Considering a UV Sterializer.

[NJ Devils Fan]

I was thinking about getting a UV Sterializer for my tank. After how long do you have to change the bulb? Also, how much does a bulb cost?

[NJ Devils Fan]

anyone..?

[mhmh]

I had a friend who maintains aquariums for a living help me set up mine, and he advised the UV. He said it would need replacing about once a year; you can see through an observation hole in the top when the light is getting weak.

BigAlsOnline has replacement bulbs for $12 - $27, depending on size. http://www.bigalsonline.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?inCatID=31:U.V.+Sterilizers

[NJ Devils Fan]

What size would I need for a 72g tank?

[superstein61]

Hey NJ Fan - well you know we have the same tank. I did put a UV Sterilizer on mine. The bulbs will last 6 months of continuous use.

I did lots of research on them - and people either leave them running 24/7 - or run them periodically. Given my research, I feel comfortable that I could run mine 8 to 12 hours a day and achieve my desired result. The advantage of doing this is basically to save on bulb life. So if I run mine 12 hours a day - then I am looking at changing the bulb once a year. (Note - I likely will run mine 12 hours - ultimately hooking it into a timer with my tank lighting).

As far as cost of replacement bulbs - it depends on the UV unit you buy. As to what unit for a 72 gallon, you need to size it to your pump volume and to what you want to kill :D Here is some good info here on kill rates and UV sizing:

http://www.tmc-ltd.co.uk/catalog/uv_filt/TMC_sterilisers.asp

I ultimately chose the Vecton unit

http://www.tmc-ltd.co.uk/catalog/uv_filt/Vecton_UV.asp

I did this after all my reading (and was swayed by the guidance of some of the salt water guru's over at wetwebmedia.com). The folks who make the Vecton unit really got started in the commercial market (rather than many other companies which just focus on the consumer market).

the vecton unit is not widely sold in the US. You will see it is made in the UK - so not many hobbyists here know of it. You will not find it at Big Al's or most other online stores. I did however find it here:

http://www.fishsupply.com/cgi-bin/f2/common/store.cgi?dbname=f2&mode=item&path=top/S/SU/SUVZZ/SUVTM-UV025

now I went with the 25 Watt unit which is for tanks up to 150 gallons. the 15 watt unit is for tanks up to 115 gallons. However, if you look at the maximum flow rates for killing efficiency, the 25W unit is about 450gph versus about 340 gph for the 15W unit. Looking at my pump, I am moving about 375 to 400 gph - so I went with the higher rated unit. plus on sale, it was just $10 more :D

now, I am sure you could find some of the basic retail brands for $20 to $30 less - but I figured if I am springing for $100 or more- I might as well get the best quality and spend $130

(Oh yea, I ordered one replacement bulb as well - so I am set for 2 years now)

Hope this helps :)

[125gJoe]

This was the best choice for me in UV sterilizers:
http://pic4.picturetrail.com:80/VOL59/715239/1510346/16131416.jpg It will work quite well in a 72 gallon tank too.
It's Custom SeaLife's UV sterilizer, the 18 watter.... :)

[mhmh]

Some people believe that turning the UV on and off each day shortens its life, so they leave it on 24/7.

[125gJoe]

Replacement bulbs are from $15 to about $35.

[superjohnny]

So what does a UV sterializer do?