uv sterilizer

[slp]

Anyone here use a uv sterilizer? I have a 75 gal. tank and am thinking of getting one. Was it successful on keeping the water clear and preventing pathogens, harmful bacteria, parasites, etc at bay. If using, what size of sterilizer did you use for what tank size. I don't know how effective it would be, I do water changes every couple of days at 80-90-%.

I recently lost 6 of 8 5-6-inch discus that were in this tank. I think it was to a bacteria bloom, but don't know for sure. The 2 survivors have been moved to a new tank and the 75 gal has been thoroughly cleaned and it is currently being cycled. I would really like for the event to not be repeated and am trying to do everything to prevent it.

Steve

[warblad79]

I used them for both main tanks but I still do large water change between 80%-150% per day. UV will not much as far as keeping your fish healthy. I think less water change that's killed your fish.

[MD.David]

I see this type of post more times then I would like to see, however these are some suggestions I make for all aquariumists.
1)do bare bottom 100% of the time
2) have nothing else in the tank besides heater, air stone, sponge filter(s)
3) do a minimum of 80% WC daily!
4) make sure your fish are totally parasite free and dewormed.
5) make sure your sponge filter is cycled, there are many kick start products out that help, use them and keep your ammonia, nitrite levels at zero or as close as you can
6) feed high quality food and don't let it rot in the tank
7) vacuum everyday regardless and wipe down tank every other day!
8) change more water!!!!

I have yet to see anyone do this regiment and post that there fish are sick.


Anyone here use a uv sterilizer? I have a 75 gal. tank and am thinking of getting one. Was it successful on keeping the water clear and preventing pathogens, harmful bacteria, parasites, etc at bay. If using, what size of sterilizer did you use for what tank size. I don't know how effective it would be, I do water changes every couple of days at 80-90-%.

I recently lost 6 of 8 5-6-inch discus that were in this tank. I think it was to a bacteria bloom, but don't know for sure. The 2 survivors have been moved to a new tank and the 75 gal has been thoroughly cleaned and it is currently being cycled. I would really like for the event to not be repeated and am trying to do everything to prevent it.

Steve

[farebox]

I had an quality 40W UV running on my 125G tank for awhile until SD members advised me that I didn't need the UV if I followed the procedures outlined by MD.David. Save your money for some quality discus my friend....By the way I paid $350 for it and it's now sitting in my closet waiting for someone to buy it!

[Neptune]

I run one 24/7. I can honestly say I have no idea if it does any good. I change a lot of water, wipe the tank etc. So who knows! I do have gin clear water though.
But the flip side is also true. It sure isn't harming anything!
The science behind them says they can improve your redox.

[Ryan925]

I run mine 24/7 as well. I do believe it does make a big difference in clarity. As far as sterilization that's all about proper wattage and flow rate.

I install UV on swimming pools and when properly sized they work wonders

[Candydiscus]

To you people who say UV filters do nothing... LOL okay... whatever you say... you do know UV filters are used in water treatment plants right ? As well as UV robots with UV lights to disinfect hospital rooms.. It can kill ebola as well.. and you can also use them in airvents in your house at the furnace

For the UV filters to kill whatever is in the water you need a powerful one and a good quality one that has alot of zizags and twirls to keep exposure longer. This is why for example the smaller Green machine UV light is only good for say algae.. but the larger one is good for bacteria, mold, and parasites because its 2-3x larger and 2-3x more powerfull.


Just becarefull though on your heater. UV lights will raise the temp of your tanks. I have to keep my heater at 76f because when i had it at 80f and put in two UV sterilizer on my 92g tank it raised my water temps to around 83f and i keep my water at around 78-80f with my discus (and yes they do fine in cooler water so dont even start)

[Ryan925]

I had an quality 40W UV running on my 125G tank for awhile until SD members advised me that I didn't need the UV if I followed the procedures outlined by MD.David. Save your money for some quality discus my friend....By the way I paid $350 for it and it's now sitting in my closet waiting for someone to buy it!

Just because people here tell you 'its not needed " doesn't mean it doesn't have benefits. It's frustrating to me that because it's not someones way of doing things they want to deter others from its use. If you choose not to use new technology that has obvious benefits that's a personal preference.

