uv sterilizer

[PooCooper]

Are they worth it? Can they put in line of a fluval 404? Thanx

[Kagh't]

definatly, but only if you have a huge tank.

they can be put in line.

[PooCooper]

I have a 125. The 404 isnt too powerful?

[NJ Devils Fan]

Not at all. I have mine connected to my Rena Filstar xP3 which pumps 350 gph- more then your fluval. You will have no problem at all.

[SayersWeb]

You need a very low flow rate through a sterilizer to get any benefit other than getting rid of algae. If your flow rate is too high then the sterilizer is not doing anything. You also need to replace the bulb every 9 months. Otherwise it is not strong enough to be effective.

Those who have them hooked inline with their canisters may not be getting the benefits they hoped for.

[125gJoe]

The flow rate seemed to slow on my Fluval 404 with the UV hooked into it. I now have it on a separate power head....

[SayersWeb]

Originally posted by 125gJoe
The flow rate seemed to slow on my Fluval 404 with the UV hooked into it. I now have it on a separate power head.... You may want to pre-filter so that the sterilizer does not lose efficiency through gunk build-up on the tubes. Or, you will want ot break down the sterilizer and clean on a regular basis.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Joe knows all about that. He used to have his running on his xP3, thats where I got my idea from. Now, cleaning hoses on the other hand...;) ;) :p

[JSchmidt]

Originally posted by PooCooper
Are they worth it? Can they put in line of a fluval 404? Thanx

Do you have a problem that requires UV? For most FW tanks, they aren't necessary.

They rate high in terms of gadget-fun, but low in terms of necessity, barring a few specific problems.

Jim