How to Build a UV Sterilizer

Ultraviolet is a set of wavelengths of light with slightly higher energy than visible light. This light can cause damage to the DNA in living organisms. By damaging the DNA, UV light can kill the algae that builds up in fish tanks and ponds.

Things You'll Need

  • UV light bulb (black light)
  • Quartz tubing (slightly larger than the PTE tubing and 2 inches longer than the wand lamp)
  • PTE/plastic tubing
  • Wand lamp
  • Aluminum foil
  • Black felt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Disconnect the water circulation tubes from the aquarium's water pump.

    • 2

      Connect the water pump tube to one end of the quartz tube and use the PTE tube to connect the other end back to the pump. This is to effectively patch the quartz tube into the pump line.

    • 3

      Turn on the water pump. The water should circulate as normal with no leaks.

    • 4

      Put the UV light bulb into the wand light.

    • 5

      Place the quartz tube next to the UV light bulb on top of the aluminum foil, shiny side up. Wrap the aluminum foil around both the UV bulb and the quartz tube, sealing off light from the UV lamp.

    • 6

      Wrap the black felt around the aluminum foil and place the lamp/quartz tube a safe distance away from the aquarium.