about uvtraviolet sterilizer
- Thread starter arofin
- Start date
I may be wrong but I don't think uv sterilizers are worth the money except as inline treatment for multitank systems.
i bought a turbo twist 9w a while back b/c it was on sale and i was interested in seeing how one worked -- i had it set up on fw tank for while, didnt really see much effect, but i never really had problems -- then i set it up on my first saltwater tank and it ran with no problems for about 6 months, i decided to take it off (it was hanging on the back of the tank w/ powerhead in main tank so it looked really ugly) -- less then a week after i took it off the whole tank came down with ich -- dont know if was a coincidence or that the uv sterilzer actually prevented desiese but i think that they do help at least with fish species that are highly suseptable to outbreaks
They do work, I have never used one but Stienhardt Aquarium in San Fransisco uses them on their multitank systems. I think that if you run multi tank filters passing the intake fow thru a uv tube can't hurt but if you only have one tank it is a waste of money.
I think it will prevent ich but not cure it.. cos it just kills the pathogens and bacteria in the water that passes through it, not those already parasiting on your fish.
Its easier to prevent the Ich parasites from entering your system then trying to cure it,by quarantining new fish.
1.UV sterilzers need to be plumbed into the system after the mechsanical/biological filter(you either need a canister filter or a powerhead with a prefilter).
2.UV sterilzers need to be taken off line and cleaned monthly
3. bulbs need replacing at least yearly.
4.UV sterilzers have a tendancy to add heat to your water
5.UV sterilzers use electricity adds to the monthly power bill
just some things to think over -Anne
1.UV sterilzers need to be plumbed into the system after the mechsanical/biological filter(you either need a canister filter or a powerhead with a prefilter).
2.UV sterilzers need to be taken off line and cleaned monthly
3. bulbs need replacing at least yearly.
4.UV sterilzers have a tendancy to add heat to your water
5.UV sterilzers use electricity adds to the monthly power bill
just some things to think over -Anne
I like u.v. sterilizers but there are some in's & out's about them that play a huge roll in if it will be a signifigant value to you or not. The wattage of the sterilizer and the flow rate are very important. If you have a small sterilizer on a large aquarium, it won't be very affective. Like wise, if you pump water thru your sterilizer to quickly it won't be very effective. The "bugs" in your water that you want to kill need to be exposed to the u/v light long enough to kill them. A good quality u/v should have detailed instructions on flow rates. Also, as was mentioned by another person. You must keep the u/v sterilizer clean. THe film that can build up on the inside will block out the light and decrease effectiveness. They are very usefull at killing free floating algae. It's a common practise on out door ponds to use them to clear up green water. It does not matter if it's fresh water or salt, it does not matter if it's a multi tank system or just one tank. They perform the same function on both. THey are not effective on viruses and their affectiveness is limited at killing bacterias. The u/v light is only good for about 1 year and will need to be replaced annually.
Joel
Joel
If used properly it will get rid of stray bacteria in the water column. The slower the better. Turbo twists have often been criticized because of there short life but otherwise a good idea. It will heat your tank and even if you have the water moveing to fast it kills algae in the water column. You never want to UV 100% of the water. Build a bipass so some water doesn't go through it.