what size uv sterilizer

[dadonoflaw]

i would like to know what size sterilizer is of proper size to use in a 200 or so total water volume display? will be keeping 5 or 6 fish and mixed corals and a clam or two after more experience. i know they come in 9 18 and 36 watt units so what wattage and even brand is good?

[pham411]

i use the coralife uv 9w for my 75g w 55g sump. i think for your tank the 18w minimum will be alright.

one important thing about uvs that i think is important is that you get one were the water spirals around the bulb. this means more contact time with the light.

[Amphibious]

Originally Posted by dadonoflaw

i would like to know what size sterilizer is of proper size to use in a 200 or so total water volume display?

The best thing I can say is, Go big or stay home.

This is no time to be guessing at the size or taking someone else's recommendation. The effectiveness of a UV is Dependant more on the flow volume than wattage size. Pham thinks an 18 watt with a spiral twist is minimum, maybe. I think, with all due respect to Pham's opinion, it's too small. Your goal is to Kill everything living that passes through the UV. So figure out the flow rate you intend to pass through the UV, find a manufacturer's recommended flow near that and go to the next size larger. WHY??? Because it's good to over kill with a UV and not OK to under kill or wound the buggers. You're trying to eliminate a disease not cut it's population in half.

As far as brands go, they all work. Find the right size.