How important is the RIGHT flow rate for a UV Sterilizer in reef tanks? | BRStv Investigates

Test your eyes in today's BRStv Investigates results! Today we show 8-weeks of data we've collected on UV Sterilizers for new saltwater tanks, both with dry Reef Saver Rock and mature Live Rock. The results are amazing and may have you asking yourself, "Do I need a UV Sterilizer for my reef tank?".
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More from BRStv Investigates!
➡ Peak behind the scenes at BRS! : brs.li/BulkRee...
➡ Refugium testing and chaeto : brs.li/BRStv_R...
➡ Protein Skimmer Depth Investigates : brs.li/BRStv_S...
Community Links!
➡ Today's topic on Reef2Reef : brs.li/R2R_UVS...
➡ #AskBRStv Facebook Group : brs.li/AskBRSt...
➡ BRS R2R Sponsor Page : brs.li/BRS_R2R...
Article and Related Gear
➡ Read Article:
➡ Pentair 18W UV Sterilizer : brs.li/BRS_Pen...
➡ Neptune Apex FMK : brs.li/BRS_Nep...
➡ BRS Reef Saver Rock : brs.li/BRS_Ree...
Legal Stuff
The content contained in this video is general information on the topic and should not be relied upon as your sole source of information or safety advice for this project or topic. Each product or situation is different and has its own concerns related to successful completion and safety that must be fully researched by the individual considering the project or product.
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@BRStv]

More from BRStv Investigates! ➡ Peak behind the scenes at BRS! : brs.li/BulkReefSupply_Tour2019 ➡ Refugium testing and chaeto : brs.li/BRStv_RefugiumTesting_PartI ➡ Protein Skimmer Depth Investigates : brs.li/BRStv_SkimmerDepth_Matters

[@craigrobbins2300]

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[@TripedalTroductions]

This is why I love BRS. They're willing to devote funds toward incredibly important experiments like these that help people with every level of experience. On top of that, they only sell products that they approve of based on both performance and price, and only recommend products that they have significant experience with or have performed extensive tests on. There's no longer any excuse to not get into this hobby as long as you have the interest.

[@Boogerdick69]

Don’t forget to give credit to companies that put forward this items (for free most the time) so the brs team can do these tests for us and move the hobby forward

[@beccascott2867]

@@Boogerdick69 they own their own business multimillion dollar company

[@zachary_smith1]

Man. These experiments make this the best channel period for reefing. Period.

[@Merknilash]

Really useful but the next frontier is to understand how much flow actually matters for Protozoa There are good arguments being made that low flow isn’t a requirement for killing Protozoa and that you’re ok using high flow

[@prolificbreedaquatics]

after seeing this video...I now don't feel so bad that some of my rocks are brown lol

[@-Gunnarsson-]

You can also use 2 uvc units in parallel next to each other. Leaves no room for airpockets. And still get twice contact time with same pump flow.

[@sergifed91]

good information on uv sterilizers. but really looking forward to the continuing the protein skimmer investigation that was started last week.

[@sergifed91]

@@randyr.8115 Im rather enjoying it. it'shelping me with the decision with my next build that i'm doing in January. hopefully.

[@wallstreetbets521]

Thanks for finally doing a test with reef saver. It didn't make any sense with all those tests with pukanni when it wasn't even available to buy. Next test should be with bleached and acid washed / bleached to see the difference.

[@muffemod]

yo it's the same shit

[@derekweiler9466]

"brown town" hahaha thats one way to put it lol loved that bit...

[@eroggero]

Would be interesting to see a new tank start up with the use of vibrant and UV sterilizer versus none at all

[@firsttimereefertv1588]

Thank you for so much great information team brs!!

[@bonesawarm6987]

I use a ehiem uv on my fluval canister and it helps out big time and it’s also handy that on the canister you can change the flow rate

[@jasonwoon]

Thank u for the Testing! I does helps alot on UV questions.

[@paulvandyke7967]

Just set up a 120 with dry rock and live sand. No UV, and I'm a little over 2 months in, diatoms have gone away and tank is great. Had the same experience with the bacteria bloom, thick diatoms, then it all cleared up.

[@thereefaholic]

Results on week 8 (with dry rock and high flow UV) is what all of my systems looked like with and without UV. Even a bare bottom no rock frag system. Never had a cloudy issue on any new tank with dry rock. The frag system never cleared up until I dosed "Vibrant". This is a good video but combined with my personal experience it shows new tanks all go through that ugly phase and there seems to be no magic pill.

