IM aquashield 9 watt UV experience?

[exnisstech]

Working on illiminating ostreopsis dinos in my IM20 nuvo long. I rigged up an aqua UV advantage 2000 to try out since I had one here. Its only been a few days but between adding the UV and increasing my filtration using laminated floss pads and a small hob the tank is crystal clear. I haven't cleaned the glass since adding the UV and prior it would have a film within an hour of being cleaned when the lights were in.
The problem is the UV I have running is less than ideal to look at

I'm considering one the IM aquashield 9 watt units that fit in one of the first chambers and still allow me to run floss but I don't want to waste $60 if they don't really help.
I'm open to alternative suggestion as long as they look better than current set up. I like the idea that the IM doesn't require an external pump that hasn't to be plumbed but again only if it's effective.
TBH the water is so clear I'll probably move the aqua UV unit to my reefer 300 where I can hide it in the stand if I can find a unit for the IM20. TIA

 

[Jamie9]

I was just researching this yesterday, and had trouble finding a consensus. Some people liked it, some people didn't. But, I ordered an IM Aquashield 11w for my midsize (40G) that should arrive today. I'll be happy to update you in a day or two as to how it seems to be doing.

 

[exnisstech]

I was just researching this yesterday, and had trouble finding a consensus. Some people liked it, some people didn't. But, I ordered an IM Aquashield 11w for my midsize (40G) that should arrive today. I'll be happy to update you in a day or two as to how it seems to be doing.

Please do. Thanks

 

[Freenow54]

You should not need much space to put one behind the tank just some plumbing and setting proper flow / dosage .

 

[PR_nano]

I use one in my Nuvo 20 that will be moving over to the Nuvo 25 when I get around to set it up. Already got a replacement bulb.

I feel like it helps maintain the water clear and reduces algae on the glass. I just cut a piece of floss to put on top of it.

 

[exnisstech]

You should not need much space to put one behind the tank just some plumbing and setting proper flow / dosage .

The unit I'm currently running shown above is too bulky to fit behind this tank. I'm also not a fan of all the plumbing and splices I had to use to get it rigged up. I wouldn't mind it in a sump inside a cabinet or even in the basement even tho my Gal said it doesn't look too bad

 

[Freenow54]

The unit I'm currently running shown above is too bulky to fit behind this tank. I'm also not a fan of all the plumbing and splices I had to use to get it rigged up. I wouldn't mind it in a sump inside a cabinet or even in the basement even tho my Gal said it doesn't look too bad

Thanks for answering please continue to do that so many are rude and , and don't you feel like your wasting your time trying to help

 

[JoJosReef]

I used the 10W version that comes with a mini pump that flows slower than the return. Worked well in the middle chamber:

Shop | Innovative Marine Products

Shop Now | Innovative Marine's Official Store | Free Shipping on all orders* | NUVO aquariums and saltwater reef supplies.

www.innovative-marine.com

I would imagine the 9W would work, because I'm using a smaller hygger UV dropped in the first chamber on a 25g and it works fine.

 

[exnisstech]

I used the 10W version that comes with a mini pump that flows slower than the return. Worked well in the middle chamber:

Shop | Innovative Marine Products

Shop Now | Innovative Marine's Official Store | Free Shipping on all orders* | NUVO aquariums and saltwater reef supplies.

www.innovative-marine.com

I would imagine the 9W would work, because I'm using a smaller hygger UV dropped in the first chamber on a 25g and it works fine.

Thanks for the heads up. I like the 10 watt with pump much better. Using return for flow it is going to be constantly changing and pretty much nonexistent if I'm lazy on changing floss which I usually am.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I have found it to be effective in both a 20 and a 24 gallon tank; to the extent that after it did its job, I could turn it off/remove it from the tank. I was doubtful (due to the low wattage and passive nature-- no pump) but pleasantly surprised.

