How to: UV Water Disinfection Methods

Ultraviolet light (UV) is a bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum of photons with wavelengths just shorter than visible light. Possessing more energy than visible light, UV light can damage the DNA of organisms by killing all simple organisms and sterilizing the water. Fish tanks often use UV light to disinfect the water in the tank and prevent algae from growing. You can use the same premise to control bacteria growth in any water tank.

Things You'll Need

  • UV lightbulb or black light
  • Wand lamp
  • Quartz tubing
  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • Black felt
  • 2 zip ties
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the black light into the wand lamp, which will provide the basis for the water sterilizer.

    • 2

      Lay the quartz tube along the UV bulb in the wand lamp, then wrap the shiny side of the aluminum foil around the bulb and tube. This should seal off any escaping light from the UV lamp.

    • 3

      Wrap the black felt around the aluminum foil and down the tube a little bit.

    • 4

      Wrap a zip tie around the felt at each end of the wand and tubes, then pull it tight. This will secure the felt and foil to the glass tube while securing the tube to the wand lamp. Run water through the tube with the UV light on to kill algae and bacteria. For a fish tank, connect the water circulation system to each end of the tube and constantly flow the water under the UV light to keep algae and bacteria under control in the tank.