Question regarding UV sterilizer, specifically the Corallife Turbo-Twist 12X (36 watt)?

Question

I'm purchasing a Corallife Turbo-Twist 12X 36 watt UV sterilizer for my 55 gallon reef tank. If anyone has any experience with these particular units, I'm wondering what size (and maybe even what particular brand) of pump would be recommended for this unit to operate most efficiently. This is a very large unit that is rated for use upwards of 500 gallons. It has an extra long bulb for maximum water/UV contact. However, I've read that the pump should not pump the water too fast as that could lessen the efficacy of the sterilizer. Is there a formula that one could use to figure out the best ratio of tank size to gallon per hour pump flow when using a 36 watt sterilizer? Or with this size of sterilizer should that not even be a consideration? I know the size I'm buying is overkill, but I will be using it to maintain two 55 gallon reef tanks if and when I encounter any problems. Right now I am combatting the dreaded dinoflagellates in one of my tanks. The UV sterilizer seems like a sound investment.

Also a head's up on anything else i may need to properly install this particular unit would be much appreciated and helpful. The guy at the fish store that ordered the unit for me seemed a bit unsure as to exactly what I will need until we take a look at it tommorrow. He is very knowledgable with saltwater but apparently has limited knowledge of this specific unit other than it is a top notch unit (or so he said).

Thanks for any and all help. =)

Answer 1

They're amazing sterilizers. The have a spiral inside that the water flows through for maximum light time to kill the algae. You'll notice a difference in your tank with in 2 weeks and it'll be crystal clear from then on. This is a very very good investment. Make sure you have a good size pump because it is true too fast of a flow across the bulb isn't going to be effective.