Questions re. setting up custom 15 watt UV filter

[tamara]

Hi! I'm attempting to figure out how to set up our new custom 15 watt UV filter. Aquarium equipment engineering is not our strong point, so please bear with me. We just don't want to make a mistake that can cause leaks, breakages, or loss of functioning. So here are my questions:

1. In the instructions that came with it, it says "It may also be hung on the back of an aquarium using the 1/2 outlet adapter provided." This is what we want to do and I see you have a helpful diagram of how it should all look when done.

However, how exactly does that outlet adapter go on there? Do we unscrew the hose barb first and then screw it in? We need a wrench for this, yes?

2. The instructions say "When changing the bulb... remove the 2" pvc ends (they come off and on easily)...." So I tried it and I couldn't get them off. Does it just need more brute force? Do you recommend any tools? Just don't want to ruin anything.

3. It says "... keep the unit clean." In the maintenance section at www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html#uvmaintenance it says "If your UV has a quartz sleeve it is important to clean the quartz sleeve when changing your bulb."

Does this unit have a quartz sleeve? How frequently does the unit need to be cleaned? There are instructions on cleaning a quartz sleeve... is there anything else I need to know about how to clean the unit?

I apologize if this information is already available somewhere, in this case please point me in the right direction. Thanks much in advance. I am really looking forward to using the UV sterilizer.

BTW the reason I chose this particular unit is that I read in one of the testimonials that it is a simple no-nonsense design with good quality, readily available and relatively inexpensive parts, and apparently has a good track record in the field. That's exactly what we want. Thank you for designing this and making it available to us at a reasonable cost.

[Carl]

Tamara;

(1) You would unscrew the straight hose barb, then replace this with the adapter that comes with the UV for hanging.
I would recommend using a Channel Lock type pliers


(2) Just "brute force is all that is needed, but these same Channel Locks can work as well.
However, do not try this now, otherwise you may loosen the seals which we pressure tested prior to shipping

(3) The simplicity of this UV Sterilizer does not require a quartz sleeve, so the only cleaning needed is replacing the UV Bulb (& maybe O Rings). Basically, throwing away your UV Bulb throws away any problems of calcium build up or dirt that would build up on a quartz sleeve.

Hope this helps!!!

Carl

[tamara]

Thanks for your prompt reply. It's very helpful. And by the way, our second order arrived today, much sooner than we expected!

I will follow your advice and leave the pvc end caps be for now. However, it does raise a question: In six months when I need to change the bulb, will it be difficult to recreate an adequate seal when I have to take the end caps off and put them back on?

[devonjohnsgard]

Afternoon Tamara. When you take the end caps off, the easy way to make sure there is a seal is use vaseline and when you place the end caps back on, suck on in take and there should be a fair amount of sucktion that will make the intake stick to your lip. If there is no sucktion, there is a small leak.
Vaseline is your best bet. You can also replacement them if you wanted to. Hope this helps.

[tamara]

Yes, thanks! I won't need to take them off for 6 months I guess, just wanted to have some idea how they go on since Carl indicated that getting them back on tightly might be an issue.