Can someone please dummy down "UV sterilizers"?

[Tstone]

I see everyone says that they do wonders with keeping crystal clear water.. but I have NO idea what it is, what it does, how it works, anything...

Can someone kind of explain it for me? Maybe dummy it down a little bit.. lol

Also, it seems like they're kinda like in line.. can I run one inline with my FX5?

 

[Zari]

Basically it kills all the microbes and such floating around in the water. Be it Ick or Algae. At least that's my understanding of it.

 

[Tstone]

Basically it kills all the microbes and such floating around in the water. Be it Ick or Algae. At least that's my understanding of it.

Hmm.. that helps some.. Any help as far as running it with my FX5?

 

[anarekist]

fx5 might flow to fast, you want a long contact time with the uv light so it can effectively kill off any dangerous microbes floating in your water.

 

[Tstone]

So like... I could get this.... http://www.aquacave.com/15-Watt-Advantage-2000-UV-Sterilizer-by-Aqua-Ultraviolet-P776.aspx .... get the "hang on" option, and then could I just mount it kinda like you'd mount a heater? or what..

 

[anarekist]

yep, make sure the pump you are gona use be at the specified maximum rate or slower for that uv

 

[Tstone]

yep, make sure the pump you are gona use be at the specified maximum rate or slower for that uv

Pump? What? What pump? Where? lol.. so lost...

 

[anarekist]

you need something to run the water thru it

 

[Tstone]

you need something to run the water thru it

oh my goddddd. Like, a powerhead? or what? I'm too lost..

 

[anarekist]

yes, you can use a powerhead if the flow rate is appropriate. or you can split off the return on your fx5 and use a ball valve or something to regulate the flow of water to the uv sterilizer.

honestly if your tank is doing fine you might not need a uv.