UV Sterilization...How much is too much?

[BigKGlen]

I have a 180 Reef with an Ace custom 98 gallon, 4 chamber filter system.
I downgraded from 3-400 watt MH pendants to 3-250 watt, 14k with 192 watt pure actinic. The wattage decrease helped, but still scraping 3-4 times a week of heavy build-up. I'm still having too much green algae on my glass.
I'm running an 18 watt UV, and looking to upgrade in that department, but want to know if there is such a thing as 'too much'.

Thanks, in advance, for any advice.

[erikharrison]

Do you have any snails? You should definitely invest in some as they will help keep you from going nuts. Double check for detritus build up areas by sparying down your rocks with a powerhead. While it is suspended, do a large water change and see how much of the garbage you can get out of the water column.
Have you checked for phosphates?
How often, and how much are you doing water changes? I believe water changes are one of, if not the best, temporary solution to most situations.
What is your bioload?
How old is the bulb and how many gph of water flows through it? UV relies on dwell time to be the most effective.
How much, and often do you feed?

Seriously, I would start with a large water change. That will probably be your best bet. Try to find a source of buildup. :bigsmile:

[BigKGlen]

I'm running 2 Awaki md-70's out of 4 sprayers and have 2 Koralia 4's behind the rocks (240 lbs). I'm probably pushing over 1000 snails...Red & Blue legs, Cerith, Nassarius, Astraeas, Mexican Turbos, Nerites. 4 Sand Sifting Stars, 3 Serpents, 3 Brittles and 2 Bubble Stars. At least 8 large Cleaner Shrimp, 6 each of Peppermint and Coral Banded, with unknown quanities of Emerald and Sally Lightfoot crabs. I do 30 gallon changes once every week. I'm currently using a Coralife 6X TurboTwist (18w) that I put in 2.5 months ago. If anything, I might be underfeeding, I've no signs of cyano growth.

[DBlackman]

I have a Coralife 12x 36watt, if you are looking to trade UVs. I have a 120gal and thought the UV that I have would be too much.... PM me if you are interested in a trade. The bulb has been used for about 1.5 months.

As for your algae issue, I was able to combat this problem by reducing the lights to 6-7 hours a day, 10% weekly water changes, heavy skimming, used more fish pellets over frozen foods, and added carbon to the sump (now, Two Little Fishes for SeaChem carbon and Phos).

[BigKGlen]

Derek, I sent a PM your way.

[Bill S]

Sounds like it might be a phosphate issue?

[BigKGlen]

I've got 5 lbs of PhosBan in the system, change it out every month.

[Bill S]

Kevin,

I think we're running out of ideas? Obvious questions, but what the heck:

What kind of bulbs and how old are they?

Are your rocks green too?

[erikharrison]

lol I agree with Bill! I'd like to bet Kevin is bothered by that too!

[BigKGlen]

The 3 250/14k's are Hamiltons, 2 months. The Actinic are Giesemann PowerChrome, only 2 weeks old.
Back to my original question...How much UV is too much?

Thanks!

[erikharrison]

I think you should stick with one rated for your tank's size. I am sure that it has a dramatic affect on other forms of life as well as algae, and some of this is beneficial to our tanks, I would assume.

[TexasTodd]

Well, UV won't really get rid of the algae that grows on your rocks and glass etc. You can go pretty big. It doesn't "leak" out like Ozone O3. The main thing is the more/higher UV you use, the more it will raise your tank temp.

What kind and size of skimmer do you have?

You're using RO/DI water right? What's your PPM on it?

Are you using Kalkwasser for makeup water?

What size and how often for your water changes?

What are you feeding and how much? Are you letting the food defrost first and rinsing instead of just putting the stuff in frozen?

Also, "5 pounds of Phosban" are you kidding? Please elaborate!

Todd

[aquasport24]

I think all the waste coming from that (1000 snails) of yours is the cause. Isnt that too much snails? Who taking care of their waste?

[crossxfire2]

What are you nitrates?