[@supremecamels7736]

Amazing content as usual, but I can’t help but always think... “omg their electricity bill must be outrageous” 😅🙈

[@Bushehri1]

Wow, 😊an amazing work 👏 ty

[@glennrudolph]

Interesting finds. I like the Facebook live video followup as well! I would have loved to have also seen a “no light” tank but that would essentially be a whole new experiment. Like I said last week, it would be fun if these investigates series paralleled Ryan’s build. I’m sure he has some decisions to make that he would love to “try out” first with some BRS investigates. And I highly doubt any of you would start up a tank with lights on at day 1....and I’m sure NONE of you actually care about skimmer shape or minimal performance difference that 1” of water makes... I know you gotta cater to new reefers and find easy solutions in order to keep people in the hobby, but I would also love to see y’all be a little selfish with the experiments!:) With his information coupled with the wwc hybrid series, I started the cycling process of my new-house, new-tank today! (Waterbox 220.6 that I wish you guys would sell me!!) I’m going to post detailed descriptions on R2R, but I know Randy reads my posts sometimes, so here is a quick rundown for you Randy. If you suggest or want me to try anything, I am more than happy to. It’s very similar to wwc hybrid with subtle changes. Blackout brute with 75 gallons of water, 200lbs reef saver rock, a shrimp PRN, and microbacter per the directions until empty! (Not the whole-bottle-dump approach) Then at week 2, oversized UV (50 watt pentair with sicce1.5 at 350gph..) which should be close to sterilizing water at an algae flow rate on an appropriate sized UV for this 75 gallon Rubbermaid plus added benefit of killing Protozoa. I’m anticipating (and hoping) my results to be solid: minimal algae and plentiful good bacteria. At month 2, add light, coraline, pair of clowns, and 1spot fox. Let the waiting game begin.

[@jesseg400]

UV only sterilizes algae in the water column. So it makes sense that the algae would spread faster at the low flow vs the high flow. But you get the extra benefits of sterilizing viruses and other bad stuff. What I got out of this is you need to have a properly sized UV light to get the right amount of turn over but enough contact with the UV to sterilize other bad stuff. UV is just another tool and not a cure all.

[@nathanbrimmer7670]

Have you ever considered using a dc pump and adjusting the flow high or low depending on the tanks needs? Ex. Run it at high flow during normal operation to help protect against any parasite and low flow if there’s ever a bacteria bloom?

[@borinvlogs]

I want to kill/prevent dinos and diatoms on my sandbed. Do i set the flow rate high or low? thanks

[@i.m.Q.2]

I'm a little perplexed at one glaring detail to which im sure you've got a valid explanation for in this. With your established live rock-UV or not, I'm suprised with such a minimal bioload that you had an algal issue and such a long cycle! Did you use just enough rock to do the experiment with vs 1-2 lbs/gal? Back when I had my nano cube (and money to support it), I did the traditional Berlin set up. The cube was 12 gallons I think? I had about 5 to 10 lbs of rock plus a bag of live sand. By the time things displaced volumetrically, you loose half the tank volume; it all works perfect on that aspect at least. I think I saw my diatom bloom within 5 days. After that weekend? My yellow cup coral and the other corals I put in thrived. I never had a problem after that till my light hood died and a starfish mishap of my own doing. So to see that emerald green macro on the surface of everything after that long suprised me. Lighting? No anoxic zone to denitrify? Im curious. That being said, I see your point in this. In no way do I refute your findings or methodology by any means. 🙂 Personally? I'd hold off on a UV or at least running it till the cycle was complete. I do see the impacts clearly after several weeks though. That's a plus for when I finally get back into this hobby. 👍

[@patterdalezipsuzilil]

Great videos keep them up from my use over 22 years you don't want to use a UV on a new tank just like you don't use a skimmer need that bacteria to cycle tank I use it every now and again to clear cloudy water because Iam using Pro biotics s aquaforest

[@Trickmanii]

I would like to see a Large over-sized UV sterilizer with high flow rate.

[@sandroaces]

What i did I let nature takes it course with white clouds then once that settles down use the uv for parasite insurance. I just had lights of to let bacteria grow on surface first. And use alge in the sump to keep everything in order.

[@Trihope]

I used that same dry rock and after about 2 years I shut down my tank because I had that exact same white film in the rocks that I could get rid of.

