So I'm being told i should add a UV sterilizer to my tank. Is that a good idea? And if so, should I go with a in tank unit, or an inline unit? And can I put the in tank unit in my sump?
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
So are you saying you don't recommend them? My tank is 10+ years old, and I've never had one before.Oh ok.
You know that it will only kill the algae, bacteria and parasites that pass by the light in a controlled flow.
Algae that is on your glass and rocks will be super happy as what ever your UV will kill will be more nutrients for that algae.
I'm thinking i may hold off on it for a while. My tank is doing ok, except the cyano thing.Some ppl like them others use common sense and don't.
I have test them on several systems and didn't see any positive things other than I had it on a 40 breeder with 5 fish in QT with Ick and running it for 4 weeks the Ick disappeared.
Now I know also that isn't possible completely but can't put it any other way.
When used on fresh water tanks the effect will be noticeable more as in salt water.
I haven't had any issues with ick or anything like that yet. My water is very clear, and i haven't had problems there yet. The only issues I've had so far are with algae.Only you will know if you need one and what reason you are seeking one. I purchased one years ago to accommodate my Achilles Tang. He seemed to always have a bit of something on his skin (a bit of ich). Once I purchased the UV sterilizer his skin turned milky smooth. Never had an issue after that. When the bulb would get old they would show up on his skin.
What I have learned from purchasing UV sterilizers is that they are not all created equal. If you buy a common uv sterilizer it will not clear the water as much as you think it will as compared to high end ones. You want one to purify the water by killing free floating algae, pathogens, etc that pass through it. The top of the line uv sterilizers are a night a day difference from the every day ones you see on the shelf. Your fish will be healthier and the water will be polished allot more . The only downfall is that the superior ones are expensive.
If you want some good knowledge about UV sterilizers and how they work, go to your local public aquarium and inquire about their setup. They will not mind to show you around and how they rely on them heavily and what they do for them.
Happy Reefing.
Besides removing unwanted algae and bacteria blooms, it remove many free floating parasites which in term prevents them from spreading. Talks about UV not being worth it is non-sense as saying you don't need a protein skimmer. My first Fish only system 20 years ago had no protein skimmer and no UV. I lost all my fish with in 6 months and not until i added a UV and protein skimmer was I successful in keeping fish alive for 10+ years. Free floating parasites are the major cause of issues with parasites and algae issues. You get rid of these your tank will reduce its chance of outbreak significantly. My advice make sure you add an inexpensive one it does not have to be $200+. I added a 36watt Jebao Pond UV filter ($70) and in one day I saw my Protein skimmer get filled with so much junk. The water because crystal clear in 24 hours!I plan on removing mine eventually when my Dry rock becomes established because I don't want the clutter!. However, I Know this UV filter working part time will last me over 5 years+

