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.