Algae scrubber and UV sterilizer

[Shad Quill]

I recently just read that the coralife brand UV sterilizer is complete garbage and could potentially introduce rust to my system. Of course this is the unit I have.
My question is.... I have an algae scrubber. Does this piece of equipment work similar to a uv sterilizer? Meaning does the light in the scrubber have the same effect on the water passing over the screen as it would being introduced in a uv chamber?

 

[Crabs McJones]

I recently just read that the coralife brand UV sterilizer is complete garbage and could potentially introduce rust to my system. Of course this is the unit I have.
My question is.... I have an algae scrubber. Does this piece of equipment work similar to a uv sterilizer? Meaning does the light in the scrubber have the same effect on the water passing over the screen as it would being introduced in a uv chamber?

It does not. A UV sterilizer uses Ultra Violet light to kill off parasites and other organisms and some bacterias, it will kill off some forms of free floating algae as well. But an Algae scrubber uses blue and red lights to grow algae to keep your nitrate and phosphate levels down so that you don't get unwanted algae growth in your display tank

 

[Shad Quill]

It does not. A UV sterilizer uses Ultra Violet light to kill off parasites and other organisms and some bacterias. An Algae scrubber uses blue and red lights to grow algae to keep your nitrate and phosphate levels down so that you don't get unwanted algae growth in your display tank

I sort of figured but I was hoping the opposite. I'm about 4500 into this build and was hoping to not have to spend another 300. Grrrr

 

[wyattray]

Where did you get the information on Coral Life and Rust.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Where did you get the information on Coral Life and Rust.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/coralife-uv-sterilizer-help.347813/
I've also seen similar posts on other forums.

 

[ReefTeacher]

I had a Coralife UV rust exactly that way in a freshwater system a number of years ago. The rust is not so critical there, but water got into the electronics, it got wet and shorted out...could have been a disaster!

 

[wyattray]

I think the main thing here that a UV Sterilizer is different than an Algae Scrubber and serve two different purposes with a little cross over in between.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I think the main thing here that a UV Sterilizer is different than an Algae Scrubber and serve two different purposes with a little cross over in between.

Correct the uv sterilizer will kill off some algae, but only free floating that goes through the unit. Otherwise it does nothing to reduce nitrate and phosphate to stop algae growth in your display tank

 

[Mark Gray]

No your algae scrubber is to grow algae witch will take nutrients out of your tank water. Your UV sterilizer is to kill free swing pest and they can also help clear your water some. I have never used a UV sterilizer I just don't see any need for them. They also can kill good things in your water too that's the main reason I do not use them.

 

[Shad Quill]

No your algae scrubber is to grow algae witch will take nutrients out of your tank water. Your UV sterilizer is to kill free swing pest and they can also help clear your water some. I have never used a UV sterilizer I just don't see any need for them. They also can kill good things in your water too that's the main reason I do not use them.

I'm thinking I might just pass on the UV sterilizer at this point.

 

[Shad Quill]

This is my set up so far.. I could always use the extra manifold space down the road

 

[Mark Gray]

I'm thinking I might just pass on the UV sterilizer at this point.

Unless you bring in fish every week like LFS do I would run without one, they can help with Ich but only the free swimming stage, I have gotten in some heated arguments about this lol but they will not eradicate Ich

 

[Crabs McJones]

This is my set up so far.. I could always use the extra manifold space down the road

That is an awesome looking setup!

 

[Mark Gray]

This is my set up so far.. I could always use the extra manifold space down the road

Wow looks great

 

[Shad Quill]

I just ran down to the basement and had a look inside the sterilizer. There's no metal reflector in it. The one I have is extremely old. I guess in this case older is better.

 

[Mark Gray]

I just ran down to the basement and had a look inside the sterilizer. There's no metal reflector in it. The one I have is extremely old. I guess in this case older is better.

HaHa that's why they say I am the best lol