Correct gph for uv sterilizer??

No, I'm saying cut back on feedings, and get the skimmer. The UV is nearly useless for controlling algae.

 

i disagree a uv does help with algae. and if you do some reading on them it states it. they also help with other things. each uv has its own chart to tell you what pump size to get.

http://americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html

not sure what one to tell you to get first.... i bought the uv first, but i was adding fish and it helps with bacteria and the fishes immune system. some swear by uv's as i do. and others feel they dont work. my tank says they work.

you might want to research that uv. that seems a bit cheap to me. and if you dont put a bit of money out and get one with good contact time on the bulb. i feel your wasting your money.
Why dont you check ebay for a good used one? i bought mine on there its a 160.00 uv unit and i got it for 17.00 i than bought a new bulb for it even though it appeared to be working, just so i knew the bulb was new and in good working order.

you could do a skimmer and try using bio fuel by brightwell. to help get the algae in line. since your algae could be coming from nitrates and phosphates

 

okay i will thanks. Thats what i thought, UV's do help with algae. I just read some other fourms, and people do say they work...so..i mine as well! but what do you think about a skimmer on a fowlr??does that help with algae?

 

yes i think skimmers are important also. so either route is a good one. also check craigs list for used uv's

you could do a skimmer and try using bio fuel by brightwell. to help get the algae in line. since your algae could be coming from nitrates and phosphates. you didnt say what they tested at

 

i had my water tested yestarday, and nothing showed different, it was all good. my question is...for a 18w uv sterilizer, how much flow would it need??im thinking around 250gph, is this around right?

 

bump

 

each uv unit is different they all have thier own charts as to flow rate ( pump size)

 

If they tell you a flow rate for a UV, you probably only want 1/4 that rate. UVs aren't really efective at killing stuff off at the rates given, since you don't get enough wattage into the water.

Also, algae and plants tend to like UV better than most other living things.