UV sterilizers

[barterking85]

Ok so I have been having an algae problem and considering a uv sterilizer but know nothing about them I have an 80 gallon how many watts will I need and type ?

 

[barterking85]

Anybody really need some help here

 

[eco23]

This is the one I considered. I think this size is rated for 100 gallons...they come in different wattages though.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=157GNKP73KTHYRQSFJFF

 

[barterking85]

This is the one I considered. I think this size is rated for 100 gallons...they come in different wattages though.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZVODP0/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004HIENOU&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=157GNKP73KTHYRQSFJFF

Any idea the reason for higher wattage?

 

[eco23]

I assume the more powerful the bulb...the more it kills the bugs. From the research I did, I really came down to intensity and especially contact time. They make inline UV filters I could put on my 405, but that thing pumps water through so fast I didn't see how it would have much time to treat the water as it passed through. The "Green Killing Machine" I linked was actually recommended by Mr. Limpet after he used one...and I've seen some positive reviews online. I believe it has spiraling water flow so the light contacts the water for a maximum amount of time. I know the 9v one is sold in chain stores...but it's got a pretty high markup compared to online.

 

[barterking85]

So does this one hook up to a canister or is it an in tank system I really don't care either way I just need to nip this in the bud before I go crazy I have a cleaning OCD and this tank is driving me nuts lol

 

[eco23]

So does this one hook up to a canister or is it an in tank system I really don't care either way I just need to nip this in the bud before I go crazy I have a cleaning OCD and this tank is driving me nuts lol

It's an independent, internal filter with it's own powerhead I believe.

Sorry man, I forgot...did you realize you had green water, or you just trying to control algae in general? I know you said it was a bit hazy...did you put it in a white cup and see if it was definitely green?

 

[barterking85]

I dipped a white breeder net in the water and it came out with a green tinge just the blue light makes it look hazey instead of greenish

 

[eco23]

I fought green water off for almost a month. I did 15-20% pwc's every couple days and even did a 4 day blackout without much success. What ended up working was using Seachem Clarity (warning-it will stain your ceramic bio-media) at a double dose and running poly-fil in my canister at the same time. I can't explain how it worked...but it did. I've never regained 100% clarity...but hopefully with the awesome advice I got from fort (I think I linked you the thread) it'll be a thing of the past. I might be imagining it...but after only one day of following his instructions...I swear I can see a difference with the hair and green spot algae.

But yeah...green water sucks, lol.

You've probably seen it a hundred times, but just incase-
http://gwapa.org/wordpress/articles/algae-in-the-planted-aquarium/

 

[barterking85]

Yeah I got a mix of green dust and green water it sucks big time I will have to rinse my media every water change cause it's green too errrrrr but I will try that clarity stuff