Uv steralizers?

[Jekyl]

Seriously asking, why are these a thing? I've seen the uses but have no idea why I would ever pay for one. Green water? Other ways to clear up and won't be seen again most likely. Algae? Much cheaper means to deal with. Disease? If it shows up most will go fallow and a quarantine process anyway. Are these the biggest gimmick in the hobby or am I missing something?

 

[rwb500]

you are missing something. They are not a magic bullet but they have value. Read posts by people who use them.

 

[Jekyl]

you are missing something. They are not a magic bullet but they have value. Read posts by people who use them.

I have. Most of the reasons I've seen for use could be accomplished in a different way.

 

[dvgyfresh]

Keeping bacterial populations in water down , kills free floating algae , increases oxygen by limiting bacteria . Clear water. Some benefits I can think of , I don’t run one , just used for Dino’s momentarily

 

[Jekyl]

Keeping bacterial populations in water down , kills free floating algae , increases oxygen by limiting bacteria . Clear water. Some benefits I can think of , I don’t run one , just used for Dino’s momentarily

This seems to be the consensus though. A specific use and then they are kind of just there.

 

[dvgyfresh]

This seems to be the consensus though. A specific use and then they are kind of just there.

Ye I think mainly it’s to keep the water very clear, and will prevent a bacterial bloom

 

[Lowell Lemon]

Used them with great effect for parasite management in large holding systems for aquarium stores. Loss rates dropped for my customers to less than 3 percent versus 30 percent for many of my customers. I know it is just my opinion repeated through many customers positive outcomes. What do I know? Repeated results across many users do tend to lean toward science. They do require proper contact time and kill power to work. Used in aquaculture for the same purpose.

 

[Jekyl]

Used them with great effect for parasite management in large holding systems for aquarium stores. Loss rates dropped for my customers to less than 3 percent versus 30 percent for many of my customers. I know it is just my opinion repeated through many customers positive outcomes. What do I know? Repeated results across many users do tend to lean toward science. They do require proper contact time and kill power to work. Used in aquaculture for the same purpose.

The use in a commercial setting makes complete sense. However does that transition to individual use? Points off for using science as a reference.

 

[Spare time]

Keeping bacterial populations in water down , kills free floating algae , increases oxygen by limiting bacteria . Clear water. Some benefits I can think of , I don’t run one , just used for Dino’s momentarily

I find the first 2 things you listed as a negative of sterilizers. I rely on phytoplankton for my filter feeders and bacteria in the water column is competition to algae

 

[dvgyfresh]

I find the first 2 things you listed as a negative of sterilizers. I rely on phytoplankton for my filter feeders and bacteria in the water column is competition to algae

Me 2 lol that’s why I don’t use it, I’d rather nature do it’s thing so to speak. My feather worms would probly go away if I added a UV

 

[Danroo]

It’s up to people who want to have a clean tank without having to deal with more maintenance

for example if you have a uv in your tank. You won’t be stocking your tank with clean up crew, due to barely any algae which pretty much cuts down maintenance if you don’t want clean up crew in your tank.

 

[Jekyl]

It’s up to people who want to have a clean tank without having to deal with more maintenance

for example if you have a uv in your tank. You won’t be stocking your tank with clean up crew, due to barely any algae which pretty much cuts down maintenance if you don’t want clean up crew in your tank.

In this case wouldn't it be much cheaper and provide a more natural environment with clean up crew instead? I can see the point being made for predator tanks though.

 

[Danroo]

In this case wouldn't it be much cheaper and provide a more natural environment with clean up crew instead? I can see the point being made for predator tanks though.

It’s just preference for people. I like to keep my tank with clean up crew. Makes it more lively. Haven’t even added any chemicals or extra additives yet except baking soda had all kinds of ugly stages in my tank, some people just want to avoid it all together. Except Dino’s I’m not ready for Dino’s right now lol.

 

[kados]

This seems to be the consensus though. A specific use and then they are kind of just there.

I mean isn't that the reason people would use them though. A specific use.. the same could be said about a skimmer or reactor ..they are there for a specific use or otherwise just there.

 

[DopamineKata]

for example if you have a uv in your tank. You won’t be stocking your tank with clean up crew, due to barely any algae which pretty much cuts down maintenance if you don’t want clean up crew in your tank.

Only if you're using it for algae control. If you're using it to kill bacteria the algae is going to be fine.

 

[Lowell Lemon]

The use in a commercial setting makes complete sense. However does that transition to individual use? Points off for using science as a reference.

I have had great experiences with U.V. for both individual and company use. In particular it is an advantage when setting up FOWLR tanks or displays for maintenance companies. It is not necessary to continue after a year or so with a stable population. But when adding new stock it is a good idea in those type systems.

Repeatable results are the basis of good practice and science. It was required when I managed laboratories. The doctors I worked for required repeated results lol!

Points off for not getting repeatable results in my experience.

 

[Danroo]

Only if you're using it for algae control. If you're using it to kill bacteria the algae is going to be fine.

It’s similar to running skimmer dry or wet, I never owned a skimmer so didn’t understand the full extent of it.

 

[Jekyl]

I have had great experiences with U.V. for both individual and company use. In particular it is an advantage when setting up FOWLR tanks or displays for maintenance companies. It is not necessary to continue after a year or so with a stable population. But when adding new stock it is a good idea in those type systems.

Repeatable results are the basis of good practice and science. It was required when I managed laboratories. The doctors I worked for required repeated results lol!

Points off for not getting repeatable results in my experience.

I'm not picking fights. Just trying to get to the bottom of everything. Commercial settings and predator tanks for sure have a good reason. However for typical consumers I just still can't see the need. Good husbandry and QT practices would eliminate the need wouldn't it?

 

[Danroo]

I'm not picking fights. Just trying to get to the bottom of everything. Commercial settings and predator tanks for sure have a good reason. However for typical consumers I just still can't see the need. Good husbandry and QT practices would eliminate the need wouldn't it?

It’s an interesting question, I think at the end of the day some people want to figure out how much automation can they get away with in their tanks.

 

[Pico bam]

Say you run a uv sterilizer for fish diseases and it saves one 500$ fish. Well probably worth it. In alot of cases a disease or bacterial bloom nearly wipes out a tank. That could be many thousands of dollars for some of us. Worth it in my opinion. It is one more thing but can be a life saver quite literally. You can Run it to help with algea and stop bacterial blooms from ever happening. Then boom your fish have ich from reason xyz turn down the pump on the uv and you either solved the problem or bought yourself time to treat it. Its one more thing and I get that but crises diverted, its not if its when.