Can I use my canister filter as a UV sterilizer
- Thread starter JWally
- Start date
Yes, you can do that.... but dont put any filters in there, ever. trapped debris will cause nitrate problems big time. those problems lead to major outbreaks of algae.
if you put any media in there it should only be active-carbon.
If you do put this in service, be sure to disconnect and rinse the insides once a month. Any debris that gets caught in there, even though there are no filters, will cause nitrate problem...and eventually algae that is hard to get rid of once its established in the tank.
I'd also go as far as buying a Salifert nitrate test and test your water once a month so you can head off problems before algae over takes your tank.
hth
if you put any media in there it should only be active-carbon.
If you do put this in service, be sure to disconnect and rinse the insides once a month. Any debris that gets caught in there, even though there are no filters, will cause nitrate problem...and eventually algae that is hard to get rid of once its established in the tank.
I'd also go as far as buying a Salifert nitrate test and test your water once a month so you can head off problems before algae over takes your tank.
hth
scubadan206
Member
I have the same filter I think. Currently providing gyre flow in my growout tank.
Make sure the quartz tube is sealed TIGHT. I had one model where water got in with the bulb and FFFFZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!
I'm going to buy the smallest model for my water holding tanks to keep circulation, and to keep down potential bacterial strains.
+1 on the weekly cleaning though.
Make sure the quartz tube is sealed TIGHT. I had one model where water got in with the bulb and FFFFZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!
I'm going to buy the smallest model for my water holding tanks to keep circulation, and to keep down potential bacterial strains.
+1 on the weekly cleaning though.
Donkeykong
New member
You might do some searching on here about UV sterilizers, most have gone away from running them on their systems. They still can be useful in specific situations but aren't really being used on a regular bases by most reefers.
scubadan206
Member
Depends on how much you want to kill off but that's correct. I believe this thing has a twist design internal, so contact time is maximized. I have taken mine apart to clean it and found snails, feather dusters, and copepods crawling inside. Run the filter with ceramic bio-stuff, but not the sponge filter pads JWally.
Daniel.
Daniel.
Thanks for all the info. I think I will not try and run it. If anything, I may go with a regular UV sterilizer so I can regulate the flow. I am also wondering if I should set up RO system before I start the set up. Any thoughts there? I have a great location for the tank that lends a room behind the wall & it houses my utilities and has plenty of room for a huge sump & RO equipment with salt ready & fresh ready water holding containers.
scubadan206
Member
You have me at "utility room with plenty of room for big sump and other filtration equipment".
Start up a build thread so we can see how much fun you have..:bounce3::bounce2::bounce3::bounce2::bounce3::bounce2:
Start up a build thread so we can see how much fun you have..:bounce3::bounce2::bounce3::bounce2::bounce3::bounce2:
Mike Ordner
Active member
What do you plan to accomplish with the UV? 9 watts in 60 gallons is not very much. If you keep the UV glass clean all the time it might clarify the water a little but will do nothing to kill any parasites. Even if you get a bigger unit, the parasite would have to pass through the UV to be possibly killed.
Thanks Mike. All this is new to me. This is really helping me figure out if I need a UV, skimmer, refuge, what type of lighting, do I need an R/O system, etc. I'm having a blast already and have just started to gather some equipment. I wish I had joined this site prior to getting anything, but I only have bought a few things and hope all the reading I have done; and will do, will lead me in the right direction. I am feeling I really don't need the UV. Would this be a correct assumption? Thanks!!
pmrossetti
Active member
Correct.
