| A UV sterilizer uses an ultraviolet bulb to destroy | | | | killing parasites, in addition to algae and bacteria. |
| harmful organisms, such as parasites, viruses, | | | | The flow rate is measured in either gallons per |
| algae, and bacteria. An effective sterilizer, this | | | | hour or liters per hour. A device with a 15-watt |
| device works wonders on aquarium water. It | | | | bulb has no problem controlling algae and bacteria |
| works so well that companies often use it to | | | | at a 120 gph flow, but it won't kill parasites unless |
| purify water on a larger scale, and to control | | | | the flow rate drops to 75 gph. |
| algae growth in outdoor ponds. | | | | Clean the Quartz |
| If you have a home aquarium, chances are you | | | | The quartz sleeve is located where the UV bulb |
| already have several filtration units taking care of | | | | fits into the device. A lot of people forget about |
| the water. A UV sterilizer is a good addition to an | | | | this part of the UV sterilizer and fail to give it a |
| aquarium, although it should be the last stage of | | | | good cleaning every once in a while. Cleaning |
| the filtration process. It's important that aquarium | | | | removes buildup and ensures that the UV sterilizer |
| water passes through the mechanical filter before | | | | continues to work at top capacity. More |
| moving through the UV unit. The mechanical or | | | | expensive sterilizers are designed with a wiper |
| canister filter removes solids so that any water | | | | handle positioned outside of the device for fast |
| that passes through the UV unit afterwards is | | | | and easy cleaning of the sleeve, without having to |
| cleaned with optimal results. | | | | take everything apart. |
| UV sterilizers continue to work well as long as the | | | | Luckily, it's easy to find UV sterilizers these days, |
| bulb wattage is sufficient and the bulb isn't too old. | | | | in local stores and online. These devices make a |
| The efficiency of the device also depends on the | | | | wonderful addition to any aquarium, but they |
| cleanliness of the quartz sleeve and the flow rate | | | | come with a hefty price tag, especially when you |
| of the unit. | | | | factor in the cost of replacement bulbs. |
| The Bulb | | | | Saltwater aquarium enthusiasts are more likely to |
| As time goes by UV the bulb will start to lose its | | | | purchase UV sterilizers because they improve the |
| effectiveness, which is why you should replace it | | | | quality of the water and offer another layer of |
| every 6 months. You can purchase bulbs between | | | | protection for expensive saltwater fish. |
| 8 watts and 130 watts - a higher wattage does a | | | | Although a UV sterilizer is not a necessity, many |
| better job at cleaning the water. Devices with a | | | | aquarium hobbyists do find that this device is |
| lower wattage bulb require a lower flow rate to | | | | effective at maintaining clean water and keeping |
| work well. | | | | fish and other aquatic life healthy and happy. It all |
| Flow Rate | | | | comes down to personal choice and what works |
| The flow rate is also an important factor to | | | | best for your aquarium. |
| consider - a slower flow rate is more effective at | | | | |