UV Sterilizer!!! Any good ones?

[russo36]

Hi guys... I've been looking around and online for a good UV unit for my 120g... Fish/ corals.
My question is ... Will this really help my system or is it a waste of money?? Will this help prevent
Ich and algae growth as I read on some online post? If any one is using them please give me your input... Thanks

 

[rworegon]

I'm using a SmartUV 25 watt on my 90 gal. Some would say I'm overdoing it but the water is definitely clearer, it does kill waterborne algae so less of that green dusty buildup on the glass, and if you have a slow flow through it will kill waterborne pathogens, (i.e. ich, bacteria, etc). The key is to have enough contact time with the light, therefor a slow flow, and don't undersize it. I got mine after uronema nearly wiped out my reef. Personally I won't run a reef without it. Just one more safety net.

 

[jokervueboi]

UV serilizer WILL stop algae growth, as far as ich goes it will kill anything going through the UV. That being said, not every ich will pass through UV, but helps. I used a UV on my 47g reef tank when alage grew a lot, and it disappeared completely. UV is great for stopping alage growth. Uv is great for killing ich (if it goes through the UV). I just run my UV on the whole time for the first 2 weeks to eradicate all pesky algae in the tank, then afterwards it run it about a few hours a day. I don't have algae problems anymore.
the one I use
13W UV Sterilizer w Submersible Pump Filter 150 Gal Aquarium Fish Tank | eBay

 

[russo36]

Excellent info guys... Thanks for the good advise!!! As for the size I always try to get something that's 2 to 3 times bigger than my set-up. I like to over filter not under... Thank you both for the quick replies.... Is time to keep looking for a good unit.

 

[mcarroll]

First, remember that healthy, unstressed fish DO NOT get sick.

Second, talk to the folks at Emperor Aquatics to make sure you get the correct wattage for the flow-rate you need if you do decide to add UV. They seriously have their **** together - extremely helpful!

Last...

Almost nobody I've seen use a sterilizer has the right size or flow for what the are trying to accomplish - that is most definitely a waste. Slightly better husbandry would have the same or better effect.

Many folks also fail to realize that UV is another bulb to change - every 6 months.

The cost and hassle make UV a bad deal IMO unless you are in a situation like a store where you have "strange" livestock coming into the system all the time. (Not a description that applies to a healthy home reef.)

Even then I think it takes a smarter than average UV installation to really make a difference.

I think you'll get more bang:buck just by not overcrowding your fish.

-Matt

 

[russo36]

Thanks Mcarroll .... Ill look into that info u provided me.... My main reason for a uv is to keep algae down and I'm planning on getting a blue hippo. Since they do get ich easy I figure this might help keep it healthier. Thanks for your advise.

 

[Branden]

I say save money an put that money towards a GFO reactor for the algae problem and just make sure the tang is happy and healthy and he won't get ich. Also you can put that bulb replacement money to better enriched food to help keep the immune system stronger. Just my .02$ but I'm also the guy that goes for the natural aproach

 

[russo36]

Thank you all for the help and advise on this matter!!! I'm going to go without for now... And see what happens down the line!

 

[miyags]

I have 18watt on my 55gal tank. Alot less wipeing glass. And looking to get a 36watt for my other tank. I think it was around 58 bucks for the 36watt.

 

[mcarroll]

My main reason for a uv is to keep algae down and I'm planning on getting a blue hippo. Since they do get ich easy[...]

You may already know that if you set up UV for algae it does nothing for microbes like Ich. If that's a concern, then you really need a bigger unit for full effect IMO, which is what you're looking for to control an outbreak of Ich. (You can technically choose to run a smaller unit at a lower flow rate, but then you're depending even more on statistical averages for protection...) Check out Emperor's product info...includes sizing specs.

Also, the Blue Hippo is one of the highest stress fishes (and one of the bigger ones) so you're not making it easy on yourself!

Seriously, if you don't cramp him you won't have issues even without UV. There really isn't any mystery to it IMO. Most people cramp them, they stay stressed, which prevents proper development of a slime coat (probably among other things) and that makes them ripe for infection. Prevent the stress by giving them plenty of room. If you start with a tiny one, a smaller tank may be okay for a little while, but be realistic (and generous) for his cause and make 72" the smallest tank you'll consider letting him grow up in.

-Matt