[@NerdistAquarist]

Hi BRS team, just have to say that you are putting out some great content via BRStv. So much information can be drawn from these and other experiments that you guys do. I have an idea for an experiment. What's more important to grow SPS faster, stronger flow or stronger lights?

[@augukern9708]

Hi Brstv, Would using a sterilizer raise the temperature of a reef? and if so, by how many degrees? Thanks.

[@ricardoramirez-zc6td]

they test tanks have better gear than the one I could dream off hahaha

[@erich8756]

Very informative as always! So assuming that the bacteria/virus flow rate uv has the same effectiveness you'd need 2 tot protect against algae and fish disease?! Did you do any nutrient export(skimmer/water changes)? Any thoughts about the algae the uv nukes being goods missed by the algae?

[@GolfMotionAcademy]

great video, im wondering if refugium added with sterilizers would be good. So to keep the algea growth on rocks in refugium. Great experiment, I liked the clear water UV was making.

[@christkallimanis4621]

So what do we walk away knowing from all that? ?

[@ianmahoney9923]

I wonder if putting the UV on a mixing station would kill the spores before they enter a tank or if the spores are already on the rock before getting wet?

[@raisethereef]

After seeing all that, I'd say a UV sterilizer is a glorified water clarifier. It may be the best actually although expensive. My tank has never been as clear as when I ran a UV sterilizer for dinos. The clarity definitely has merit though. Clearer water means better light penetration and more enjoyable to look at. So is it worth the cost to YOU is the real question. For me, I think that's now a no. $400+ for a sterilizer and pump and/or plumbing is steep IMO. I'd be more interested in seeing if Vibrant can actually clean up all those tanks

[@Danzo285]

Great job guy thanks

[@tilexcan]

I have a question about UV Sterilizers. If I have a 57 watt sterilizer plugged into my apex shouldn't the wattage used show up as 57 watts. I have a Pentair UV rated at 40 watts and on my apex it draws 45 watts. My Aqua UV 57 watt unit draws 33 watts. How is that possible?

[@kevinmcdermott3668]

So if you had the money it would be good to run two UV Sterilizers , One with a slow flow rate , & the other one with a higher flow rate , This would be the best way to sterilize most of what is in your tank water .

[@MADTrollsReefTanks]

So what’s the finding? Basically uv didn’t do anything right? Lol. Since they all looked bad at month 2

[@borinvlogs]

I want to kill/prevent dinos and diatoms on my sandbed. Do i set the flow rate high or low? thanks

[@Slide-Loc]

Do you feel a UV would have helped reduce the destabilizing events from removing sand?

[@PaulFraser4]

Hey team, what is the mat you are using on the bottom of the tank?

[@BRStv]

That is a textured ABS sheet like this one: www.bulkreefsupply.com/24-x-24-black-abs-plastic-sheet-bulk-reef-supply.html

[@brianmagee5847]

Did Part 2 ever come out? I am struggling to find it. I wonder if the conclusion was that UV sterilizers aren't really worth the money as compared to other measures such as macro algae, skimmer, and CUC.

[@BRStv]

Here you go! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4S5pHaGZ7mJmrM

[@lisademayo8589]

curious- did yall also do any water changes inside the two months? or did you leave them alone?

[@BRStv]

All of the tanks were on auto water changes via the Neptune DOS. About 10% weekly.

[@markward1269]

What type of algae is the white fluffy stuff?

[@Floridacop911]

What do I run if for algae bac and parasites .ick

[@zakdigital]

To make it apples to apples, wouldn’t you need to add flow to the other tanks so the overall flow is the equivalent? Could you do this same experiment w o3?

[@BRStv]

The display tank turnover was the same for each tank (using 2x-MP10s), but I believe that the flow added by the UV had little to no impact to the results. We do have some additional UV tests on the far horizon to circle back to, so keep your eyes out for them!

[@Dawg99999]

I have a Pentair UV 50 Watt and it says suggested flow is 1560GPH and maximum is 1980PGPH. Can i run the flow at belwo 1560GPH?

[@BRStv]

You'll want to stay within the manufacturer's suggested flow rates to get the desired results.

[@el3g3le]

Would UV effect the seeding/growth/spread of coralline?

[@BRStv]

If you're adding in a liquid coralline in a bottle type product, then we'd suggest temporarily turning UV off. Other than that, a vast majority of coralline with spread over the surfaces in the tank and won't pass through the sterilizer.

[@TheKingpintat2]

If my Uv sterilizer needs to be at 400gph, can it be a lil higher or lower? Or does it need to be exact?

