Ultra Violet Sterilizer

[Davver]

Hi All,

I am ,looking into getting a UV sterilizer to add to my external filtration unit just as a precaution in case I need it. Should I stick with the size that the manufacturers recommend, or would it be OK to get a more powerful one. I have the offer of a large unit(25W) but my current tank is a Rio 125. I would only really use it if I had problems so it would not be on permanently.
Also, does any one have any experiebce of these (Aqua_Clear)aqua-clear units which claim lots of thing that sound too amazing for the price?

Thanks in advance,

Dave.

 

[crazie.eddie]

Depends on the purpose. If you just want to get rid of GW (Green water), then you can get a low powered UV. Otherwise, I would go with the largest. The reason is, UV's have a recommended GPH flow rate depending on the purpose (ridding GW, ridding bacteria, ridding parasites). To kill parasites, you need to most dwell time (the amount of time the water spends through the light).

If the 25watt is a good deal, then go for it. If you do not want to make it a permanent UV, connect a powerhead to it and just place it in your tank whenever you need it.

 

[Davver]

Thanks Ed,

See what you meen about dwell time... the one I am being offered is a unit designed for a pond (I think). I have never suffered with green water, just thinking of the bacteria/parasite side of things. My external is a fluval 203 rated at 600/700 L/Hr I think. The unit is designed for a flow rate of 9000 L/Hr! Should be OK?

Dave.

 

[Anita]

I read in an article in PKF that the units used for ponds are not the same as the ones designed for aquariums. Not as powerful from all accounts. Hopefully another member will be able to explain more.

Anita

 

[JamesC]

Pond UV's are different to aquarium ones. Pond UV's are much larger and are not effective at killing pathogens but only affect green water. If all you want to do is clear up green water in your tank then these will work fine. I've even used one myself to clear a case of green water. If you wish to keep the pathogen count down as well you will need to get one designed for an aquarium. These have a much smaller diameter tube that the water passes through so the UV light is a lot more intense. Within reason it doesn't matter if the UV unit is too large for your tank. The only thing you have to watch for is that you don't exceed the max water through put as then the UV unit won't be as effective.

James

 

[Davver]

Thanks very much for your concise advice James. Great website by the way.

Dave.