Thanks for the great picture, I am starting to see how it could be done, although it would be kind of funky.
(BTW, the pictures seemed to work fine for the width of the screen, I had no trouble with them on my Linux box.)
As to the mod approach, (which would depend on the PVC being resistant to UV, or additional shielding (copper sheet? paint?) being added...)
I am assuming that the bulb basically slides into the socket so that the tube is inside the quartz part, and the base is in the adhesive lined part? Also that there is nothing other than the bulb socket that is vital to operation in the cap...
If so, how does this sound?
1. Neck the bottom 6" or so of the res out to about 2 or 2.5" ID pipe.
2. Put a 'T' fitting on the bottom so that the leg sticks out to the side. Put appropriate reducers and fittings to allow the pump to hook up.
3. Glue the tube assembly into the continuing part of the 'T' so that it sticks up through the fitting into the res pipe. It would probably be necessary to make an adaptor to fit the base (probably use a lathe to turn the hole in a threaded reducer to the right size) and also find an appropriate glue.
4. Hack the cap down to the socket and just enough other stuff to let you tape or clamp it over the end of the tube. (need to be able to remove it for bulb changes, but need light seal when operating)
This would (I hope) provide a non restrictive feed to the pump and get the unit in line w/o taking up to much additional space.
Of course it does require purchasing the entire unit, which as I recall is quite expensive...
This may mean I'll have to go with Airspirit's magic coolant formula for now and consider this mod as a 'phase II' improvement as I'm already overbudget on this... (Idle thought, would it be possible to buy just the quartz tube and the lamp? Would doing so be enough of a savings?)
Hmmm... I've just been reviewing the thread, and following some of the links... Two mildly disturbing notes on the Dr. Foster & Smith web site. 1st is a blurb on the main UV page
Quote:
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Please note a UV sterilizer will not help with string algae.
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Now I have noted a distinct lack of information on exactly WHAT kind of life forms inhabit our cooling systems, but at least one description (I think it was Airspirit, but don't quote me) said 'stringy ropy slime' or words to that effect.
2nd is a caution on the 'selection guide page:
Quote:
Operating Guidelines
While UV sterilizers usually do no harm, do not use one when you first cycle your aquarium, as it may kill beneficial bacteria before they attach to the bio-media or gravel. Also, many medications can be "denatured" by the UV light, so the sterilizer should be turned off when using medications, especially chelated copper treatments. The UV light will "break" the bond of the chelating agent, and the aquarium will have a sudden, lethal concentration of ionic copper.(emphasis added)
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This suggests rather strongly that the UV approach is not a total solution, and that some additional biocide is needed...
Gooserider