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ok i have 1 assumption and 1 question. first the assumption, im assuming that uv sterilizers are ok for freshwater. and the question is where can i get one for cheap

*click *flash *click "whered he go???"

Hi,
Yes, UV systems are great for Freshwater Systems.
As far as getting one "cheap," in this case remember - you
pretty much get what you pay for. Read the article, "All
you want to know about UV sterilizers."

You can get them from pretty much any LFS, or from on line
stores, or by auction off of EBay. Research the item
by brand name and check on the ease of maintenance.
The quartz sleeve that encapsulates the light bulb must
be cleaned regularly and the bulb must also be changed
regularly. Can the unit be taken apart to do this, or
do you have to toss it and purchase another?
Things to think about before buying.
Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

I concur with the above. Check ease of maintenance, reasonable cost for replacement parts, and if you can lay your hands on a unit to examine before purchasing, cast a VERY steely eye over it to make sure it exudes the quality you are looking for. It's worth paying extra initially for a unit that will last you 20+ years and which will deliver no unpleasant surprises when it's time to change the bulb.

For example, this piece of kit available in the UK is a fairly expensive one, but it's built up to a specification, and has some nice features such as a built in calendar dial to remind you when to change the bulb. The blurb on the page also mentions various safety features to take account of such as using a circuit breaker between it and the mains supply (although in my case I don't need that because since my house was rewired to the latest safety standards, I have circuit breakers built in to my wiring system as standard now ).

Speaking of which, it's about time I tested the master breaker ... back later!


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

I saw this posting early today but did not have the time to reply.
But it looks like it has been covered exactly what I was going to say.
A good quality UV is far from cheap I am refering to a unit that will do a 100% job and keep doing it for many trouble free years.

The reason there are some "Cheap" ones around is that they are possibly made by cheap labour and using far less quality materials and you would have no hope of ever getting it repaired or serviced if required.

As stated above you get exactly what you pay for if you want a quality unit you will have to pay the price for it.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

ok thanks everyone.. any good places to look online other than aquabid or ebay

*click *flash *click "whered he go???"

Hi,
You could try Drsfostersmith, Arizona Gardens, Big Al's,
or any of the ones you mentioned.
Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Try Ebay thats where i got mine for a quarter of the normal price.


Gibson SG you know you want one!!

@sodaaddict84, you dont give a tank size, or reason for wanting a UV! If you have a large tank, and are continually having problems with say, algae, then i would echo the words above. however on smaller, or a tank that has no particular problems, i see no reason why one of the cheaper UV units would not suffice. you can get a 9w uv with built in pump, for around £25.00. for occasional, rather than continual use. but check, replacement bulb cost, and pump power, its no use blasting water through a tube with a uv light in it, dwell time, how long the water is in contact with the bulb, is vital.