flipperocks Posted September 20, 2012 Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 im interested in getting a sterilizer for my 150 gallon, I run a fluval fx5 , does anyone recommend a make or model, or are they even worth running Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJanzen Posted September 20, 2012 Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 Depends on what your situation is. UV sterilizers are great for eliminating water bourne algae's and minimizing harmful bacteria in a tank. A couple years ago our koi tank became infested with a waterbourne algae that we could not get rid of despite doing a complete tank clean out (new gravel and everything). The algae have been stuck to the fish. We bought a 9W Submariner and within a week the water was crystal clear again. That being said the UV sterilizer is now broken. Not too sure what happened but last time I inspected it water had gotten through the seals and it no longer works. May have been my own fault last time I replaced the bulb or perhaps the seals just became worn and cracked and I didn't replace them soon enough to save the unit. If you are going to buy one, check it out online. From what I've seen after buying mine they are significantly cheaper online as are the bulbs. Try www.petsandponds.com or www.drsfostersmith.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flipperocks Posted September 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 thank you for the info, I will certainly look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace22 Posted September 20, 2012 Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 There is a huge amount of info on the net about uv sterilizers. You have to have one that is sized correctly and that is dependant on volume, flow rate of the pump, and the job you want it to do. By job you want it to do I mean sterilization or clarification. Just make sure you get one that is sized correctly and you will be pleased with the results. The brand I chose for my tank was Aqua it was not the cheapest choice but their website is great (aquaultraviolet.com) and I found a good deal on a new one on ebay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flipperocks Posted September 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 thanks convict Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidbro Posted September 21, 2012 Report Share Posted September 21, 2012 Does using a UV sterilizer have a negative effect on the surface algae that shrimp forage on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace22 Posted September 21, 2012 Report Share Posted September 21, 2012 Uv sterilizers only kill when something is exposed to the uv light. The only things that are killed are the things that are pumped through the unit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 I have a 23W pond unit that is in the return line of my 8 tank system. I use it to prevent disease (if there ever I any) from contaminating other tanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidbro Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 Uv sterilizers only kill when something is exposed to the uv light. The only things that are killed are the things that are pumped through the unit. I'm shooting in the dark but I was wondering if it had an effect on sexual reproduction, some algae use spores to mix genes and a UV sterilizer might render these inert or damage them. After all, if your sterilizing all the water at roughtly 3 or 4 times an hour then it might seriously hinder algae and other plants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace22 Posted September 23, 2012 Report Share Posted September 23, 2012 There is no problem with plants whatsoever......algae well it has never returned to my tank since I installed the uv. I did scrub the tank and everything inside before I installed the uv. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
interpolantics Posted November 15, 2012 Report Share Posted November 15, 2012 http://www.ebay.ca/itm/160878791809?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 purchased this for my 180 gallon on my fx5. Recommended flow for the UV is 500 GPH, which is roughly what the fx5 would be after media and hose length. Technically you can run a 13w on your tank but it takes days to clear up a tank due to the slower flow rate. This would work for algae. keep in mind 36w is needed on a 180 gallon to kill parasites! When you can see through 6 ft of water without a problem id recommend this guy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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