Aquarium UV Sterilizer Installation Demonstration

[midonda]

How does this not also kill the good, beneficial bacteria that we try so hard to maintain?

[cstrohmeyer]

@midonda

No, this is one of those urban myths that long ago have been discredited, Please read the first VERY in depth article listed first in the Video Description section that deal with UV Sterilization; Facts & Information

[APoirier594]

I bought the 9 watt. for my aquapod, does it work well for you

[cstrohmeyer]

What brand 9 watt UV did you get? What are you trying to achieve?

Most will control algae, lower incidence of disease (mostly bacterial, saprolegnia, virus), and improve Redox Balance and therefore fish immunity. However how they are set up, including flow can make a difference.

[beastyfourpointsix]

Hey cstrohmeyer, I am going with set-up like how is demonstrated but with Coralife Turbo twist(18W) UV and Rio pump. What GPH rating do you recommend for 125 Gal tank?

[cstrohmeyer]

What is most important is the flow as per the size of your UV. For most quality UVs (which the Turbo Twist is), a flow rate of 25 gph per watt is what is most important (with a tank turnover of at least 2 times per hour. This would be a max flow of 450 gph for your UV.

I would recommend reading the UV Sterilization article in the video details for vastly more information (it is also updated regularly too).

[jweb1369]

The reason you put it on the return is because if you put it on the intake it will kill ALL of the bacteria before it reaches your filter. Without good bacteria, well there really is no point of a filter, haha.

[beastyfourpointsix]

Hi , when you say you can use a canister filter, I have a Fluval FX5. Do I connect on intake side or return of canister. Also, the hosing is ribbed, would it still work without leaking? Very educational vid!

[cstrohmeyer]

THANKS!

A UV Sterilizer is usually best on the retrun side of a any filter.

The ribbed tubing on Fluval can be used, however replacing this tubing with standard vinyl tubing is easier and much reliable ( I do not like the Fluval Tubing anyway). please see the link to our UV Sterilization article in the description section of this video for more about this subject including a picture of a UV with Fluval attached.

[JacobAndrewCastro]

I got a UV sterilizer that works amazing and you dont have to spend $300, check out the video I posted about it.

[cstrohmeyer]

Yes, you are right, you do not need to spend $300 for a Good UV Sterilizer, The custom shown here is a proven effective UV for $75 and the Terminators start at $60.

Please pardon my bluntness though, I am quite familiar with the Green Killing Machine, and we had them thoroughly tested by our aquarium maintenance affiliates (as we do all new products) and althought the concept is awesome, they failed miserabley in durability as compared to others, which is why we in the end rejected these UVs

[mamao3boys]

I have learned something new today! Thanks for the neato video! You have saved my fishies! They will forever love you!

[cstrohmeyer]

At 20 gph per watt UV Sterilizers can effectively kill bacterial pathogens in the water column (however not the gravel on internally in the fish). This 20 gph per watt guide can vary as not all UVs are created equal as many have poor water contact and too much distance between the light and the UV interior wall (such as The Aqua Medic, Jebo, Tetra).

[ancientpimp]

thanks for the instructional vid, and wow, thats one huge uv sterilizer! Mine is just 9 watts and its tarting to clear the algae on my tank within a few weeks. Do they really kill off disease pathogens? The algae killing is clear but diseases?

[RealFan]

They don't shut them down, they simply weaken them since you're essentially creating a sterile environment. I would recommend having it on a timer and running it for a couple of hours every night instead of 24-7.

[freakinwierdo132]

that was nice, but did u know that if u leave uv lights on 24/7 they shut down a fish's defense systems? then they are turned off for a few hrs or so then illnesses can set in quiq and kill the fish off.

[cstrohmeyer]

Running a UV 24/7 is not a problem with fish. I have ran many studies and comparisons on tanks with PROPERLY installed UVs and I have never seen lowered resistance, quite the opposite; the UV unit improves Redox and along with killing many water borne pathogens which allows for a stronger immune system that is not lowered by the diseases and higher Redox of a contained space an aquarium affords. I would recommend reading the Information URL in the video information.

[Koshy2]

What exactly are they for? Just killing waterborne algae?

[cstrohmeyer]

No, these are disease prevention and Redox Potential in aquariums and ponds and are an excellent par of good aquarium management when properly installed, good quality unit is used (many are not). Please read the information site: American Aquarium Products/ Aquarium Information (the URL is in the video description)