Uv steriliziler - how long should I wait?

[Paul31733]

Hey everyone!
I purchased a small UV sterilizer that drops into the tank. I did some research and some people love them and some people hate them.
I am wondering of the people who use them. When do you think is too soon to add one. My tank is just 5 months old and I feel like I am starting to get an algae bloom because my glass is getting a film on it just an hour or so after cleaning.
Hoping for advice.
Should I wait and ride it out because it's too soon?
Or should I drop it in for a couple days.
Thanks!
Paul.

 

[Funston07]

I put one on my tank when it was about 3months old. Helped calm down the ugly stage.

 

[Paul31733]

Any other opinions. Just don't want to mess up my tank! Thinking about putting it in tonight. Unless somebody stops me ;Blackeye

 

[Paul31733]

Try one more time... Anybody have varying opinion on putting in uv At 5 months?

 

[Spare time]

I don't think it matters when you put it in as long as you are not dosing anything that it would kill.

 

[Paul31733]

Thanks for replys. I had read some people saying it may kill good things in my tank competing against bad things.

 

[splitting_lanes]

I’ve run UV before, you are fine to run it at five months. Let us know if it helps with the ugly phase!

 

[Paul31733]

Ok it is in... Pray for me peeps!!

Looks like this one has a slot where I can see the UV light coming out. I hope this is ok. It said ok for saltwater.

 

[mikereefing]

I've run it at 3-4 months with no issues. I'm not sure why your UV has a slot for light to come out...I use the AA sterilizer.

 

[anthonygf]

The slot is to show you when the bulb needs to be changed. I heard that the UV light is harmful to fish, can cause blindness and maybe other issues. I put mine in the sump.

 

[Paul31733]

The slot is to show you when the bulb needs to be changed. I heard that the UV light is harmful to fish, can cause blindness and maybe other issues. I put mine in the sump.

Mine is an aio. I think if I put it in a back chamber it would spew all over the place.
It looks like it has a plastic cover over the slot.
Do you think the clear cover is ok or should I remove the unit?

 

[Paul31733]

Submersible Nano UV Sterilizer, 5W

Submersible Nano UV Sterilizer, 5WThe SPNANO-UV submersible UV sterilizing filter is perfect to help you eliminate unsightly algae and control unwanted algae blooms. The UV bulb aids in the health of aquatic life by eradicating free floating microorganisms and disease causing pathogens in both...

www.aquatop.com

This is the unit I bought if anyone is wondering..