Can I just get a bigger UV to kill algae and parasites at once?

[vanguard]

I'm collecting equipment as I wait for my custom 150 gallon tank to be built. The suggested size for it is a 40 watt UV. As you know, you need higher flow for algae and lower flow for parasites.

Why wouldn't I just buy a 57 or 90 watt UV so it can expose the water to enough UV light to kill parasites at a high flow rate? That would have the added benefit of turning over the water fast enough to help with algae.

 

[Jekyl]

FWIW over 5 years in and I haven't had a need for either.

Hope this bumps your post for more of the answers you're looking for though.

 

[Idoc]

Just run the 40w UV at the slower low flow rate to have an effect on both rather than increasing the size of the UV.
I wouldn't suggest using a UV sterilizer on a new tank, though. Let the algae, etc... do what it needs to do to allow for a successful maturity process. But, if you are not quarantining your fish then I guess you may want it earlier...but if you are using a quarantine process in another tank, then probably no need early.

UV is probably one of those pieces of the aquarium that you can add later IF you see the need for it. I have a 40w on my 75g tank and have had it turned off for the past 6 months due to not really needing it right now.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I'm collecting equipment as I wait for my custom 150 gallon tank to be built. The suggested size for it is a 40 watt UV. As you know, you need higher flow for algae and lower flow for parasites.

Why wouldn't I just buy a 57 or 90 watt UV so it can expose the water to enough UV light to kill parasites at a high flow rate? That would have the added benefit of turning over the water fast enough to help with algae.

You can go with a 57watt. While uv will address protozoans and algae based cells , it will will address what is free floating and passes through the UV channel of the unit. There are instances where owners will get hair algae and ich regardless of having a UV unit. You dont want high flow either as the longer these items are exposed to UV, the more effective the unit will be.