What brand of UV filters would you recommend

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Actually the one UV filter that kendragon keeps recommending is a pond UV filter :P I agree it is all quite allot to understand lots of variables etc. I'm excited to learn this is probably among the most challenging concepts I've tried to wrap my mind around in a long time.

haha oh you just made it harder! this reminds me of the time I wanted to start an indoor veggie garden only time I busted my brain! Maybe I can get one of those wave UVs shipped here theres an idea !!!
 
Maybe, but you could just look at that design and search out a similar design for the land down under. Its a classic design see if any of the major koi brands out of japan make ones for you. Poke kendragon see if he can give you some insight.
 
Actually the one UV filter that kendragon keeps recommending is a pond UV filter :P I agree it is all quite allot to understand lots of variables etc. I'm excited to learn this is probably among the most challenging concepts I've tried to wrap my mind around in a long time.

UV sterilizers are UV sterilizers. There is no difference between pond UV, tank UV, waste water UV and swimming pool UV. All put out UVC light. I've seen many comments advising to get UVC and not UVS. This statement is misleading. UVC, UVS, UVP are often used by manufacturers as their brand designator. For example, WLim calls their stainless steel line UVS and their plastic PVC line UVP but both does the same thing. So I can see why people get cornfused when one advises to not get a pond UV. I won't name names.

When researching, one will find the manufacturer's recommended gallons and flow rate but is that for a pond or tank? Chances are it is for a pond due to the fact that most people buy them for ponds. Takes very little to clear green water so small units will quote good for several thousand gallon pond but will do very little for controlling parasites in the pond though. Will this same unit work on a tank? Definitely. Green water control should be no problem because as I stated it will take very little UV for this. You can even get a cheapy chinese UV and it'll work.

Now we enter the subject of parasite control. Any UV (tank or pond), dosage has to be calculated. Bulb efficiency and wattage matters.

Pond UV is actually stronger because of the higher pressure that it must handle. So you're actually getting a heavier duty unit.
Daisy chaining narrow body UV is okay but you pay the price in head loss. That is the reason for multi-bulb units with a big chamber to slow the flow and minimize head loss.
 
Alright last one for me but this guy caught my eye

http://www.aquariumproducts.com.au/catalogue_products.php?prodID=4824&catID=51

Seems to hit more strings then the others and talks more about killing bacteria rather then clear water, any experience ideas feedback etc.

I did come up with the idea to QT fish for 5 months > UV but then I figured if a fish gets sick in the main system the UV would stop it spreading else main contact is made correct? :S
 
Alright last one for me but this guy caught my eye

http://www.aquariumproducts.com.au/catalogue_products.php?prodID=4824&catID=51

Seems to hit more strings then the others and talks more about killing bacteria rather then clear water, any experience ideas feedback etc.

I did come up with the idea to QT fish for 5 months > UV but then I figured if a fish gets sick in the main system the UV would stop it spreading else main contact is made correct? :S

No one can promise that without extensive calculations for the unit and at that you putting your hands between tanks can transfer the more deadly diseases. I will personally be QTing fish thuroughly with UV filtration on the QT tanks, using some non invasive medication like epsom salt and garlic and peas in the food to flush the lower digestive track and adjusting water salinity etc. My main system will have a DE filter to handle parasites nothing else will be on my main system for static disease prevention.
 
I picked this UV filter up for 50 bucks, any one recognize what it is???

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