How much UV and bubble time ?

[ChrisInTheTropics]

I have 9w UV lights and dual-output air pumped in my reservoirs with big air stones, and am wondering if I need to run them constantly, or if 25% of the time would be enough, I have timers to turn some pumps on and off so could easily just have the UV and bubbles happen on the same timer and save a good bit of electricity.

It's hard to do any kind of useful experiment to get a vaguely definitive answer any time soon so am wondering if anyone has any opinion on whether say a quarter of the time is enough to sufficiently treat the nutrient ?

Both tanks have a bit of bubble/disturbance from the return, but not loads, so I have the air pumps to make damn sure.

 

[therm0.stat]

Running UV lights and air pumps part time can help save energy, but for effective sterilization and oxygenation, continuous or near continuous operation is usually best. UV needs consistent exposure to keep microbes in check, and bubbles help keep nutrients well mixed and oxygenated but if you have some circulation from returns, cycling them might work okay, cutting to 25% runtime risks letting problems build up, it appears saving is a priority, maybe try 50% duty cycle first and monitor water quality before going lower

 

[ChrisInTheTropics]

Saving electricity isn't a big issue, just that I've no idea if 100% of the time is completely unnecessary so a pointless waste of power if a quick burst every now and then is all they both need. Sounds like it's best to just leave them going all the time though, thanks.

 

[Aqua]

Running UV and air pumps only 25% of the time is like brushing your teeth once a week and hoping mouthwash picks up the slack. Nutrient reservoirs thrive on consistency, not part-time treatment schedules to save a few watts