uv sterilizer

[smitty]

I am looking to purchase a coral life uv and was wondering if anyone has one and is the setup easy with a powerhead instead of using a filter. thanks for the help.

smitty

[Afreakin]

I have a 9w turbo twist

[smitty]

do you like it and how hard is it to install, what powerhead goes best with it. thanks

[Afreakin]

I had mine inline of a canister filter (fluval 304). Very easy to hook up and use. I'm not sure what size power head you would need to run it.

[emartin]

Another fantastic brand, and imo a whole lot better in quality and construction but a lot more complicated in setting up, is Aqua Ultraviolet. They're like twice as expensive as coralife but are a lot stronger, last longer and are built to be weather proof for out door ponds...

This is the company website: http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/

I only know of one company in NJ that is a retailer of them, and if you visit them when they are having the companies come and show off the products you get a decent percentage off sale... And that company is Water World in Wall Township: http://www.waterworldonline.com/

Other than that, from what I heard Coralife's works just fine. But for very large tanks like mine (265g) I'd get one that's heavy duty, and has a decent resale value since pond keepers will want them...

~Ed

[Pete]

You haveta be careful to use a pump/powerhead that's gonna get the right flow rate through the unit to be beneficial - too quick and the UV isn't gonna do anything. You should also be aware that the bulbs usually last only 6-12 months before their effectiveness drops below the point where they're useful.

What is the application?

[smitty]

I appreciate all the help, I have a 75 gallon and I had an aqua step uv hooked up with a mag power head and I think it was to much, it lasted 3 years, the other day i went to change the light and the whole sleeve was cracked and water intruded and it is now shot. I have never hooked one up to a filter, i have a fluval 305 that is brand new, do i use the same hoses this is were i am confused on the set up. thanks

[Afreakin]

Same hose. Not a big deal, you just have to make sure you make a good seal. I can sell you mine if you are interested. I used it for approx 4 -5 mos.

Shoot me a pm.

Rob

[Pete]

When you say it lasted 3 years.. The bulb might look like it's working but the amount of UV they put out degrades over time to the point where they're basically doing nothing. Seriously, unless you're importing fish or have a huge multi-tank central system I don't see the value.

[emartin]

It's also beneficial to have them for breeding colonies, disease sensitive fish (for example, Madagascars practicly have no defense against ich from what I hear, and they need to be treated fast and effectively to avoid damage), and so on.

I personally got mine for my 265g because I was having a huge problem with greenwater, and I plan on turning it into a massive breeding tank soon also.

If you just want one for green water, get the cheapest one and it will do the job. If you want one for parasite killing, get the biggest one you can afford...

~Ed