Thinking about getting a UV Sterilizer to attach to a Eheim 2217 on a 125g tank. I’ve heard about the different benefits but haven’t figured out which one is best. Apparently some are kind of a gimmick and some are legitimate. What is anyone’s experience with UV and what is recommended?
UV Sterilizer
- Thread starter Silvertongue700
- Start date
What are you trying to accomplish?
Kill algal spores?
Prevent disease causing organisms?
Its effectiveness is all about detention time (a slow flow).
You may need to take a Tee off the filter line, to send a less strong flow past the UV , than you need to filter.
If flow is too fast, detention time to kill what you are trying kill may be insufficient.
If you are trying to kill pathogenic bacteria, you need less detention time under the light, than if you are trying to kill protozoa, or nematodes.
The inside sleeve needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent builddup of sludge that prevents UV penetration that could cause a loss of efficiency.
And the bulb needs to be replaced occasionally for the same reason.
Kill algal spores?
Prevent disease causing organisms?
Its effectiveness is all about detention time (a slow flow).
You may need to take a Tee off the filter line, to send a less strong flow past the UV , than you need to filter.
If flow is too fast, detention time to kill what you are trying kill may be insufficient.
If you are trying to kill pathogenic bacteria, you need less detention time under the light, than if you are trying to kill protozoa, or nematodes.
The inside sleeve needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent builddup of sludge that prevents UV penetration that could cause a loss of efficiency.
And the bulb needs to be replaced occasionally for the same reason.
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A couple other things to consider.
The UV light only effects what get sucked in and flows past the light.
it will not remove algae growing on the glass.
It will not kill internal parasites that don't have a free swimming, or planktonic stage.
Diseases like HLLE are almost never effected.
Parasites already on, or in a fish will not be taken care of.
If these pathogenic organisms have a plantionic stage the UV may keep the larvae from spreading though.
Above a Lernea parasite, on the fish.
Ick that doesn't get sucked thru the unit are not effected.
The UV light only effects what get sucked in and flows past the light.
it will not remove algae growing on the glass.
It will not kill internal parasites that don't have a free swimming, or planktonic stage.
Diseases like HLLE are almost never effected.
Parasites already on, or in a fish will not be taken care of.
If these pathogenic organisms have a plantionic stage the UV may keep the larvae from spreading though.
Above a Lernea parasite, on the fish.
Ick that doesn't get sucked thru the unit are not effected.
Problem is the benefits provided are more than likely easier and much cheaper to obtain with other methods.
edit because I hit the wrong button ugh
If you have bad algae breakouts the solution is dilution. Change water bigger and more often. If you’re worried about microorganisms then use ridx and out compete them.
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put UV on all my tanks - was / is (electric) spendy - however have not lost any fish - i have all the levels of quality too - the cheap ones i have …. ehh….
the bigger ones i have heat my tanks more than id like -
take home, good to try - little peace of mind - but costly
the bigger ones i have heat my tanks more than id like -
take home, good to try - little peace of mind - but costly