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Choosing a UV sterilizer can be a little confusing because you have to consider the wattage and what exactly you want to target. You then need to accommodate that UV sterilizer with the proper flow rate which may not be as easy as you originally had planned.
Before choosing the right wattage, look at the two different brands of UV sterilizers. Pentair Aquatics and Aqua UV are the leading manufacturers for saltwater UV sterilizers that are going to stand up to your saltwater aquarium. They are designed to be used with salt water and are marketed effectively for this application too. They give you the necessary flow rate information and rate of sterilization you need to specifically target the particular ailment you need to eradicate.
This is the measurement of how strong the UV rays are. It is measured using µWs/cm² which is probably a foreign unit of measure to most of us but that doesn't really matter. UV sterilizer manufacturers will provide you with a flow rate, that will achieve a certain level of sterilization with the said UV sterilizer. Different ailments require different rates of sterilization to effectively be eliminated.
Bacteria and algae are easier to kill and will succumb to lower levels of sterilization. Parasites (protozoa) are more difficult to kill and will require higher levels of sterilization. When choosing a UV, you must choose what exactly you want to target or simply run two separate UV sterilizers that are set up differently.
The more wattage, the more sterilization power you get. The more wattage, the larger the physical size of the UV. With that in mind, always use the manufacturer's recommend tank size requirements. Don't get a UV sterilizer that has a maximum tank size rating smaller than your aquarium system. You can go larger, but don't go smaller because it just won't work.
With each UV sterilizer, you're going to get specific flow rate recommendations which is how fast water needs to flow through the UV to hit a particular level of sterilization. The slower you go, the higher rate of sterilization will be achieved because you get longer contact with the UV rays with each pass through the UV. Faster flow means a lower level of sterilization because you get less contact time.
As we mentioned earlier, this is typically divided up into two camps when selecting a UV for a saltwater aquarium. Because bacteria and algae are easier to kill, you can run a faster flow rate and still achieve sufficient sterilization. If parasites are your target, then slower flow rates will be required.
Installation matters here because the rate of flow you can provide may be limited by your desired installation. Most folks prefer to use the return pump because it is easy and hides the UV sterilizer down below the tank. Alternatively, you can set up a closed-loop off the display tank using a dedicated pump which gives you the freedom to control flow but is a more cumbersome installation. You could also choose to run dual return pumps with two UV sterilizers, each tuned at different flow rates to target different ailments.
Let's produce an example of how to choose the right UV. The tables below are pulled directly from the product descriptions. In this example, we are finding a UV sterilizer to filter a 120-gallon saltwater aquarium. Reference the Maximum Aquarium Size outlined by the manufacturer.
1. Select the appropriate wattage based on your tank size. Never go smaller but you can go larger in terms of wattage.
2. Verify you can supply the flow rate you need to achieve based on what you want to target.
Notice the rates of sterilization measured in µWs/cm² below and the corresponding flow ranges. This is the rate of flow that you must achieve to target the particular ailment you want. You can only choose one and the flow rates are listed as a range. As long as your produce a rate of flow within that range, you can effectively achieve that level of sterilization.
Since your 120-gallon tank likely has a return pump moving 360-600 GPH already, targeting Algae and Bacteria should be easy by installing the UV inline using your return pump. If you want to target protozoa, you will probably have to get a separate dedicated pump to install the UV sterilizer off your display tank and accommodate that slower flow range.
Pentair 25 Watt UV
Model Maximum Aquarium Size No. Lamps/Watts Water Flow Rate Algae and Bacteria 30,000 µWs/cm² Suggested/Maximum Water Flow Rate
What if you need to target parasites but still want to run the UV using your return pump? This can be accomplished by upsizing the wattage of the sterilizer. See the table below for the 50 watt UV. You can now hit the recommended flow range for parasites (protozoa) using your 330-600 GPH return pump. You won't need to slow down your return which reduces the effectiveness of your filtration and you can still hit the rate of sterilization for parasites. While it is safe to say this UV is oversized for your 120-gallon tank, you're accommodating your particular installation and achieving the same level of sterilization.
