[rodcuda]

I like the concept and was considering one for my next tank if others are finding them useful and effective.

It looks like Aquatop and Mr. Aqua have them available but have not heard much about them.

Does anyone know if the intake is a standard size so that I could use a SS intake?

 

[wicca27]

im not quite sure why you would want one on a shrimp tank. and even normal uv sterilizers you have to change the bulb quite a bit because the become to week to work right even though the light is still bright.

 

[somewhatshocked]

You'd want one on a shrimp tank to kill bacteria or help with green water.

You wouldn't have to have the bulb on all the time, so that preserves its life.

 

[Soothing Shrimp]

I suppose it would cut down on bio infections like OEBT are famous for getting. (?)

 

[rodcuda]

I was considering using on on a new tank I am setting up for higher quality shrimp and was looking for input from anyone using them to decide if it was worthwhile or ot.

 

[Betta Maniac]

I got one for my new BKK tank. Just seemed like it couldn't hurt.

 

[rodcuda]

Did anyone reccomend it? I know big breeders with multi tank systems use them as a nessecity to prevent disease but was not sure how much benefit there was for single tank setups.

 

[Betta Maniac]

It cost about the same as a single BKK, so I figured it was a small investment to make as a prophylactic measure (like running Purigen, which I also do).

 

[rodcuda]

That was my thought and was interested in what others thought or had experienced.

 

[DarkCobra]

I have the Aquatop PFUV-25. This thread contains a couple of reviews:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=151683

 

[plamski]

It will increase temperature. It will get dirty often-you have to clean bulb every month.
Otherwise it is good to have it -just in case of infection.

 

[rodcuda]

Sounds like it might not be bad to have to use if needed. Do those aquatops use a standard size pickup so that it will be easy to get a stainless prefilter?

 

[Bananariot]

Idk I feel like the HOB UV sterilizers seem a bit gimmicky tbh. I think that for UV sterilizers to be effective, flow rate should be low and exposure rate should be high. Since HOB's have a high turn over rate, I think the overall effectiveness is mostly negligible. Perhaps a separate devoted UV sterilizer would be more effective. I just don't believe the overall effect will be worth $30 increase in the filter.

 

[rodcuda]

Yeah I pretty much agree although the filters don seem to be that expensive from what I saw. Probably just $10 more than a comparable filter. But I think I will pass on it. Have not had the need and hopefully will not in the future!!!!

 

[DarkCobra]

The Aquatop has infinitely adjustable flow adjustment, down to zero. Which really makes the filtration portion the gimmick. The media capacity is laughable anyway. I would never rely on it as the sole filter.

I suggest not thinking of it as a HOB at all. Instead think of it as a UV sterilizer that takes virtually no space in your tank, yet doesn't require plumbing like an external or inline sterilizer. That's its true strength in my opinion.

 

[rodcuda]

For that purpose it might not be bad to keep around as you could use it on any tank if needed.