How to Install a UV Sterilizer

An ultra violet (UV) sterilizer cleans harmful organisms and bacteria in the water of a fish tank by exposing them to the ultra violet light. These sterilizers work by using a pump to force the water form the tank, through the sterilizer and to reintroduce the clean water to the tank. Install a UV sterilizer in your home fish tank in just a few simple steps and have it purifying the water in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • UV sterilizer
  • Lighter
  • Aquarium pump
  • Pencil
  • Power drill
  • Screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Heat the ends of the two hoses that came with the sterilizer on the flame of a lighter. Only heat the hoses for 10 seconds.

    • 2

      Connect the heated hose ends to the inlet and outlet valves on the UV sterilizer. Check to ensure the hoses are securely connected to the sterilizer valve.

    • 3

      Attach the loose end of the inlet hose to the outlet on the aquarium pump. You can heat the end of hose like you did for the other ones to make a secure attachment.

    • 4

      Place the pump into your tank. Feed the loose end of the sterilizer outlet hose so it is well below the waterline.

    • 5

      Hold the sterilizer against the wall just above the tank. If there is no wall nearby, place the sterilizer on the table or stand the tank is resting on. Make a mark with a pencil where the sterilizer is resting. This is where the sterilizer will be mounted; so make sure you are happy with its position.

    • 6

      Attach the bracket that came with the sterilizer at the pencil marks using a power drill and screws.

    • 7

      Plug the pump into an electrical outlet and wait for a few seconds. When the water has started to run through the pump plug the UV sterilizer into an outlet.