat, so it is something to consider when planning and implementing a UV.

Also, your lamps will last you longer since the unit is over-sized; this alone will save you cash in the long run.

 

[seth the wine guy]

Smallblock;649590 wrote: emporer's are huge, make sure you have the space first!!!

Exactly. I'm actually getting the 80w HO model bc it's 43" as opposed to the non HO 65w which is 70". I'm using a 120g tank for a sump so the 43" will fit right above or below it with it's 48" foot print.
Raj is right about the flow rate. This thing is a beast being able to run 600gph through it and still kill ich. I'll be able to run the eheim 1250 wide open at 330gph and It should cook anything I the water column. Hope the pods stay where they should.

 

[atlfishes]

I wouldn't get the 80watt. Seems to be way overkill for your tank. I'm going to have 300gallons and went with the HO 50watt which is rated for 330gallons. Emperors by reputation at least are correctly rated. One of the benefits I hope to receive from my unit is algae control. If you look at the recommended flow for algae/bacteria it is 2700gph after the new bulb break in period. You could have a range of 450 - 2700gph depending on your goal.

 

[seth the wine guy]

atlfishes;650128 wrote: I wouldn't get the 80watt. Seems to be way overkill for your tank. I'm going to have 300gallons and went with the HO 50watt which is rated for 330gallons.

I agree the 50w would be plenty and it is overkill. But for $60 (Or 10%) more I can get the 80w which is rated for up to 600g. Seems like a no brainer. Especially for future tank upgrades. Seems the consensus is that you can't go too big on a UV unit. If there was a bigger price difference between the two I would more than likely have gone the 50w route. The 40w is half the price of the 80w. It was tempting to try that but I felt it was cutting it a little too close.
The 65w is 70" long and I really don't want to mess with a beast like that.

 

[atlfishes]

Seth The Wine Guy;650129 wrote: I agree the 50w would be plenty and it is overkill. But for $60 (Or 10%) more I can get the 80w which is rated for up to 600g. Seems like a no brainer. Especially for future tank upgrades. Seems the consensus is that you can't go too big on a UV unit. If there was a bigger price difference between the two I would more than likely have gone the 50w route. The 40w is half the price of the 80w. It was tempting to try that but I felt it was cutting it a little too close.
The 65w is 70" long and I really don't want to mess with a beast like that.

I'd just plan on being able to handle the flow ranges you'll want. The 50w were discounted 50% if you decide to go the used route. Also, Emperor does not recommend a wiper for saltwater use.

 

[seth the wine guy]

atlfishes;650135 wrote: I'd just plan on being able to handle the flow ranges you'll want. The 50w were discounted 50% if you decide to go the used route. Also, Emperor does not recommend a wiper for saltwater use.

Anywhere in particular you've seen them for sale? Cheapest HO 50w I've found is on RC for $500 shipped.
Oh and BTW when I say 80w I mean 80 watt, not the model number where W means wiper.

 

[atlfishes]

Seth The Wine Guy;650143 wrote: Anywhere in particular you've seen them for sale? Cheapest HO 50w I've found is on RC for $500 shipped.
Oh and BTW when I say 80w I mean 80 watt, not the model number where W means wiper.

I bought mine on RC for $300 shipped. I haven't looked recently though. Is the $500 one NIB?

 

[seth the wine guy]

atlfishes;650165 wrote: I bought mine on RC for $300 shipped. I haven't looked recently though. Is the $500 one NIB?

That's a strong price. Even if you have to buy a new lamp you're coming out really well. Yes, the one on RC BNIB.

 

[smallblock]

patience is key in this hobby I got my emporer 40 watt for 65 dollars, needs a bulb but thats it!!! wait it out if you can

 

[ivegotcrabs]

Smallblock;650205 wrote: patience is key in this hobby I got my emporer 40 watt for 65 dollars, needs a bulb but thats it!!! wait it out if you can

ill give you 100.00 for it

 

[smallblock]

no thanks, not for sale I was just giving an example of how my patience payed off

 

[ivegotcrabs]

i know
i was just messin with ya
wish i could find a deal like that

 

[smallblock]

trust me I waited like 6 months and almost jumped at some others but the emporer was the one I really wanted and after seeing it in person I understand why its considered the best.