diff --git a/element_array_ephys/__init__.py b/element_array_ephys/__init__.py
index ce4192a3..b5ca7e2b 100644
--- a/element_array_ephys/__init__.py
+++ b/element_array_ephys/__init__.py
@@ -1,19 +1 @@
-import os
-import datajoint as dj
-
-if "custom" not in dj.config:
-    dj.config["custom"] = {}
-
-# overwrite dj.config['custom'] values with environment variables if available
-
-dj.config["custom"]["database.prefix"] = os.getenv(
-    "DATABASE_PREFIX", dj.config["custom"].get("database.prefix", "")
-)
-
-dj.config["custom"]["ephys_root_data_dir"] = os.getenv(
-    "EPHYS_ROOT_DATA_DIR", dj.config["custom"].get("ephys_root_data_dir", "")
-)
-
-db_prefix = dj.config["custom"].get("database.prefix", "")
-
 from . import ephys_organoids as ephys
diff --git a/element_array_ephys/spike_sorting/ecephys_spike_sorting.py b/element_array_ephys/spike_sorting/ecephys_spike_sorting.py
index f63fff6e..4f4d97bf 100644
--- a/element_array_ephys/spike_sorting/ecephys_spike_sorting.py
+++ b/element_array_ephys/spike_sorting/ecephys_spike_sorting.py
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@
 """
 
 import datajoint as dj
-from element_array_ephys import get_logger
 from decimal import Decimal
 import json
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
@@ -32,7 +31,7 @@
     kilosort_triggering,
 )
 
-log = get_logger(__name__)
+logger = dj.logger
 
 schema = dj.schema()
 
diff --git a/element_array_ephys/spike_sorting/si_spike_sorting.py b/element_array_ephys/spike_sorting/si_spike_sorting.py
index 64351b52..1900add2 100644
--- a/element_array_ephys/spike_sorting/si_spike_sorting.py
+++ b/element_array_ephys/spike_sorting/si_spike_sorting.py
@@ -12,10 +12,10 @@
 from element_interface.utils import find_full_path
 from spikeinterface import exporters, postprocessing, qualitymetrics, sorters
 
-from .. import get_logger, probe, readers
+from .. import probe, readers
 from . import si_preprocessing
 
-log = get_logger(__name__)
+logger = dj.logger
 
 schema = dj.schema()