UV Water Sterilizer

C

Callidus

AC Members
May 11, 2003
13
0
0
45
Visit site
Hi guys 'n' gals.

Im looking for a little insight. I have a 25 gallon BW setup which has been great. It has beeen established for around 2 years now.

Throughout the last 2 years Ive had no real problems but the water has rarely been as clear as id like.

I have been looking around and to me it appreas the UV Sterilization method may help.

Any suggestions on equipment?

Thanks for your time

Callidus
 
Depends on why your water is not clear. A UV will kill anything free floating in the water column that goes through it, but it will not remove these things from the water. So, if you have a bacteria cloudiness (white), it's means something is feeding these bacteria, and solving that problem will help more than killing the bacteria. If it's an algae issue, the UV will help temporarily, but ultimately, you still need to address the root cause of the algae bloom. I'm not in favor of using UV sterilizers on most setups--they remove much of the microfauna that promotes stability in an aquarium.
 
Thanks for the info OrionGirl :)

Yeah it is 'cloudy'. I was away for a few days and my original filter had failed. I purchased a new more powerfull filter which has been in there 3 days so im hoping that will do the job. Its turning the tank over every 10-15mins.

The fish I have are very messy indeed, so maybe this is all due to a failing filter and now it may take a good couple of weeks for the new filter to take control.

Would you agree OrionGirl? Any other suggestions?

Dont we all want crystal clear water :) ?
 
Have you checked ammonia/nitrites lately? With the swap in filters, you probably lost some of the beneficial bacteria, so I'd be worried about a spike. Frequent water changes would help with that, and maybe help if there are particulates being kicked up by the new water currents. The swap also is part of why it's cloudy now--the imbalance in nutrients--but wouldn't account for it being cloudy before. What kind of filter and media do you have? Maybe increasing the mechanical filtration would help remove small particulates?
 
I shall try that OrionGirl. Thanks :)


The substrate is sand, and the filter is a Fluval Model3 Plus with 2 normal pads and 1 carbon to reduce tanics leaked from the various types of wood. I had moved some of the biological matter to the new filters in tank water before the exchange so im hoping for not too much of a spike. Ill be going home later to check the stats.

I also have 2 large rocks in there (the name of which escapes me at the moment) which has many crevices to help as a biological filter.
 
Ah, that's good! So the biological filtration should be mostly in tact. I'd guess that boosting the mechanical filtration--maybe even just a sponge over the intake or a on a powerhead, might help increase clarity.
 
Adding 1" filter floss to your system, can also help to "polish" your water. Your tank is probably recycling.
 
Pufferpunk said:
Adding 1" filter floss to your system, can also help to "polish" your water....
Click to expand...
but whatever you do, don't buy it at a fish store where a 4oz bag goes for 15$, you can get a bag at walmart 1lb for 1$
which should last nearly a year in medium sized filters
just look for polyfill
 
Actually, I buy a huge 1lb bag at a sewing store for $3.
 
Thanks guys you're all a great help. I can pick up some Filter Floss tomorrow.

And Pufferpunk nice to see your Puffer Forum is going strong!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom