Water and germs - tanks and ponds

As always in live, there are the "good guys" and there are the "bad guys", even in the world of microorganisms. We will need them, also in out "tank world" but we if we talk about germs we talk about a group of problematic microorganisms:

Germs are a group of microorganisms that cause diseases in humans or animals and lead to death in the most extreme case. These problematic microorganisms belong to different groups:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Parasites / protozoa

But also mushrooms and micro-algae.

In principle, the action of these microorganisms can be positive or negative. However, only the microorganisms whose occurrence have a dangerous to life-threatening effect on the health of humans and animals are designated as germs. This negative property potentially causes diseases is called pathogens and germs therefore often also as pathogenic germs.

Germs in the water?

Germs in the water are increasingly a problem. Unfortunately, cases of germs in drinking water in households, in swimming pools, whirlpools or on trips are the focus of the public. As a result of which the germs are not visible, they are often the cause of diseases of aquatic inhabitants in aquariums or ponds. The degree of germ load is also referred to as germ pressure. But what are the most common germs in the water that pose problems.

Bacteria

Bacteria are microscopically small creatures, usually single-celled, which can be found everywhere. Bacteria are contained in every living being on the earth and many of them form the basis of all metabolic processes and thus important building blocks of life on earth. However, some bacteria are dangerous for humans:

Campylobacter - A bacterium that causes intestinal infections. It is the main cause of bacterial diarrhea.

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Cholera – Acute bowel infection can be caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

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Escherichia coli – Also known as E. coli. It is transmitted to humans primarily by the consumption of contaminated foods, such as raw or too little cooked mince and raw milk. Sometimes this bacterium is present in water contaminated by faeces.

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Enterokokken – Likewise, these bacteria are very dangerous at high concentrations. They have a high viability in the water and can indicate a long period of contamination.

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Legionellen – The disease-inducing bacteria Legionella pneumophila, is a germ occurring in natural and artificial water systems, especially in water systems with constant temperatures of 20 - 50 degrees Celcius. Legionella pneumophila, which occurs in the water supply, has been introduced into the water cycle by waste water from hospitals, in which patients were treated with legionary disease.

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Salmonellen – The Salmonella bacterium can live in the water for several months. Most people who are infected with salmonella suffer from diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

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Shigella – Shigella is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrhea worldwide. According to estimates, Shigella caused about 90 million cases of severe dysentery per year with at least 100,000 deaths.

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Pseudomonas - This bacterium is a cold water germ, and is particularly fond of deficient conduction segments. Pseudomonads are the cause of lung inflammation and urinary tract infections and have antibiotic resistance.

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Mycobacterium marinum - The cause of fish tuberculosis, a bacterial infection disease of which especially aquariums in fresh water and seawater aquariums are often affected.

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Viren

Herpatitis A virus - is a small infectious agent that can only proliferate within the living cells of other organisms. The hepatitis virus can live in water and the known hepatitis A, B, C and D disorders.

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Protozoa

Protozoa are single-cell parasites that live in the cells and tissues of other creatures. Protozoa can lead to problems if they cause diarrhea from the central nervous system.

Cryptosporidium - One of the most widespread intestinal parasites and a common cause of severe diarrhea. Often found in surface and groundwater sources, when these are countered by flooding or fecal impurities.

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Giardia - has an outer shell so that it can survive outside the body for longer periods of time. The parasite is most commonly transmitted by water. It is the most common cause of non-bacterial diarrhea in North America.

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Ichthyophthiriose - also known as white spot disease, white point disease, spot disease or semolina disease. A widespread parasite in freshwater fish in aquariums and ponds.

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Dinoflagellate - An unwelcome visitor to the seawater aquarium. Dinoflagellates are frequently confused with cyanobacteria, but in contrast to these, they can be whirled up with a slight fronding.

Partner sites: http://uv-klaerer.de and https://steripen.de

For german speaking people, please have a look at our german partner sites:
http://uv-klaerer.de and https://steripen.de

Setup UV sterilizer - How to install a UV sterilizer

UV sterilizers exists in several designs. Due to this constructural differences, several setups for the installation of UV sterilizers exists. This article shows pictures which show for every of the installation the several components. Every type of UV sterilizers has advantages and disadvantages which are also be described for each type.

UV sterilizer with internal filter and pump

This type of UV sterilizer is an all in one solution. You have a internal filter, a pump and a UV sterilizer in one tool. The advantage is the reduced installation effort for installing such integrated UV sterilizer. In most cases the power supply is the only interface you have to deal with. No additional tubes are necessary. These kind of UV sterilizers are often very smal and compact and are the best solution for smal and new aquariums. If you have already a filter and a pump, these kind of UV sterilizer will double your equipment and destroy a lot of these advantages. Other disadvantages are that they are limited in their performance in the meaning of wattages. For larger aquariums you will not find not such kind of integrated UV sterilizers.

Picture: UV sterilizer with internal filter and pump

Installation: It is a plug and play system. Please read the manual instruction of the manufacturer. Normaly you only to bring the UV sterilizer into the aquarium and connect the power supply. Be carefully: Most of them have to be installed in the aquarium water, but one of them have to be installed outside the aquarium. In this cases they are no internal filters, they are external filters as described below.

UV sterilizer setup with external filter and pump

If you have an equiped aquarium and would like to install an addional UV sterilizer you have all fredom to choose an pure UV sterilizer. You have not to buy an additional pump becaus you can use the pump of the external filter to bring the water through the UV sterilizer.

Picture: UV sterilizer setup with external filter with pump

Installation: The UV sterilizer should continue to be installed so that no air in the UV sterilzer can accumulate. Therefore the UV sterilizer should be installed edgewise. The inflow should come from below and the outflow should be located on the upper end of the sterilizer. You can optimized the installation by following to aspects: If possible install the intake and outlet ports of the UV sterilizers in the cross directions of the aquarium. This will also optimize the performance of the filter. The second suggestions is too bring the ports of the UV sterilizers in cross directions, which will increase the performance of the UV sterilizer itself. The following picture shows the principles of the two tricks.

Picture: UV sterilizer setup with external filter with pump - optimized

Picture: UV sterilizer setup with external pump

Picture: UV sterilizer setup with external pump - optimized

Plant growth, iron and UV sterilizers

Plants need trace elements (incidentally, just as we humans) to live and grow. A trace element that is often discussed in connection with the use of UV clarifiers is iron.

As a metallic trace element, it is for aquatic plants only in a so-called chelate compound usable as it is only soluble in water so. The term chelate comes from the Greek word "crab claw". In iron fertilizers are salts often assume the function of the "crab claw". One can easily imagine that, in the "crab claw", the iron in the water is soluble. The water solubility is a prerequisite that the iron can be transported to the green cells of aquatic plants. But, the "crab claw" to the iron again to share, because it can only be so excluded from the plant. The release is usually done by the natural UV content of the aquarium light. Since the dissolved in water and protected by the "crab claws" iron compound enge also flow through the UV sterilizers, these are also irradiated by UV-C light. This additional UV light accelerates the destruction of the "crab claws" and the uncovering of the iron. The effect is similar to the destruction of the DNA of the cell nuclei, only in this case it is an undesirable effect. The iron content of the water drops is usually faster to 0 mg / l as without the use of a UV sterilizer. The problem arises when it comes to lasting iron deficiency and (insert link, Google Search) aquatic plants iron deficiency show. What can be done to prevent the iron deficiency to be expected? The fertilizer industry has recognized the need and particularly UV-stable chelators developed. Our recommendation is to use these specific products with the use of UV sterilizers. The UV-stable manure are not significantly more expensive than conventional water plant fertilizer, so it is worth, here select the right product.

We have put together a short product overview:

Florena Aquarium Plant Care - Fertilizers Size: 100 ml

Sera Flore 2 Ferro (1.7 fl. oz, 50 mL)

Alternatively, you can use any water plant fertilizers, if they change the fertilizer to daily fertilization, for example, as part of daily feedings. Classical water plant fertilizer, with high customer satisfaction, can be found here:

Easy Life USPR 0500 ProFito Plant Fertilizer

Tetra 16269 FloraPride Plant Fertilizer, 8.45-Ounce, 250-Ml

Product overview UV sterilizer

The offered UV sterilizers for aquariums can generally be divided into three categories:

• Pure UV sterilizers (without pump) 
• UV sterilizers with built-in pump 
• UV sterilizers with built-in pump and filters 

These three product categories are presented below. The UV sterilizers are in ascending wattage, ie performance the UV lamp sorted.


Pure UV sterilizers (without pump)
Please note that for these type of UV sterilizers an additional pump is needed.

• Product name: Coralife Energy Savers ACL15600 Turbo Twist ultraviolet Sterilize
• UV power: 9 Watt
• Dimension: 13,5" L X 7,825" W X 3,75" H
• Flow rate: up to 125 gallon per hour, without pump!
• User Manual
• For more information please click on the following product picture:




Picture: Coralife Energy Savers ACL15600 Turbo Twist ultraviolet Sterilize

• Product name: AquaTop In-Line UV Sterilizer 10W - IL10UV
• UV power: 10 Watt
• Dimension: " L X " W X " H
• Flow rate: up to 211 gallon per hour
• For more information please click on the following product picture:

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Picture:  AquaTop In-Line UV Sterilizer 10W - IL10UV

UV sterilizers with built-in pump 
UV sterilizer with integrated pumps have the advantage that the installation is much easier than in a separate UV sterilizer. In most cases, it is simply to hung the UV sterilizers into the aquarium. Disadvantages are in many cases more difficult procurement of spare parts, both the pump  components, as well as the UV sterilizer bulbs. Furthermore, the wattage of integrated UV are limited sterilizern so that they are more suitable for smaller aquariums. The following product list is sorted in ascending wattage. Please note, in most cases there are only pumps integrated, not filters, also in the cases small filter sponges are included.

• Product name: AA Aquarium Mini Green Killing Machine Internal UV Sterilizer-AAUV3W
• UV power: 3 Watt
• Dimension: 16" L X 10" W X 14" H 
• Flow rate: 50 gallon per hour
• User Manual
• Product video:
• For more information please click on the following product picture:

Picture: AA Aquarium Mini Green Killing Machine Internal UV Sterilizer-AAUV3W

• Product name: SunSun JUP-02 5W UV Sterilizer Submersible Filter Pump
• UV power: 5 Watt
• Dimension: 10" L X 3" W X 2.75" H
• Flow rate: 132 gallon per hour
• For more information please click on the following product picture:

Picture: SunSun JUP-02 5W UV Sterilizer Submersible Filter Pump

• Product name: SunSun JUP-01 9W UV Sterilizer Submersible Filter Pump
• UV power: 9 Watt
• Dimension: 12" L X 3.3" W X 3.75" H
• Flow rate: 210 gallon per hour
• For more information please click on the following product picture:

Picture: SunSun JUP-01 9W UV Sterilizer Submersible Filter Pump

UV sterilizers with built-in pump and filters 
This type of UV sterilizern consist of three components: UV-lamp, pump and filter. If the sytem is in use all three components are permamently in operation. A temporary use as of the UV sterilizer is not possible.

• Product name: Aquatop PF15-UV Hang-On Filter with UV Sterilization
• UV power: 5 Watt
• Dimension: 5" L X 5.5" W X 7" H
• Flow rate: 64 gallon per hour
• For more information please click on the following product picture:

Picture: Aquatop PF15-UV Hang-On Filter with UV Sterilization

• Product name: Sunsun 4-Stage External Canister Filter with 9-watt UV Sterilizer for Aquarium, 370 GPH
• UV power: 9 Watt
• Dimension: 10.5" L X 10.5" W X 16" H
• Flow rate: 370 gallon per hour
• For more information please click on the following product picture:

Picture: Sunsun 4-Stage External Canister Filter with 9-watt UV Sterilizer for Aquarium, 370 GPH

• Product name: Aquatop CF500UV 5-Stage Canister Filter with UV 9W, 525 gph
• UV power: 9 Watt
• Dimension: 18" L X 12" W X 11" H
• Flow rate: 525 gallon per hour
• For more information please click on the following product picture:

Picture:  Aquatop CF500UV 5-Stage Canister Filter with UV 9W, 525 gph

Functionality UV sterilizer

UV sterilizers can eliminate algae and bacteria in the aquarium continuously and make a key contribution to crystal-clear aquarium water. UV sterilizers are available from different manufacturers. There are combined filter / pump / UV sterilizers, but they are somewhat less common in the aquarium area and in the field Products will be presented this code. Most offered UV clarifiers are pure UV sterilizers, which are basically made up always the same, and can be compared to a Russian matryoshka: A UV-C bulbs sitting in a quartz glass bell that quartz glass bell sits in a shell made mostly of plastic ( higher-priced UV clarifiers use here aluminum, glass, or stainless steel).

Picture: UV sterilizer - Setup

The principle of a UV sterilizer based on the harmful effect of UV-C fraction of the light that burns the green sheets and bacteria contained in the aquarium water downright. The aquarium water is pumped as the principle of a filter through the UV sterilizer. Here, the UV sterilizer has rarely its own pump, the pump most of the external filters or the inner filter is used as flow drive. The principle is always the same: to a UV-C lamp, the aquarium water is bypassed and this irradiated doing this by led aquarium water. Since the UV-C radiation is harmful to humans, the lamps are mounted in a light-proof and watertight box, which is equipped with an inlet and an outlet port. To be able to check the operability even when closed, most UV sterilizers are equipped with a viewing window through which the UV light can be seen faintly glowing in a darkened environment. UV sterilizers in different watt steps, see the section Products.

See a 25 second video with all relevant information here:

Experiances with UV sterilizers

Experiences with UV sterilizers show that they have an amazing effect in eliminating the most undesirable effects in the aquarium as described below:

Green water
This effect is known in the aquarium hobby by many names: algal bloom, water flower, green algae, green water, dust algae etc. All names describe the same effect, the aquarium water turns usually within a few days into green. The green coloration can be so strong that exist only a few centimeters depth look. The effect is similar to a glass, in which a brush with green paint was bringed in. The cause of this effect is the explosive growth of green algae, mostly belonging to the genus Volvox, called Volvox. This Volvox are too small to be retained by the filter media. Also large water changes up to 90% gain for a few days relief, the joy of the proliferation of algae resulting in the ball will reach the original population density after a short time. Aquarists are standing in front of such a problem is usually just before despair. It is not even to see in such a situation to be able to fish and to evaluate the health of the fish. Remedy creates an UV sterilizer here. The successes are striking the green water is transformed within days in clear, crystal clear water with a view depths of several meters.

White Water
In addition to the green water, another undesirable effect occurs in aquariums which is also described under various those names: White Water, Bacteria bloom, milky water, Infusorienblüte, cloudy water, etc. Again, the effect is triggered by the massive growth of bacteria, which in turn a massive reproduction of single-celled organisms, called infusoria trigger. The water turns milky and also in this case, a UV clarifier provide effective remedy. The bacteria are passed through the UV clarifier and die from that protozoa are losing the basic food and also go back to a normal level. Also an aquarium with UV clarifier will contain protozoa, these are but feed on living plants and ground bacteria and not by the bacteria in the aquarium water.

Flower
On the surface of the aquarium water sometimes occurs, the following effect on: it forms a thin layer that looks like a layer of dust and partially form a kind of wrinkle when eg a filter discharge surface water can flow together in one area. With a water change the flower is broken and removed, but it forms itself within a few days again and close itself again. The skin itself consists of bacteria and yeast. UV sterilizers are rarely used specifically to remove the unwanted scum, but here the effect is startling, the scum will disappear after the use of an UV sterilizer after a few days.

Filamentous algae
In contrast to the effects fazinierenden in eliminating algal blooms, milky haze and pellicle, UV clarifiers are not suitable to eliminate filamentous algae from the aquarium. The algae are not headed in the UV clarifier, since they are mostly grown firmly to the ground. After removing floating algae filamentous algae usually find even more optimal supply of nutrients and grow unhindered. Filamentous algae must therefore be fought by other means. Tips and hints, see the following website: www.Aquariumalgen.wordpress.com.

Performance requirements
In the various hunting and internet forums will be discussed at the necessary minimum size of UV clarifiers. Experience in the use of UV clarifiers show that even small devices operate up to 11 watts is sufficient for the current hunting area in pool sizes up to 500 l.

Frequently Asked Questions about UV sterilizers

Can an UV sterilizer in an existing aquarium retrofitted and if so how?

UV sterilizers can be easily retrofitted in an existing aquarium. The device must be installed in the water circuit of the filter. Comparing with the installation of an electrical installation, the UV sterilizer and the filter are connected in series. In the simplest case, the inflow or outflow of the outer filter is cut trough and the UV sterilizer is installed in between. The tube ends are thereby pushed to the connecting pieces of the uv sterilizers. If you heat the tube ends, widen them, which is easier to impose and after cooling the tube contracts again and is firmly attached to the fittings. For safety, the tubing ends can be fixed again with hose clips or cable ties. Here should be used carefully because during operation permanent aquarium water is pumped through the UV sterilizer. Should a piece of tubing slip off the connecting piece, the aquarium is pumped empty in a short time, so work carefully! More information about retrofitting an UV sterilizer can be found in the area installation.

Are there any filters that have integrated a built-in UV sterilizers?

Yes, there are built-in filter / uv sterilizer. Combined units are ideal in cases of new purchases. Is there already a filter exists, it is usually not worthwhile to invest in a combined device. Here a pure uv sterilizer, which then operates in parallel with a clean filter, is more convenient.

Can UV sterilizers only be combined with an external filter, or also with an internal filter?

UV sterilizers can be combined both with external filters, as well as with internal filters. In cases of internal filters it should be noted that it has been run a hose out of the aquarium, this then leads into the inflow of the UV sterilizer, and a hose line leads back into the aquarium, this directs the clarified water from the UV sterilizer into the aquarium back. This installation should be sufficient hose assemblies are available. Further information on the combination of the UV sterilizers with internal and external filters, see our article about installation.

Can an UV sterilizer which is offered for garden ponds, are used for aquariums?

Basically yes, but the devices can often be useful to employ for large aquariums, as they are dimensioned for large quantities of water in garden ponds. Often the equipment for garden ponds are offered much cheaper than the devices of the aquarium outfitter. In technical design, the devices often do not differ. Also often combined for garden ponds Filter / UV sterilizers are offered, but they are not suitable because of their size for indoor use.

Must an UV sterilizer be mounted inside or ouside of the aquarium?

As a rule, the devices must be mounted outside of the aquarium. Please follow the manufacturer's instructions here. In cases of non-compliance with installation instructions the installation of the devices will generate danger for your life! Detailed installation information can be found installation.

When is the use of an UV sterilizer useful?

UV sterilizers are often the only means to high algae proliferation, to eliminate bacterial water cloudiness and high bacterial loads in the aquarium. Read more about the experiances with UV sterilizers.

Is there a certain waiting time after the instalation of an UV sterilizer?

No, the devices unfold after commissioning instantly complete performance. But you should check the operability of the device regularly. Most UV sterilizers are equipped for this with a small plate, that shine through the UV light. Tip: Since the light meisst is very weak, the environment should be blacked out. Is the viewing window due to the installation situation difficult or not visible, can serve you well in these cases, a small mirror.

Can filamentous algae can be effectively combated with an UV sterilizer?

No, unfortunately occurs by use of an UV sterilizer a mostly the opposite. By eliminating the nutrient competitors to algae thrive mostly yarn better than before. Since filamentous algae generally are not sucked in by internal or external filter, they do not reach the UV sterilizers and therefore have no contact with the UV-C light. However, since the radiation is a prerequisite to a reduction in algae that filamentous algae will not go back through the use of an UV sterilizer. In these cases, the use of Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata (synonym C. japonica)) at a stocking density of 5 animals is to 20l is recommended in a species tank.

When are the lights of the UV sterilizer to be replaced?

Most manufacturers of UV-C lamps enter the life of the lamps with about 7.ooo hours, corresponding to about one year (10 months).

Is an UV torch or an UV clarifier the same as an UV sterilizer?

Yes, there are many names for UV sterilizers: UV filters, UV burner, UV water purifier, UV torch, UV clarifier and the names also with "UVC" instead of "UV".

Is there any influence of the UV sterilizer on plant growth?

UV sterilizers are proven to reduce the iron content in the aquarium water. Since a certain amount of iron is required for healthy plant growth, a supply of iron in the use of UV sterilizers is recommended. Read more about this phenomenia here.

On the sides of the UV sterilizer can be seen through a clouded disc a light, it is harmful to me?

The light emerging from the window and easily shimmering light is not harmful to humans and does not contain any UV-C shares more. Additionally please read the instructions of the supplier of the UV sterilizer. More information about UV light you will find here.

How long should an UV sterilizer be in operation every day?

The continuous operation of the UV sterilizer 24 hours / 7 days per week prolongs the life of the used UV-C lamps. For a continuous operation speak the associated energy costs. The electricity costs per year can be calculated based on the wattage of the UV-C lamp. Link to calculate the monthly cost of electricity can be found here.

Heats an UV sterilizer in my aquarium water?

Yes, an UV sterilizer heats the aquarium water. The increase in temperature depends on the wattage of the device and the volume of the aquarium to be clarified.

Has the UV-C light affect the action of water plant fertilizer?

UV-C light demolish the chelators from the fertilizers, which prevent the precipitation of trace elements such as iron, as well as some others. When using an UV sterilizer, it is therefore recommended to switch to daily fertilization, at the beginning of the standard dose convert to a daily regimen, it may be necessary to increase the fertilizer dose slightly. Before the next fertilizers iron should be measurable in at least traces. Similarly, vitamins and other higher-value organic compounds are degraded, so the twice weekly dosage is recommended in the diet with vitamins.
More information about the relation between water plant / UV light and the use of fertilizers you find here.

How many watts need an UV sterilizer for a proper function?

The required wattage depends on the number of liters of the aquarium to be clarified and the max. Flow rate in gallones per hour is the defined by the aquarium pump used. Aquariums up to 100 gallones can be cleared with a UV-C clarifier of 11 watts when using pumps with a capacity of 150 gallones per hour.

How is an UV sterilizer connected in the aquarium?

An UV sterilizer is fundamentally integrated into the water cycle that the aquarium water flows through the UV sterilizer. Please read the setup artical for more information.