2ManyHobbies

What is the best way to install a UV sterilizer? I have a 36 W AquaMedic Helix Max and don't know where to put it or even how to orient it. I assume you put it on the outflow of the Eheim 2075. From there, do you put it at the same level as the output of the canister, lay it on the ground, or elevate it? I am concerned about the large volume of water creating back pressure on the canister filter. Anyone have some pictures to share for best practice? I am getting some green water and want to clean it up. Thanks!

AaronT

It goes on the output, preferably above the canister filter if there is room. You can mount it horizontally.

AaronT

Are things turning around now?

2ManyHobbies

Most certainly, thanks for asking. I did plumb in my UV sterilizer on the output of the CO2 reactor, a few water changes and all is good. I also took a major look at my fertilizer dosing. Turns out that the green water coincided with someone taking care of my tanks while I was out of town. It also did not help that I was majorly under dosing my macros. I am taking a close look at EI- for some reason my phosphates are always high compared to my nitrates when using EI. Still scratching my head on that one. At least I don't have green water!

Left C

I run my 36w UV right after my Eheim 2028 and before my Hydor heater and my Eheim needle wheel CO2 pump. This way there are no CO2 bubbles in my UV.

B76

not to sound dumb. been in this hobby for a while but never used a UV sterilizer or needed one? what exactly does it do? appreciate the info.

B76

Awesome.

AaronT

No need for sarcasm. A quick search of the forums could have easily found this information too.

A UV sterilizer kills free floating algae (green water) and bacteria (useful for ick remediation and control). If used full-time it keeps the water super clear.

B76

O ya sorting through hundreds of threads sounds amazing!

I really appreciate your response and feel overwhelmed by joy with this wealth of knowledge.

On a serious note thanks alot. I appreciate it. Green water sounds terrible SERIOUSLY. Would it be fair to Say it would be smart to use a sterilizer for an established tank with a possible disease outbreak? Thanks again.

AaronT

Not sorting, searching. Also a quick google search has lots of links to places selling them with descriptions of what they do.

Anyhow, yes they are safe to use in an established tank to help with a disease outbreak. Depending on the disease it may only work as a preventative measure as the disease needs to have a free floating stage such as ick.