You run a sump right Roland? These same people will tell you that a sump is not needed or that your K1 is complicating your filter. Some would have you believe that the only way to keep discus is in a glass box with a sponge. That's simply not true and there are countless examples here of that.

So yes uv does have benefits. Is it a replacement for good thank maintenance and husbandry? No

The key to uv is sizing it properly. With uv it's all about proper wattage and flow rate for it to be a success.

[Clawhammer]

I run a large UV unit on my discus tank and I can't say for sure that it is providing any noticeable impact on my tank. I think frequent water changes minimizes the impact or need for UV. I keep mine running in hopes that it is providing things for the fish that I cannot detect (better redox, elimination of pathogens). I probably wouldn't spend the money again.

[Ryan925]

I run a large UV unit on my discus tank and I can't say for sure that it is providing any noticeable impact on my tank. I think frequent water changes minimizes the impact or need for UV. I keep mine running in hopes that it is providing things for the fish that I cannot detect (better redox, elimination of pathogens). I probably wouldn't spend the money again.

Here a pretty good article on redox and uv

https://aquarium-digest.com/2009/12/02/redox-in-aquariums/

[Clawhammer]

Thanks Ryan. Great article, you don't see as much discussion of Redox on here compared to the planted tank world... Very interesting since my water out of the tap is so low in TDS that I have to supplement ca+ and mg+

[Ryan925]

Thanks Ryan. Great article, you don't see as much discussion of Redox on here compared to the planted tank world... Very interesting since my water out of the tap is so low in TDS that I have to supplement ca+ and mg+

I see redox discussed much more in the Marine side of things although it has obvious importance in the FW world as well. I haven't checked tds of my tap by I do know the water is pretty soft in my area but high ph

[atlantadiscus]

I had an quality 40W UV running on my 125G tank for awhile until SD members advised me that I didn't need the UV if I followed the procedures outlined by MD.David. Save your money for some quality discus my friend....By the way I paid $350 for it and it's now sitting in my closet waiting for someone to buy it!

What brand and model is it? How much are you selling it for?

[Ryan925]

What brand and model is it? How much are you selling it for?

Good question :)

[Neptune]

I think it discussed much more on the salty side because some reefers inject ozone into the water. The amount of ozone is often controlled by a REDOX meter much like CO2 in a planted tank with a pH controller.
The ozone helps break down proteins in the water and makes foam fractioning in the skimmer easier. Thus cleaning the water and raising the ORP.
We can't do that very easily on the fresh side.
BUT the REDOX reactions still apply to freshwater and UV can and does raise your ORP if done properly.

[Jenene]

Here a pretty good article on redox and uv

https://aquarium-digest.com/2009/12/02/redox-in-aquariums/

Wow Ryan! Way to back up with scientific evidence and explanation. This is the best information I have seen on this. Thank you for sharing it. Those that want to use it will. Those who don't won't. To each is own but we can all be better informed in order to understand what is going on in those tanks that we can't see. Very interesting.

[farebox]

It's an Emperor Aquatics Smart UV 40 Watts. Also have a new seal kit and brand new UV lamp included with sale price. I don't know what an fair price would be for a year old unit in excellent working condition w/ box and manual. I paid over $350.00 for the unit online. Make an fair offer and we go from there.

[atlantadiscus]

A year old,so out of warranty.....$150 shipped to Georgia is my number- but personally,I would rather you tell me you are going to use it on your tank.

[Ryan925]

A year old,so out of warranty.....$150 shipped to Georgia is my number- but personally,I would rather you tell me you are going to use it on your tank.

I was hoping same thing. Roland you have a nice sump and that uv would be a beneficial addition to it. Why lose out on the money you've already spent because someone else doesn't believe in it.

[Neptune]

agreed as long as you have it....it sure is not going to hurt your setup!

[atlantadiscus]

Yup,I dont need it,already have a less than 2 month old 18 watt Emperor Aquatics UV on my 56 gallon tank,but for the right price,I would upgrade to a 40 watt,that's how much I value a great UV sterilizer.But again,I would rather him get the benefit out of it.

