How a UV sterilizer Works
A properly-sized
UV sterilizer sterilizer can rid your aquarium of free-floating algae, harmful bacteria, or certain parasites depending on the wattage and the flow rate through the unit. As a result, UV sterilizers minimize disease and keep your aquarium cleaner, clearer, and healthier.
Choosing a UV - Factors to Consider
Before selecting a UV sterilizer, determine your primary objective – whether to help control free-floating algae or to control parasites. By doing so, you will be able to select the proper unit to achieve your intended goal.
UV sterilizers work on the principle that special fluorescent UV lamps, at a peak wavelength of approximately 254 nanometers, can effectively irradiate microorganisms in aquarium water when exposed to this light. UV light in this wavelength alters the genetic material in the organism’s nucleus, shortening its normal life cycle. However, the application and the efficiency of a unit are determined by flow rate as well as the wattage and age of the bulb.
Flow Rate
Adjusting the flow rate through your UV sterilizer, that is, shortening or lengthening the time organisms are exposed to the UV lamp (dwell time), alters its use. For example, controlling bacteria and free-floating algae can be accomplished with a relatively lower wattage unit at a higher flow rate. However, parasites are larger and more resistant to irradiation and require a longer dwell time to be affected by the UV light. A slower flow rate prolongs dwell time to expose parasites to an effective dose of UV light. Adjusting the output on your water pump controls the flow rate through your sterilizer. Use a ball valve or a tee to split the line to achieve the proper flow rate required to accomplish your objectives.
Wattage/Bulb Age
| |
Maximum Flow Rate to Control: |
|
| UV Bulb |
Bacteria
and Algae |
Parasites |
Max Gallons |
| 8W |
120 gph |
N/A |
Less than
75 gal |
| 15W |
230 gph |
75 gph |
75 gal |
| 18W |
300 gph |
100 gph |
100 gal |
| 25W |
475 gph |
150 gph |
150 gal |
| 30W |
525 gph |
175 gph |
175 gal |
| 40W |
940 gph |
300 gph |
300 gal |
| 65W |
1700 gph |
570 gph |
570 gal |
| 80W |
1885 goh |
625 gph |
625 gal |
| 120W |
3200 gph |
900 gph |
900 gal |
| 130W |
3400 gph |
1140 gph |
1140 gal |
to treat parasites or to treat free-floating algae or bacteria in a greater volume of water. However, lamp effectiveness declines with time, so your UV sterilizer will not produce the same results after months of use compared to when it was new. Therefore, you may have to increase the dwell time (by lowering flow rate) to produce desired results. Replace the UV bulbs yearly, or per manufacturer's recommendation, in order to maintain UV efficiency. Also, clean the quartz sleeve of the lamp regularly to remove organic buildup. A clean bulb allows better penetration of UV light and maximizes the efficiency of the unit.
Though manufacturer's recommendations will vary, the chart on this page gives you a general idea of the wattage you'll need - and the proper flow rates to adjust your pump to - when using a sterilizer for controlling bacteria/algae and for controlling parasites.
