UV sterilzers, anyone use them?

[doug z]

I was thinking I could use one or 2 off the output of my Eheim 2217's to

A) help keep stuff like green algae under wraps

B) adjust outflow, in case it's TOO strong, an blows my plants all around

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Thoughts?

Pros/cons?

[Sasquatch]

They can be useful to control algae and bacteria, but they don't solve the underlying problem ... why do you have green algae and bad bacteria in the first place.

Long term, it's usually better to find the underlying cause and fix it.

Why are you thinking of getting one? Do you have green water? Bacterial infections?

[doug z]

No, just for the 2 reasons I stated..

I don't even have my tank set up, yet.. :)

I plan to do all the maintenance that will keep algae in check without UV (water changes, etc), but..

[xoolooxunny]

I wouldnt suggest it, unless you had an outdoor pond or something. I don't know anybody who uses them, and with good care and maintenance, there really isnt a need for one. Plus, you have to change that bulb every so often, and they're not cheap.

[doug z]

Hmm..

Ok, thanks for the input!

The MAIN reason I was thinking about one was so I could reduce the outflow, if it was going to be too much...

[xoolooxunny]

What's wrong with your outflow, blowing the plants around too much? I have my powerhead aimed slightly towards the glass, so the current is strongest against the back glass long ways, and the filter outflow goes from back to the front of the tank, not aimed at any plants. You want to see the plants moving some, that means they are getting proper water circulation/nutrition, like in the real world.

[doug z]

LOL

No, I don't even have it set up yet.. :)

This is ALL scouting ahead...

Should have put more emphasis on IF..

Filter inflow/outflow will be as follows, hidden by plants..

Definitely do want SOME movement, as the back will be mostly Cabomba and it will help clear the detritus..

But not TOO much..

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Doug you don't want to clean out all that detritus, much of that will break down and feed your plants. The placement you have planed for your intake and retruns is actually an inefficent use of 2 filters. You don't need 2 Eheim 2217s on that tank, that is big time overkill. One 2217 alone is more than enough for a 75gal tank. The tank below was a 75 that I had that was filtered by a single 2215 and it was plenty for that tank.
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[Sasquatch]

Just one little question ... how is a UV filter supposed to control the outflow?

If you're that worried about it, just add a ball valve to the outflow to stick something on the end to diffuse the water stream.

Frankly unless you have an uncontrollable (as in you don't want to control it) situation, there's no real need for a UV sterilizer on an indoor tank.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I have to agree. I just turned down a free UV sterilizer in favor of a Wave Maker. I had a choice between the 2 and I took the wave maker due to the lack of need for the UV. If you want to restrict the flow then use the valves on the double tap valves that come with the 2217.

[Dsoto87]

I have the same problem as you doug.....Im always looking for some new equipment to buy. For example, I just bought a XP3 for my 55 which is already being filtered by 2 AC70s. After I bought it, I was thinking, do I really need 950gph of filtration on a 55gallon tank?

Anyways, I was planning on buying one for my 125 but I came to my senses and figured its more than likely just a waste of money. I dont have a problem with green water. UV sterilizers dont eliminate algae thats growing on objects, just free floating algae. At the same time, im not too worried about bacteria. Not only are these expensive to buy, but the bulbs are expensive to replace. The price to me is just not worth it with my current financial situation.

Besides, I still need to upgrade some stuff like my lighting before I get new equipment. If you have the funds than by all means, go get it. But I honestly dont think its needed.

[digital3]

I'm actually thinking of getting one. I just want to try it out. I found a brand new one on ebay for 30 bucks and that plant site that Doug suggested... [Only Registered Users Can See Links.] gave that model a pretty good review.

I do have a slight tinge to my water, but I'm just curious. And for 30 bucks, I'm thinking it's cheap enough to check out... I don't think it's totally needed, and I'm not getting it to solve any particular problem, I just want to check it out.

[Colin]

I bought a UV sterilizer for my loach tank. Probably down to retail therapy, but to be honest I had a spate of fin rot and ick and thought it would reduce the liklyhood of it happening again, but then again, retail therapy was probably the main reason I got one.

get one installed, it cant harm

[doug z]

You don't need 2 Eheim 2217s on that tank, that is big time overkill. One 2217 alone is more than enough for a 75gal tank.

Dave suggested the placement, and the adding of the second filter..

I have to agree that it would help with maintenence causing possible ammonia spikes, algae blooms (by cleaning/changing out one filter, then the other the next week to 2 weeks)..

It would help with tank flow.. And it would help of course with mechanical filtration..

I could probably get a 2215 or something, but for an extra $40 why not get another 2217, I say..

The ball valve idea is a good one.. On the intake to the filter or the outflow, I wonder?

Let us know how you make out, Digital3!!

[Sasquatch]

Dave suggested the placement, and the adding of the second filter..

I have to agree that it would help with maintenence causing possible ammonia spikes, algae blooms (by cleaning/changing out one filter, then the other the next week to 2 weeks)..

It would help with tank flow.. And it would help of course with mechanical filtration..

I could probably get a 2215 or something, but for an extra $40 why not get another 2217, I say..

The ball valve idea is a good one.. On the intake to the filter or the outflow, I wonder?

Let us know how you make out, Digital3!!

Why not? Because for 40$ you could go out and buy that dream chunk of rock for a centerpiece, or buy 40$ more fish, or that really expensive variety of whatever, or upgrade the lighting .... need I say more.

It's one thing to over filter a tank, but when you have to reduce the flow because your filters are pushing too much ... you're probably going a bit over the top.

As for the valve, put in on the inflow. Don't want to be creating too much pressure inside the canister.

[doug z]

I don't know if the flow will be too much, yet..

I'm looking at options in case it WILL be, and I know nothing about UV units, so I thought I'd kill 2 birds with one post..

As I mentioned, I have more reasons to want 2 cannisters besides flow..

And I'll be getting my rock(s) for free.. :)