 

[Jamie9]

Please do. Thanks

My 11W UV filter just arrived. As expected, it fits fine in the first chamber of the AIO. Although, I do wonder why IM leaves a little room in the back (left side in the image below)...same as with their standard filter baskets. You can get it to stay by sort of jamming it to the right against the overflow, but I might wind up putting some kind of plastic spacer in there to keep it in place at some point. I'm also planning to put some filter floss over the sponge so I can just replace that instead of having to clean the sponge. In order to get the sponge off I'd have to disconnect the electric connection...or more likely what I'll do is cut the sponge somewhere so I can yank it off as needed.

I can't speak to it's effectiveness yet, but my tank is firmly in the ugly stage now, so if I notice any visible decrease in diatoms I'll update here. For now I may just run it 12 hours overnight against my daytime lighting schedule more as a preventative "feature" than anything else.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Maybe overkill, but a Home Depot/Lowe's type store sells packs of black plastic shims, if you are looking to cut something down as an inert wedge to tighten it up; being black, it should blend in visually and not look strange.

 

[NanoSteam]

I also have one on the way for upcoming SR80 build so we'll see how well it works out. I anticipate to fight something like Dinos I'd need a second one for the other chamber for this tank size.

 

[Tahoe61]

I have the Hygger drop in and the IM UV. I like the Hygger better. I only use it when need.

 

[Jamie9]

@exnisstech I've had my sterilizer running for about a week now. Maybe it's coincidence, or maybe it was what made the difference...but my diatom/algae growth appears to have subsided. I just cleaned up the sand today, will see if it comes back tomorrow but it has been noticeably slower or even stopped in growth. Maybe its UV, maybe my dry rock finally ran out of silicates, maybe my snails finally woke up. If the sand bed stays clean I'm going to drop from 24-7 UV and move to 8-10 hours overnight to see what happens (and to extend my bulb life).

 

[RoanokeReef]

@exnisstech If you're still looking for one reach out to me via PM, I may have one you can have for shipping cost. Just pay it forward one day

I liked using it and it helped keep the water clear but now I use a roller which I like more.

 

[Freenow54]

@exnisstech I've had my sterilizer running for about a week now. Maybe it's coincidence, or maybe it was what made the difference...but my diatom/algae growth appears to have subsided. I just cleaned up the sand today, will see if it comes back tomorrow but it has been noticeably slower or even stopped in growth. Maybe its UV, maybe my dry rock finally ran out of silicates, maybe my snails finally woke up. If the sand bed stays clean I'm going to drop from 24-7 UV and move to 8-10 hours overnight to see what happens (and to extend my bulb life).

See below I am intending to use a similar thing I am going to DIY an algae scrubber. Since I wont have algae eating fish the scrubber is supposed to keep algae out of the main display. I will also have a UV set up for both but only on standby and primary for parasites if I get any as I have been told and believe the UV kills beneficial plankton for the coral , and fish

 

[Jamie9]

See below I am intending to use a similar thing I am going to DIY an algae scrubber. Since I wont have algae eating fish the scrubber is supposed to keep algae out of the main display. I will also have a UV set up for both but only on standby and primary for parasites if I get any as I have been told and believe the UV kills beneficial plankton for the coral , and fish

I'd love to see what you come up with for the scrubber, I've been thinking about doing that as well. I'm going to do a refugium with Chaeto for now...but like you, I don't have any algae eating fish.

 

[exnisstech]

@exnisstech If you're still looking for one reach out to me via PM, I may have one you can have for shipping cost. Just pay it forward one day

I liked using it and it helped keep the water clear but now I use a roller which I like more.

Appreciate kind offer but I already bought one.
Thanks, Just goes to show what goes around comes around

 

[Freenow54]

I'd love to see what you come up with for the scrubber, I've been thinking about doing that as well. I'm going to do a refugium with Chaeto for now...but like you, I don't have any algae eating fish.

Macro algae seems to be the fad now. Just be careful with the cheato if the crap it removes gets into your display it will crash it . Ask me how I know. That is why I do things one at a time. This is not mine. Go into the articles section and look for the article. You can do upflow as well