Uv Filter For An External Filter

[markandjanice]

Am thinkin of buyin of these uv filters can anyone recommend one and also one thatll work well with a tetratec ex1200 external filter. Am in England also. Am thinking more the same pipe size on inlet outlet.

 

[Aquascaper]

I personally wouldn't bother. They are not ideal as a preventative measure (unless on a marine tank) as they kill off as many good things as they do bad but that's just my opinion.

If you're really wanting to have UV then you need to make sure the flow rate through it is what it is designed for, too fast and it won't have time to do anything, too slow and it will kill everything good and bad. I don't know if there's any available to fit inline with an external filter as marine ones usually require their own separate water feed and the only freshwater ones i've seen are built into the filter. You also need to change the bulbs frequently to ensure they are doing the job which is another added expense.

 

[Dazzler666]

Well i prefer to use UV as even if it helps my fiah a little by killing of pathogens and pests then its a bonus!!
I bougjt a Vecton V2 400 off aquariat clSsified for £30!! . They retail between around the £100 mark so was very happy, just wIting to fit it to my hopefully soon to biy Flical FX5 filter.
Personally id go with UV but like most things fishy, it is each to their own!!

 

[Aquascaper]

You do realise the maximum flow rate for a Vecton V2 400 is 1400lph and your Fluval FX5 is around 3500lph? That means for the UV to actually do anything you'll have to restrict your Fluval FX5 to half it's performance

 

[markandjanice]

thanks again aqua, you're becoming my personal help, hehe...i will have a good route around again and speak to the guy i mentioned on another thread re: malawis see what he does, and get back to you...if they do seem helpful then the vecton v2 sounds bout right as my ex1200 does 1200 litres per hour. interesting this

 

[Aquascaper]

I had a Vecton V2 on my last reef and they are well built and easy to use/setup so would recommend them as a product. They have hosetail connectors so will fit to most pipework without any problems or additional bits.

 

[Tizer]

as my ex1200 does 1200 litres per hour.

more like 800 lph. 1200 is when its empty of media and brand new, no clogged up pipes etc.

 

[Aquascaper]

As I said earlier on, if you're going to use a UV steriliser it really should be on its own loop (ie. have it's own pump) so that the flow rate can be matched exactly. If they are plumbed into externals, overflows, etc. there's a lot of variables which will affect the flow rate and thus reducing the efficiency of the UV, sometimes making running one pointless.

 

[markandjanice]

ah kk thanks for that tizer appreciate the advice, they don't state that but maybe to the professionally known people know this, am only a novice thanks tho pal...can i ask how this would be plumbed into a pump? there are some external filters on ebay with built in UVs, as i say am gathering all knowledge and reseatch and will choose from their

ps: LOVE this forum

 

[Tizer]

Save your money and don't bother with UV

 

[Aquascaper]

The built-in UV units are more water clarifiers than sterilisers and even more of a waste IMO.

The separate UV units like the Vectons have hosetail adaptors as previously mentioned that you just push the pipe onto.

 

[Dazzler666]

Cheers aquascaper as was thinking about that but avnt had chance to research the FX5 flow rate. In light of your heads up will look to add it to my Fluval 304 which i will be running also.
Much appreciate the advice, thank you.