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I'm not sure on how UV sterilizers work, but this what I understand- Water passes by an UV light to kill bacteria and microrganisms. Would it be possible to put an UV light above or inside of a hang on the back filter? Would that work, or is there more to it than that?

though it would work, the purpose of UV sterilizers are to destroy HAARMFUL pathogens and also algaes. putting it over a HOB would destroy the beneficial nitrifying bacteria in the filtermedia. and you probably have some UV light that would escape teh filter which is hamful to fish and to yourself. DIY Uv is perhaps one thing I would not meddle with unless you are sure you can contain all the UV radiation.

that is why they are seperate units so it destroys only the bacteria/viruses/parasites/algae in the wtercolumn without damaging beneficial colonies ro fish for tat matter.

I meant to have the HOB just for the Sterilizer, without any filter. Then I could have a diffrent filter. To prevent light from escaping, I could just cover the filter with plastic or something. Would this be cheaper than the real thing and would it work?

Hi,
Actually I seriously doubt that hanging a UV light over
the filter will do anything. First, it has to be a
specific type of UV light (frequency) and second the
commercial units are constructed with a water passage
much like a coiled spring with the bulb inside the coil
so that the water is exposed to the light for a
longer period of time and lastly, the efficiency of a given
bulb or filter if you will depends upon the length of time
of exposure, the wattage of the bulb, and the speed of the
water through the assembly.

Additionally, the plastic of the filter box would not
withstand the UV light.

Frank


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