What sterilisation rate in % does the JBL AquaCristal UV-C 36 W clarifier achieve with a power input of 36 W and a flow rate of approx. 1000 l/hour?
The 36 W UVC water clarifier is designed for partial sterilisation with a flow rate of 200 - 400 l/h. It can achieve up to 90 % reduction of microbes in the water flowing out. The higher the flow rate, the more the sterilisation rate decreases.
One must bear in mind that the organisms' sensitivity to UVC radiation differs significantly. Pathogenic germs and yeasts are more sensitive to UVC radiation than some mould spores, which, accordingly, require a higher UV dose.
The following equation is decisive: UV dose (mWs/cm²) = Intensity (mW/cm²) x Time (s)
The total reduction of microbes in an aquarium must be determined methodically for each individual case, which is very difficult, as the growth of microbes within the aquarium system must be taken into account in addition to the actual killing of microbes. This growth, in turn, is subject to enormous fluctuations and varies from one aquarium to the other.
However, you are on the safe side with a 36 W water clarifier for a 720 l tank. Ultimately, it is recommended to use a lower flow rate up to max. 400 l/h.