[@BRStv]

It's crucial to get flow right in a UV sterilizer. If you're a couple GPH lower or higher, no big deal. If you're 50-100+ GPH off, then expect your results to vary.

[@DeKevinL]

Hey guys, great info but I do have a question, aside from the flow rate, what was the duration the uv-sterilizers were on ?

[@BRStv]

They were on 24-7. :)

[@martinspano1]

The side by side videos at 16:00 were identical for tank 1 and tank 2.... Was this an editing error or am I missing something?

[@BRStv]

I can definitely see how this could be confusing. Basically Randy was talking about a future experiment that was a conceptual way of testing and wasn't actually started yet, so to help get the point across visually we used mirror shots of what the tanks would be testing.

[@martinspano1]

@@BRStv Gotcha! I was just missing something 😀

[@alexguitar841]

Wouldn't the Kole tangs eating the algae interfere with the results of this experiment? (Edit) nevermind those results are pretty damn definitive.

[@keepsummersafe2147]

Was wondering that same thing as I watched... but ... as you said, doesn't seem like it mattered.

[@christophercastro5967]

Where can we get the orange UV sterilizer mounts from?

[@Fullion-CA]

Find someone with a 3d printer.

[@BRStv]

we may offer them soon :)

[@lovermansmith9082]

Is bigger better ?

[@mikew4435]

Tank three has a tang???

[@steelcowboy2751]

Looks to me like the use of UV had no significant benefit for algae and bacterial growth

[@KingReyes87]

Sometimes I feel like these products aren't worth even having

[@paulvandyke7967]

Exactly how I feel. I've always felt that UV wasnt all that people claim it to be, and this kind of showed that.

[@KingReyes87]

Yeah looks like they did nothing but delay the inevitable a few weeks

[@paulvandyke7967]

@@KingReyes87 in fact, the tank that had the bacterial bloom with no UV, came out looking the best. No UV allows natural processes to occur. They may have hampered this using the UV it seems.

[@MisterDoctorE]

Totally worth it; I have one running for ~3 years; can't imagine having a tank without UV. UV is one of the best equipment aquarist can have. Tank is cristal clear, no sick fish, tank balance is much better than before.

[@muffemod]

YO HE BUSTED THE MYTH!

[@rogerguzman9364]

Leave one of the tanks with no lights

[@richardlagrimas2300]

Just turn ofd the ligths simple.

[@tsurro8086]

I’m assuming that since ur doing another test, ur not sure that it really makes a difference, should be a three on the scale, tell randy to go back to the 2 part video in which u compare different brands, talking to the tropic Marin rep, brs was pushing part C of that brand and urdoing the community a disservice because u got it terribly wrong, I watched it again and recently commented on it!

[@Dawg99999]

So UV doesn’t make difference in long term

[@BRStv]

It had less of an impact on algae that we initial thought, but there is still major benefit to running an UV sterilizer for parasites and water clarity.

[@zsxking]

Please seriously consider adding an identical protein skimmer to all tanks in the new setup, because UV sterilizer do not export nutritions. With no exportation, the nutrition fixation is deemed to happen in some form. The UV sterilizer just become assisted evolution towards organisms that are least reliance on free floating stage of propagation. That's probably what grow in the last week of the UV dry rock tank. Protein skimmer is the easiest and common way to add an exportation without introducing variables to the test. There might be better form, like auto WC, fuge, ATS, or even couple piece of photosynthesis animal might do. But with zero nutrition exportation, I don't think the experiment will work out. You can't provide everything needed for photosynthesis in abundant and expect nothing will take advantage of it.

[@mauriciopaz7556]

Did you watch the entire video? They reported 0 nitrates and low phosphates, a skimmer would add even more variables to the experiment as it also exports bacteria out of the system. Randy mentioned they will monitor N on the their next experiment setup and makes more sense to increase it and remove algae eaters like the tangs, rather than export nutrients.

[@raisethereef]

@@mauriciopaz7556 Of course they never saw serious nitrates since every tank had something consuming it like crazy. The excess phosphates show how unbalanced the food we feed is when it comes to nitrogen and phosphorus.

[@terminatorcardall5880]

This video has convinced me that a UV sterilizer used on an established tank or a new tank (In time similar results) is a waste. Algae still establishes itself. WTF Great video thou.

[@BRStv]

Fair enough. I do think that there is still a valuable reason to run a UV sterilizer, even if it's not for algae. And that's to help manage things like Ich.

[@muffemod]

Yo those lights lack aesthetics :(