Small UV on Big tank

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Kribensis4me

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 3, 2012
248
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Arizona
Am I right in thinking that if I were to get one of them cheap submersible UV Sterilizers 9-10 watts. To my 125 Festae fry tank. It will filter the water over time? I want it for Algae and ick killing. One UV im looking at says its rated for 211gph. I know it dont match the Filtration standards we all use for the water. But this is a stand alone UV with a pump built into it.

Cant afford them $300 units right now. But was thinking it may still help?

Or is 125g just too big for them powerhead UV units?
 
I'm running a 9w on my 180 right now- linked into the output of a Rena XP1 run solely for the usage of this. The tank hasn't been up for that long but figure that it's better to have a 9w UV on a tank than not at all- plus for the lack of wattage just keep it on longer and replace the bulb sooner. My current model UV sterilizer is made by Jebo and uses the same bulbs as manicurists UV curing bulbs- exact same wattage and UV characteristics- replacement bulbs for them are $6 at local beauty supply's :) big savings from $30+ from online suppliers- if mine isn't sufficient I'd just buy another 9w and run 2


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If I were you OP I would save the money and put it towards a good quality UV when you can afford one. UV sterilizers, while not necessary, are very useful in freshwater aquariums for clearing the water, parasite control and redox balance. The thing is though that is that they need to be sized correctly to your needs and your tank/pump. If you cheap out on a bargain UV it will most likely not be able to sterilize your water since they are poorly made and have low dwell times. You get what you pay for, so I suggest you save your money and wait until you can afford a 'good' one.

I highly suggest reading this article. Its pretty long and a little technical but it is the best article I've found to explain UV's.

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html
 
Would something like this work for a 125g aquarium? I cant find not one review on it. Other then for ponds. I think I heard something about pont uv units are different then aquarium uv units. Some guy online in my area wants to sell it brand new for $100

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003THADVC/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

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Does anyone know if that is a good iv filter? I can't find but 3 reviews on it. I want to use it for a cichlid aquarium.

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I got a 9w coralife turbo twist, rated up to 125g for 130$ shipping included off marine depot. It has 125g rating, but I'd pay the 30$ or 60$ more and get a more powerful model, mines on a 55g. The unit comes with a chart that shows the kill rates at different flows, the 9w kills parasites at 55gph. I'm happy with it.


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If I were you OP I would save the money and put it towards a good quality UV when you can afford one. UV sterilizers, while not necessary, are very useful in freshwater aquariums for clearing the water, parasite control and redox balance. The thing is though that is that they need to be sized correctly to your needs and your tank/pump. If you cheap out on a bargain UV it will most likely not be able to sterilize your water since they are poorly made and have low dwell times. You get what you pay for, so I suggest you save your money and wait until you can afford a 'good' one.

I highly suggest reading this article. Its pretty long and a little technical but it is the best article I've found to explain UV's.

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html

Thanks. I know algae is easy for almost any sized UV light. But you are right. I want it for my festae babys health and building strong health. If clarity was a issue id just invest in a Diatom pump filter. Thanks for the insight. And making me remember why I really want it.
 
I got a 9w coralife turbo twist, rated up to 125g for 130$ shipping included off marine depot. It has 125g rating, but I'd pay the 30$ or 60$ more and get a more powerful model, mines on a 55g. The unit comes with a chart that shows the kill rates at different flows, the 9w kills parasites at 55gph. I'm happy with it.


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Really? Now im getting confused. I think I need to read the 2 links shared. Thanks guys. Going to start reading a bit. Thanks.
 
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