Post by Carl on Apr 16, 2020 16:26:19 GMT -5
I have once more updated the UV Sterilization article, in particular the Facts & Myths Section
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html
Here is an excerpt:
(6)"A UV Sterilizer Under 25 Watts Is Basically Useless for Sterilization- FALSE; This is newer myth that appears to be started by a popular bulk reef supply seller via a YouTube video, with no experience or evidence to back this statement up.
As an example, if you have a reef aquarium that holds 90 gallons with a 20 gallon sump (110 gallons total), chances are a UV such as the AAP Vecton 8 watt is not going to perform level one sterilization, however if your Reef tank is only 25 gallons, a properly plumbed Vecton 8 Watt is more than enough. This said, if owning a 25 watt model makes you feel more confident for your small 25 gallon aquarium, it certainly will not hurt either.
I will also point out using this same High Output 8 Watt UV, that if level 2 sterilization is desired, this UV would be limited to an aquarium with a total volume of 45 gallons assuming properly plumbing, pre-filtration, etc. (based on our cited flow/turnover table).
I base this on the tested numbers (flow rate table) I provide earlier in this article which in turn is based on 100s of controlled experiments & 1000s of observations in my humbly vast experience testing and using UV Sterilizers professionally since 1978. The author of the often referenced YouTube video cannot claim such experience or testing.
(7)The Wattage of the UV lamp determines the wattage pulled when checked with a multi-meter- FALSE;
For instance a 25 Watt UV lamp operated by an electronic ballast does not pull 25 watts once operating, rather closer to 16-18 watts (it pulls more during fire up).
Once operating, this is due to "Ballast Factor"."
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html
Here is an excerpt:
(6)"A UV Sterilizer Under 25 Watts Is Basically Useless for Sterilization- FALSE; This is newer myth that appears to be started by a popular bulk reef supply seller via a YouTube video, with no experience or evidence to back this statement up.
As an example, if you have a reef aquarium that holds 90 gallons with a 20 gallon sump (110 gallons total), chances are a UV such as the AAP Vecton 8 watt is not going to perform level one sterilization, however if your Reef tank is only 25 gallons, a properly plumbed Vecton 8 Watt is more than enough. This said, if owning a 25 watt model makes you feel more confident for your small 25 gallon aquarium, it certainly will not hurt either.
I will also point out using this same High Output 8 Watt UV, that if level 2 sterilization is desired, this UV would be limited to an aquarium with a total volume of 45 gallons assuming properly plumbing, pre-filtration, etc. (based on our cited flow/turnover table).
I base this on the tested numbers (flow rate table) I provide earlier in this article which in turn is based on 100s of controlled experiments & 1000s of observations in my humbly vast experience testing and using UV Sterilizers professionally since 1978. The author of the often referenced YouTube video cannot claim such experience or testing.
(7)The Wattage of the UV lamp determines the wattage pulled when checked with a multi-meter- FALSE;
For instance a 25 Watt UV lamp operated by an electronic ballast does not pull 25 watts once operating, rather closer to 16-18 watts (it pulls more during fire up).
Once operating, this is due to "Ballast Factor"."