UV Sterilizer

[Luca Brazzi]

Has anyone attempted to build one of these? Seems like it shouldnt be too difficult. Its just a UV bulb that shines on the water throught some tubing right? Or am I missing something?

[OrionGirl]

Simply put, yes, but it's a bit more complicated than that. The water flows through the tube at a rate slow enough to kill off anything floating in the water but fast enough that the water isn't getting boiled. I recommend running them in between to filters (one sponge filter to trap the larger particles first, then through something much smaller to catch the dead 'stuff' before it gets dumped into your tank and decomposes, causing nitrate parties).

Why do you want to build one? Their use isn't recommended for most tanks. They tend to increase maintenance issues, and don't solve any problems that good tank maintenance and quarantine habits don't prevent.

[Luca Brazzi]

Well actually, I dont want one just yet (or maybe never) I was just thinking that if I wanted one, maybe I could build it instead of spending 300 bucks for one. From what your saying, it seems like it shouldnt be too difficult... Im sure that somewhere out there there is information on the timing issues you mentioned, as in: In order to Kill X, if you have a U.V. intensity of Y, the sample should remain under the light for Z, etc.

Can you actually boil water using a 18w bulb?

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Luca Brazzi
............Can you actually boil water using a 18w bulb?

I don't think so..

[superstein61]

Luca, no need to spend $300 - unless your tank is mega-sized. I spent about $125 on mine for my 72 Gallon - and I went with a model that could accomodate even more water flow

[Luca Brazzi]

superstein61

Since you have one, can you tell us basically what its made like? Is it simply a clear tube in a box with a UV light in it? How fast does the water flow through it? Whats the wattage?

[superstein61]

Luca, well I didn't take it apart to inspect it before installing it - and since I have it running inline after my sump, I can't do it right now.

However, you may want to read my rather lengthy post on this thread about it:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=3062

If you go to the manufacturers web site there, you can get info on flow rates, effective kill / exposure rates, etc.

I do know that the UV tube needs to be kept within a quartz tube which the water passes over in close proximity. I know I have seen some illustrations in various manufacturers ads for their UV units - you may want to check them out.

My unit is the 25W Vectron

[Luca Brazzi]

Actually...from looking at the website it doesnt seem that complicated if you can get the inner quartz sleeve, and another tube with an ID 12mm larger than the OD of the inner one (this would give 6mm of space between the 2 tubes all the way around) . It seems to be basically a tube in a tube with the UV light inside the inner (quartz) tube. Then youd need an inlet and outlet on the outer tube so water could flow between. Of course both tubes would have to be water tight so no water escapes the outer tube, or leaks through the inner tube to destroy the light. Then put the whole thing in a box with a ballast for the light.

Or am I missing something?

Nah... just buy one.