Pentair 50 Watt UV
Model Maximum Aquarium Size No. Lamps/Watts Water Flow Rate Algae and Bacteria 30,000 µWs/cm² Suggested/Maximum Water Flow Rate
What’s all the hype about UV light? It seems like every brand is hopping on the sterilizing
trend, but it’s time to come clean — not all UV devices are made equal. That’s right, the best ones (like the two offered by Munchkin) are backed by independent labs, have the highest safety standards, and use quality materials for a 360-degree clean. How can you tell the difference between the best vs. the rest? Follow these tips for selecting a UV sterilizer with sparkling results.
Not all UV sterilizers are created equally, so do your research! It’s important to double check product claims especially those that promise 99% or more elimination of viruses, germs and bacteria – and make sure they’re backed accordingly.
Goto UVDF to know more.
Why This Matters
Many companies have not performed independent lab testing to substantiate their claims — even though this ensures safety and peace of mind.
What Sets Munchkin UV Sterilizers Apart
Munchkin performs rigorous testing through multiple independent labs. We’ve tested pacifiers, teethers, toys, nursery products, cell phones, tablets and an array of household items to verify that our UV light sterilizers eliminate up to 99.99% of germs, bacteria and viruses* on these items.
We proudly back our claims!
*Kills 99.7% of H1N1
How Others Compare
Many companies rely on petri dish testing in lieu of third party lab testing, and they don’t test specific products for efficacy.
There are lots of different sterilizing devices out there and they all work in different ways. Some UV-C sterilizers require multiple cycles to disinfect completely, while others simply provide a time range, which leaves room for error.
Why This Matters
You do not want to second guess your sterilizer! Products that provide a sterilization time range may not disinfect all items completely, and multiple cycles might be needed to clean them in full.
What Sets Munchkin UV Sterilizers Apart
How Others Compare
Other UV light products require a 3-5 minute or longer sterilization range and/or require multiple cycles for full sterilization, which can take longer and be tough to keep track of.
The first question on any parent’s mind is whether UV sterilizers are safe to use around babies and kids. The short answer is yes – so long as they’re UL Safety certified, have premium child safety features, and meet regulatory standards (all incredibly important criteria).
Why This Matters
Exposure to UV light can cause severe skin burns, eye injuries and increase the risk of cancer. Always check to make sure child safety features provide sufficient protection.
What Sets Munchkin UV Sterilizers Apart
Our UV sterilizers are UL Safety certified. Both the Nursery & Toy Sterilizer and 59S Mini Sterilizer have safety features that prevent them from emitting light if not securely aligned. This not only helps protect adults, but curious children and toddlers as well!
How Others Compare
Many other companies’ products will only auto-shut off when the lid or cover is opened at 45 degrees or greater.
While there’s no magic number to strive for, a sterilizer needs to have enough LED lights for its size to get the job done right. The larger the sterilizer, the more UV lights are required for effective sterilization. Additionally, the majority of brands use either LED beads or Mercury bulbs.
Why This Matters
Mercury and ozone exposure is harmful to babies (and humans in general), so LED beads are a much safer choice. Also, fewer lights for similarly-sized products cannot guarantee successful sterilization.
What Sets Munchkin UV Sterilizers Apart
Munchkin uses LED beads, which are safer, more durable, and longer lasting than mercury bulbs. Our Nursery & Toy Sterilizer bag is 11″ × 13.9″ × 8″ and has 21 gold-plated LED beads. The portable Mini Sterilizer measures 2.5″ × 2.5″ × 1.5″ and has 4 gold-plated LED beads.
How Others Compare
Some brands cut costs by using mercury bulbs or limiting the number of LED beads, which can diminish effectiveness.
When it comes to sterilizing items that babies and children regularly touch, it’s important to turn to a brand you can unequivocally trust.
Why This Matters
Reputable, national baby brands have high standards for product safety, design, testing and certification — and ours are second to none.
What Sets Munchkin Apart
We have dedicated in-house Quality Assurance and Compliance teams that partner with top, globally recognized labs to validate our product claims. We hold ourselves to the highest possible standards to ensure the safety of families like yours.
How Others Compare
While there are countless UV sanitizing products in the market, not all undergo rigorous testing, and very few share Munchkin’s extensive history of innovation, integrity, and development of top-quality baby products.
Are you interested in learning more about wholesale uv sterilization device? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!