to buy. Which one do you recommend. I would think the more powerful the uv light the better it would work. I saw one on Big Als online for $125 for a 25W fisture.

I don't know what to tell you - I am looking into buying one, too. As long as you have the right wattage you should be ok. There seems to be a lot of variability in prices and I wonder why that is - it must be quality, right? So, what are the best brands is also my question! Here is a helpful chart:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article....tid=423&aid=440

You might want to try the Equipment forum to read some threads about this and also the Product Review section in the Daily Scale.

the coral life turbo twist is what is considereed the 'best' i believe. I have one and i LOVE it. check out www.bigalsonline.com they have good prices.

you must be careful with this set up cause if it isnt done right its no good at all.

the UV filter needs to be big enough for the water follow but the canister or power filter needs to go slow enough so that the water gets cleaned as its going into it or its not going to work hun.

I was just about to ask doesnt the water flow matter...and I see that is does....is there any info as to what is idea for water flow for it to be effective?

http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/...showtopic=27341

That's what I am wondering, too (Bob1's opening question) - if one got a stronger lamp (higher wattage light) than is indicated for the size of the tank, would it be as effective at a faster flow rate than a lower wattage at the correct flow rate?

Is there such a thing as UV overkill? I mean, could problems arise from having a UV sterilizer that is too strong for a given tank size?

Also, does the twist in the bulb really make a difference? The water is still flow at the adjusted rate past the bulb whether the bulb is curved or not... am I missing something here? Unless the water is passed down the twist, too but the drawing doesn't look like it is... (thinking of the turbo twist illustration) -

So, if one had a UV without a twisted bulb, would higher wattage increase kill rate (assuming the correct flow rate is applied)?

Sorry to ask so many questions! They don't explain much on the store sites - I am researching while I am asking! Thanks!

Hey Graham...take a look at this link.

OOOOOkay, lets's try that again. It's late so I dunno know if that was me or my computer that just spazzed....Anyway. Take a look at this link, it's really informational. I'm actually saving up to buy this exact UV Sterilizer as well. I'm so excited! So yeah I think you'll find the answers to your questions and a lot more useful info about them...See Ya!

OOOOoooooooh! I didn't get the link - I am dying to read it!!! Please post again! Cheers!

Bob1 - How is your UV project coming? Did you get one?!

OOPS! LOL, sorry Graham! Like I said late night last. Here, try this:

http://goldfishconnection.com/shop/details...tId=40&catId=23

Enjoy, It's really informational! Rick Hess is a GENIUS!

I am going to save my pennies and get the one from Rick.

Thanks for the link - ORMYHEart - I read that one first when I stared researching! I am a devoted disciple of Rick's! Unfortunatley, his UV won't fit on my tank in its location... but anyway I think I am going to wait for a while!

Bob1 -please do tell us all about it when you get it! Hope it's great!