questions on UV Sterilizer

[burzumaske20]

I have a few questions about the UV sterilizers

1.What is a good brand to get that wont break the bank?

2.Can I go with a sterilizer that has a low wattage bulb,but upgrade to a bulb with a higher wattage for a replacement bulb?

3.Also is it true that it will make the water much clearer than what it is?

thanks

 

[DMD123]

1. I like the turbo twist designs by Coralife or the Helix by AquaMedic (used in line on a canister filter)

2. Buy a sterilizer rated for the size of your tank. Replacement upgrades are not like household lightbulbs you cant just put a brighter one in. You can however not spend a ton of money on replacements by not buying the brand specific ones they make you think you need to buy. You just need to make sure it is a UV bulb. Example: my 9w model can find a cheap replacement at Lowes in the garden/pond area for less than $10; even cheaper on line. The manufacturer wants like $23

3. If you have free floating algae and have a slight green tinge to the water it does great! Makes your water crystal clear.

 

[bbortko]

1 No complaints about my turbo twist
2 On all fluorescent fixtures upgrading to a higher lamp will not result in higher output. The ballast restricts the amount of current to the lamp and will only allow the amount of current needed for the listed lamp size.
3. If you have particles in your water column it will not be any clearer you need more mechanical filtration. If your water is green from algae it will kill the algae and clear up your tank.

 

[burzumaske20]

Thanks,I tried to ask the one gentleman from petco,he did explain about the algae part,but wasn't a 100% sure about the wattage of switching out bulbs and such.the algae part I have issues with is where it grows on top of the glass hood of the tank.Which is annoying to take out and clean up.So would that resolve my issue on that part of algae at least?

 

[DMD123]

the algae part I have issues with is where it grows on top of the glass hood of the tank.Which is annoying to take out and clean up.So would that resolve my issue on that part of algae at least?

No.

That type of algae continues to grow because of the natural warmth and condensation.