UV Sterilizers - Algae

catklyst · 01-27-2010, 01:06 PM

Are they worth it? Do they prevent only algae and bacteria blooms? All feedback would be highly appreciated.

houseofcards · 01-27-2010, 01:34 PM

In short if your not having problems you really don't need a UV. But if you want to play it safe a UV will prevent GW from ever starting and it will also protect your fish against water borne parasites (assuming the flow is within the correct range). Many advanced aquarists use them for both of the reasons I mentioned.

flashbang009 · 01-28-2010, 04:29 PM

I chose to go for the petsmart carried "AA" brand. I was told they were cheaply made and for $45, i wasn't prepared for much of a stunner. However, it has not broken or anything after 4 months of use, and it comes with a detachable powerhead. Works great for halting green water like houseofcards said, and bacterial infections. Worth it if you may have either!

armedbiggiet · 01-30-2010, 04:23 AM

It is like buying a insurance... you don't have to have it but I would do it if you have some really hard to get or rare fish or plants. Other wise it is really no need.

catklyst · 02-01-2010, 05:46 PM

Do sterilizers prevent parasites as well?

flashbang009 · 02-01-2010, 05:49 PM

bacterial parasites yes

StrungOut · 02-01-2010, 06:57 PM

I've got one for my 17 gallon and it works great. I still get a little bit of algae here and there but I think it kills it off.

Diana K · 02-02-2010, 09:44 AM

UV can kill single celled things, both algae and parasites, including Ich.
The trick is to get the right flow.
ALL the water in the tank needs to pass through the sterilizer. If it does not, then the pest will be able to breed in the tank. A heavily planted tank may not have a good water flow pattern, might have some dead spots.
If the water flows through too fast the pest is not exposed to the UV long enough to die. This varies with what you are killing.

I use a UV on a quarantine tank. Less plants and decor to interrupt the water flow. Killed some Ich on Cardinal Tetras with no medication, just the UV.
I have 2. Both at the 'Green Killing Machine' sold at Pet Smart. I use the smaller one on small tanks, the larger one on large tanks.

flashbang009 · 02-02-2010, 10:02 AM

the sterilizer Diana mentioned is the same one i was talking about, thanks for remembering the name haha.

Cliff Mayes · 02-02-2010, 10:19 AM

Be very careful. UV sterilizers are not the ultimate answer to all problems. Listen very carefully to the answers. "Can" does not mean absolutely will. Yes, UV sterilizers if the bug passes by the clean bulb at the correct speed will kill the bug but all of the bugs in a tank may not pass through the Sterilizer or at the correct speed so Algae Spores and various Parasites and bad bugs may survive the UV sterilizer. UV sterilizers help but they are not the ultimate answer. Good to have, yes but again, they are not the ultimate.