UV sterilizer

[traco1]

I know good maintenance practices, good food and low bioload on a tank goes a long way to keeping fish healthy. But when ich does happen, a UV sterilizer would be a safer healthier alternative to medicine for treatment.

There is a 24 watt intank UV sterilizer that is rated for up to 106 aquariums. I went to the link I got here for figuring out which size would be best suited for my tank.http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=435

So I read that this one I can buy would be sufficient to treat ich in my 55 gallon or any other smaller tanks I have?

Sound good?

[Soggybottom]

Cranking up the temp a bit and adding salt might save you a few bucks.
Hopefully someone knowledgeable will come along and add specifics...MELODEEEEY!

I'm guessing a UV sterilizer might help prevent ich from spreading, but I doubt it would eliminate the parasites ON a fish...

[Melody]

This is mechanical - I know very little:twitcy: , but thanks for making me feel smart before I had to admit that I'm stupid....lol.

All I know for sure is I bought the biggest and the best available so it would kill EVERYTHING. Its huge & ugly - I took up the majority of a side cabinet to house the thing. I have an entertainment center framing the tank, so at least I was able to hide it.

You're quite correct though, it does not cure fish, it prevents spread.

[Shelley]

Which one did you get Mel? This is what we bought to replace the AA intake one I am selling.
Pentair Aquatics Lifegaurd UV Sterilizer- 40 Watt



Its flippin HUGE! And now we have to plumb it.. AND find a pump big enough to push water thru the monster. Im starting to miss my simple hang in tank one already.:yes:





Pentair Aquatics Lifegard UV Sterilizer - 40 Watt $234.95 CDN






Lifegard Ultraviolet Sterilizers produce UV light at 2537 angstroms, exerting a lethal effect on the unwanted, disease causing micro-organisms. Lifegard UV Sterilizers, when used properly, are extremely beneficial in destroying disease causing Pathogens, Harmful Bacteria, Mold spores, Yeast, Virus, Protozoa, Fungi as well as Algae.

Lifegard UV Sterilizers use pure hard quartz material in their bulbs, which dramatically increases the UV output as compared to other conventional bulbs of equal wattage. Pure quartz material resists solarization and improves the longevity of the UV bulb. The unique test tube like pure quartz sleeve isolates the bulb from water contact, providing an optimal bulb operating temperature of 100? F (38? C). This optimal bulb temperature results in a 35% higher UV output over conventional units without sleeves.

Comes complete with a one year parts & labour warranty.

Specifications
Height: 34-1/2"
Base: 7-1/2" x 4-3/4"
Maximum Flow Rate: 1500GPH
Maximum Aquarium Size: 300 Gallons

All of our Lifegard sterilizers are shipped with 3/4" Threaded In/Out ports. Other sizes are available by special order.

Pump Not Included

[CACAdmin]

The link is a guideline for selection only. The greater the exposure of the water to UV light the better as this is which is what kills those microorganisms. And as others have said, it will not cure your fish... it only prevents spread of disease. As to which one to buy, if I were you, I'd research as much as possible because it's a big expenditure. Ultimately, the decision as to whether it's worth it to purchase one and if so which one to buy ultimately is yours to make.

[Melody]

That's the same one I have Shell - watch the hose connections for leakage. I had a helluva time with mine. Had to use silicone.

[Shelley]

What are you using for a pump Mel? Or did you plumb it in to your system? We are going to try and make this kinda portable with its own pump so its easily transfered between tanks.. easily LOL famous last words, I bet it sits in pieces in the corner of my living room.. as it is right now.. for at least 2 months before babyboo gets motovated.

[Melody]

ROFL That's what it did in my livingroom - I put a doily & flower on it after awhile.

Pump is... hmmm.... an Aquaclear.... just a sec.....


Aquaclear 50. The key is getting the water through at a good rate, slow enough to expose everything to the UV for a sufficient amount of time, yet fast enough that enough water is pushed through to tackle things before they spread. The speed end is more of a concern with larger tanks.

Or so they tell me anyways...:twitcy: