Do you run your UV sterilizer 24/7

[mmorrison55]

Do you run your UV sterilizer 24/7.

If not, how long do you power it on (how many hours a day do you run it)?

Are you using it for bacteria/algae control or parasites?

And finally, what flow rate is going through your UV (what does that equate to turnover in your tank)? I guess this one would determined on the above question, it still interested in the flow rate you are using to combat things.

 

[BasementBox]

For the moment. Yes as I’m beating Dino’s down…. But if you really asked me in all seriousness could I tell the difference between the UV being on or off and water clarity. I can’t tell.

 

[SonOfaGoat]

No, I used it at the beginning of dinos but as amphidinium settled in there wasn't much benefit. I will be introducing some new corals and 2 fish soon so I will run it again for a short time.

 

[jermzisurmom]

I run mine all time, not sure what gph.

 

[JTP424]

I run mine when it works im running a coralife and sometimes the light is on... sometimes it's off... ha!

 

[skey44]

Run it 24/7
Started up to beat Dinos, kept for water clarity and backup against other issues. I still have a steady zooplankton drift at night so it’s not killing everything.
80 gallon display, aqua uv 25w, plumbed inline with return from sump. I’d guess 700gph.

 

[mmorrison55]

I just turned my on since I’ve added some new fish. Thanks for all the replies.

180 gallon total volume.

I have mine in-line on a dual return pump system. Ecotech s2 goes direct to one return. Second return is driven by an ecotech m2. Have a 3 manifold system and then it goes through my uv before returning to the display. I have a flow meter directly after my uv output, so likely the flow inside the uv is a tad higher.

Currently running my m2 @ 80% and my Apex is reporting 410 gph flow. I’m using one of my manifolds that’s open about 1/2 to a carbon reactor. I need some plumbing parts before I can hook up a 1/2” flow meter on the manifold, so I’m not sure how much is lowering my flow rate at the main flow meter past the uv.

 

[PharmrJohn]

When I'm up and running I'll have UV, but will not keep it on 24/7. I'll only run it if/when required.

 

[Sawacoral]

I picked up one of those small Coralife 9w twist UVs. I know everyone says they are junk but i've got a smaller tank and its clearing up my dinos gradually I feel. One word of advice- use a DC pump! Seems like with bigger UV sterilizers you can run more gph and keep it within the recommended specs- however with a small one you really need low flow to kill algae. I switched from an AC to a controllable pump and have it nice and dialed in. I really like the Axis pumps since you can calibrate them and the pump keeps running just above 0% when switched to feed mode to reduce back siphoning.

 

[RoanokeReef]

I run mine 24/7 but question for those of you that don't run 24/7. Do you keep a log of run hours for bulb replacement?

 

[Sawacoral]

I run mine 24/7 but question for those of you that don't run 24/7. Do you keep a log of run hours for bulb replacement?

I run mine maybe an average of 20 hours/d but I don't really monitor it. Just keep it turned off at night for a few hours after dosing my tank.

 

[BryanM]

24x7 when tackling something.

 

[MindlessToxin]

I've been running mine 24 7 for about 6 months. I actually just turned it off today to see if my carbon dosing will actually start bringing down my nutes. I've been dosing ElimiNP for a month or so now with NO effect. I'm thinking the uv may be effecting it.

 

[RockRash]

All day every day. I'm not running it for parasites it's set for algae control. I dont know if its doing anything but I will say with a good cuc and the uv I've had a really easy go of the "ugly stage".