[Firefish]

I just bought a new uv sterilizer and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this one in particular?
Probably should've asked this before buying it
I figured this one was better due to the 12 spiral passage, which seemed a lot more efficient then one that just passes water straight through.

Aqua Medic 36watt Helix Max UV Sterilizer
$135.99

Thank!

[Reefland]

No experience but Aqua Medic makes good products so I'm sure it will be fine.

[Firefish]

Aqua medic was on back order, and they said it's been out of stock since December! I ended up buying a Coralife 36 watt turbo twist 12 for just under $200.

Can you say..."bait and switch"

[Yankee I Am]

In response...I just picked up a new (used) tank...yes Im new... It came with a aquanetics model 8 spt...will this work for a 75 gallonand what exactly does it do??? I hate being a Newbie! grrrr

[Firefish]

Welcome to Reefland, YIA.

The Model 8 SPT is a hang on quartz U/V Sterilizer which will accommodate aquariums up to 150 gallons. UV works well to kill waterborne bacteria and viruses, to control algae (keeps the water crystal clear) and/or to kill fungi parasites. Use the pump it came with, most UV's recommend a particular flow (gph) to get the proper dwell time (how long the water stays exposed to the UV). I think those filters came with a Model 402 Aqua Clear Powerhead.

Some reef owners use them only a few hours per day, others (myself) keep it on 24/7. I'm using it in a fish only with live rock tank (FOWLR). You'll notice improved skimmer efficiency while the UV is on... at least I did.

[Yankee I Am]

Thanks Firefish...This is my second attempt with saltwater, 1st was with fish and I did "ok" considering I used a biowheel and crushed shells for a base. Doing the reef this time around with a 75 gallon. Just need to get a filter, sand and get started..still not sure what filter, came with a magnum 350.

Thanks again!

[Firefish]

Salt water can be tricky... You need a good 6 months to a year to really get a system established.
I use a mag 350 myself. I basically use it for water movement though, with an empty media basket. I leave it hooked into the system should I ever have to run carbon.
Everyone has their own filtration method... I use about 100lbs of LR & 3" sand bed in my 130 gal. For equipment, I use a Berlin Skimmer 24/7, Coralife 12x twist 36 watt UV filter 24/7, redsea wave maker w/ 4 Maxijet 1200 Powerheads and the mag 350 for extra movement. Using 2 6' 96 watt pc for light... which is overkill for a FOWLR tank. You'll get a lot of great help here, starting with "me"

[Yankee I Am]

ok ok ok So....are you saying that I can get by with the 350?? couple power heads for movement? Im looking into a protein skimmer now...I think I told you I have the Aquatics UV that came with it. I just didnt know whether I needed to spring for a wet/dry system or what...so dang confusing lol I have what you call a 45 year old migraine at the moment lol