[farebox]

Well guys took your advise and just finished re-installing my UV unit on my 125G tank. This time I placed it in an position so I can be easy serviced when needed. Up and running just great, fish seem a little mellowed out after half an day installed, so maybe they do so good????? Thanks guys for the nudge. Happy Thanksgiving to you all and your discus fish......

[Ryan925]

Well guys took your advise and just finished re-installing my UV unit on my 125G tank. This time I placed it in an position so I can be easy serviced when needed. Up and running just great, fish seem a little mellowed out after half an day installed, so maybe they do so good????? Thanks guys for the nudge. Happy Thanksgiving to you all and your discus fish......

Hey Roland good to hear. You know for sure that it can't hurt but we also know documented benefits.

Happy thanks to you as well. Keep us updated on any results that you observe.

I'm looking into them now and trying to decide which to buy for my new sump when it's finished.

Was considering the turbo twist 12x. Anyone have experience with them?

[atlantadiscus]

In my Opinion,there are much better uv sterilizers available than the turbotwist-I believe the 2 best manufacturers are the Pentair Emperor series and Aqua UV- both are companies that specialize in uv and water treatment,especially Pentair http://pentairaes.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAvNrBBRDe3IOwzLn6_O4BEiQAmbK-Dhmfs0BQOCmBXVHcahSWPMn4i5U0SIAV-z84ukauCswaAveQ8P8HAQ

Both made in USA and have long successful track records of producing great products with parts/support available for models long after they are out of production.There is a site having a sale currently on the Emperor products {I have bought from them before,they are reputable} see here http://www.aquariumplants.com/SearchResults.asp?searching=Y&sort=2&brand=Emperor&show=24&page=1

Good luck with whatever product you end up with!

[Ryan925]

In my Opinion,there are much better uv sterilizers available than the turbotwist-I believe the 2 best manufacturers are the Pentair Emperor series and Aqua UV- both are companies that specialize in uv and water treatment,especially Pentair http://pentairaes.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAvNrBBRDe3IOwzLn6_O4BEiQAmbK-Dhmfs0BQOCmBXVHcahSWPMn4i5U0SIAV-z84ukauCswaAveQ8P8HAQ

Both made in USA and have long successful track records of producing great products with parts/support available for models long after they are out of production.There is a site having a sale currently on the Emperor products {I have bought from them before,they are reputable} see here http://www.aquariumplants.com/SearchResults.asp?searching=Y&sort=2&brand=Emperor&show=24&page=1

Good luck with whatever product you end up with!

Ah wasn't await Pentair made uv for aquarium use. They are one of the largest pool equipment manufacturers. I install a lot of their equipment salt systems, ozone, uv, chemical automarion etc. I'll def look into it. Thanks for the info

I may just have to hit up my Pentair sales rep for a try me lol. Great idea

[atlantadiscus]

Spend some time on the Pentair website,it is fascinating to see the scope of their operation,test facilities,and amount of highly educated specialists on their staff designing their products/systems.One day,I want to tour their facilities.Maybe I could get a job there pushing a broom.

You just may want to hit up that rep soon,as they are in the process of redesigning their "lite" versions of their sterilizers,and I am sure you could strike up a healthy discount on a now discontinued line.They have to dump that inventory before coming out with the new.

[Ryan925]

Spend some time on the Pentair website,it is fascinating to see the scope of their operation,test facilities,and amount of highly educated specialists on their staff designing their products/systems.One day,I want to tour their facilities.Maybe I could get a job there pushing a broom.

You just may want to hit up that rep soon,as they are in the process of redesigning their "lite" versions of their sterilizers,and I am sure you could strike up a healthy discount on a now discontinued line.They have to dump that inventory before coming out with the new.

They do make a quality product. Over many years they have bought out a lot of other pool equipment manufacturers and consolidated it all. There are basically 3 power players in the industry and Pentair is one. I will definitely grab one or their uv units. I actually have a need for several of them for some smaller fountains on the Stanford campus

[farebox]

Pentair acquired Emperor Aquatics. They now sale the UV I have brought two yrs. ago (Emperor Aquatics).

[Andmyster]

Here a pretty good article on redox and uv

https://aquarium-digest.com/2009/12/02/redox-in-aquariums/
This is a really good read an dhas gave me an extra idea for my new tank!! Thanks for sharing this!!