UV Sterilizer

Elahrairah

Since I had Ich a few weeks back, I have been looking into UV....

But I don't want to spend a lot.

I found this one, seems to get good ratings. What are your opinions?

Also, since the bulb only lasts 6 months or so, how long do these need to be run? I would think 24 hours for about a week, then maybe 2 hours a day would be enough....just trying to preserve the bulb..

http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...ousText=uv&N=2

tangy

you must believe me when i say i tried looking for the samedamn thing in my local petsmart(CA. merced the store just opened a few months ago) and i could not find it and the people there seriously piss me off(sorry, i just truly hate petsmart with a passion) but yeah, it looks good. i never got to try it, i bought my uv sterilizer from a friend it hooks up to my fluval filter. i leave it on all the time since it is constantaly killing off pathogens and what not,never off

Mr.Todd

Yea, that price for a UV is just out of control. 50 bucks for 24 watts! Wow! I have a UV (tetra UV-5) which is small (only 5 watts) on my 30 gallon, it is a more traditional in-line unit.


I think there are a couple schools of thought on leaving them on, tangyman mentioned one of them. The other is that leaving it on will weaken the immune system of you fish by taking out the majority of pathogens (so if something strong came along or your UV broke your fish would be goners).

I myself only use it when I have an algae bloom or something, but that is mainly because I try and keep my aquarium's power consumption at a minimum. The only annoying thing about that is that it does cut down on the flow of my canister filter.

I picked up mine on ebay for $40 after shipping.

But that one looks good... UV is UV, if it uses a real UV bulb and it passes water through it, its going to work. Not much to them.

Elahrairah

LOL, yes, I went to two Petsmarts to find this and I couldn't find one, must be an online purchase only. but with one replacement bulb, the cost is enough to avoid shipping fees.....I'll buy one and update everyone.

Thanks for the input.

Elahrairah

FYI.

If anyone wants to get this, the cheapest I have seen is at PetSmart. Must be online aparently.

$49.99 for the unit
$19.99 for a replacement bulb.

If your order is over $50, you get free shipping (buy a replacement bulb or some other 1 cent thing)

Also, use coupon code NEXTTEN for $10 off orders of $50....

I got one unit and one replacement bulb for $64 shipped...if it works, it's the cheapest thing around...

I will post an update on if I like it or not after using it for a few weeks.