Are cheap UV sterilisers worth running?

[Pete Hammersley]

The importance of lighting, flow, chemistry, nutrient export or all subjects which are quite rightly discussed at great length, and the tanks results are usually tied to the success of each and every one. Without one, in almost every case the tank will fail. Other elements seem to get less focus, some people use them and have results, while others see them as unnecessary. UV sterilisers are an item I see missed out of the discussion altogether in a lot of tanks, is that because they are not worth while? That the cheap ones are a waste of time? Or is it a trick that some people who don’t use them are missing out on?
I have a cheap one I got a while ago, considering to use it or leave it out all together with my new RSR xxl 750 setup. Anybody got much experience with this?

 

[Flippers4pups]

Well the application of a UV is a big consideration. If meant to control parasites, then a quality, high out put one would be needed. If used to control water clarity, then the cheaper ones would suffice.

 

[Pete Hammersley]

Ok that makes sense. So you say the cheap ones are capable of stopping the algae from growing, but the parasites might need a bit more to kill them off?

 

[EmdeReef]

They work for algae control IME and not much more than that. You would need to have a lot or power to kill ich for example. I’m not convinced any hobby grade products work for that. Certainly not at flow rates recommended. Pentair and some other good brands list the flow to impact Protozoa but the power delivered is based off the freshwater ich...

 

[Pete Hammersley]

They work for algae control IME and not much more than that. You would need to have a lot or power to kill ich for example. I’m not convinced any hobby grade products work for that. Certainly not at flow rates recommended. Pentair and some other good brands list the flow to impact Protozoa but the power delivered is based off the freshwater ich...

Interesting. I’m hoping I won’t have too much issue with algae, in the long term at least because I’m using a 5 foot sump, most of it for a large refugium. If it won’t do much for parasites like ich, it sounds like it could be an added and unnecessary complication?

 

[EmdeReef]

Interesting. I’m hoping I won’t have too much issue with algae, in the long term at least because I’m using a 5 foot sump, most of it for a large refugium. If it won’t do much for parasites like ich, it sounds like it could be an added and unnecessary complication?

I don’t run them anymore. For ich etc you’re probably much better off getting a diatom filter which will remove anything above 1-2 microns. It’s not a replacement for QT and fallow periods but works to manage issues.

 

[EmdeReef]

Some more good info:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa164

 

[Pete Hammersley]

Some more good info:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa164

Just had a read, brilliant article. Thank you.

 

[EmdeReef]

Just had a read, brilliant article. Thank you.

YW

 

[BadFish619]

I run a cheap one. If anything it pushes water around. Maybe helps with algae. If its not an eyesore then why not?

 

[HotRocks]

I just added a cheapo aquatop to my 425xl because I have some pesky brown filamentous algae that I'm sick of. I wouldn't consider one for parasites. I will let you know if it has any benefit.

 

[Pete Hammersley]

I run a cheap one. If anything it pushes water around. Maybe helps with algae. If its not an eyesore then why not?

Why not, that’s a good question? I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to add an extra manifold to the pump and run it regardless. Any idea if the bulbs require replacing periodically?