Nate McFin

Hello all,
I purchased a UV Sterilizer today at Petsmart called the "Green Killing Machine"
It is the 24W version. The pump says it runs 400 Liters ( 105 glns) per hour. I am using this in a 20 Gln tank. When I turned it on the current seemed pretty substantial. Is this too much current for the fish or will they be ok. I really cant see to well into the tank as its green with algae so I can't really keep an eye on them as close as I would like. They weren't getting sucked onto the filter of the pump but they did seem to be swimming pretty good. (or maybe I am just worrying about it)
So is there such thing as too much current? If there is and you think its too much , would there be anyway to slow the pull of the pump without damaging it?
I will post before and after as well as reviews of the unit when I get it cleared up.
EDIT_ The fish are Cardinal Tetras and actual filter is a Penguin Bio 200
Thanks, Nate

Dozey

If the fish are not being tossed around they should be ok. You may want to consider caves for them to let them rest out of the current. Plant décor will also help disrupt the current. I too keep neons and guppies in a 35 gallon tank with a flow rate of 420 gallon per hour. They are all happy, but I have also provided them with a lot of caves and décor.

naturalgravel.jpg

aquarist48

Sounds like you may need a sponge on the intake tube of your filter. This should help prevent them from sticking to it.

Nate McFin

The intake has a filter. Is it ok for the filter to add EXTRA sponge or some floss to restrict the flow more or will it burn up the motor?

Dozey

I don’t recommend restricting flow to a filter. That could very well over heat the motor.

Nate McFin

Thanks Dozey. I am going to throw some caves in today before I run the thing. I dont want to tire my fish out and weaken their immune systems. I dont plan on using the UV unless there is a specific reason to ( ICH, green water, etc.)
Thanks for your advice!

Dozey

You’re very welcome Nate.

I’ve read several articles that suggest UV filters should only be run 12 hours a day when needed. So your plan sounds like a good one.

Since your water is greenish your UV filter will be killing a lot of algae. I would also suggest frequent UV filter cleanings and gravel vacuums.

Good luck!

Nate McFin

My regular filter is packed with filter floss in a media bag and the water change with gravel vac is on the list for tomorrow.
As a side note.... I ran the UV this morning after the morning brine shrimp frenzy and the fish were actually playing in the current. I only ran it for an hour this morning and by the time I got home it was quite a bit clearer. Still quite green but I can see the back of the tank. I will run it more before my water change tomorrow. The first batch of filter floss I changed out looked like kermit got sick on it. LOL I guess its working quite well!

Dozey

LOL… funny story. My neons line up and take turns swimming in the return current of my canister filter. It’s funny as heck to watch because they will do this for hours and they honestly do line up awaiting their turn.

And that’s great that the UV filter is working so successfully.