What uv sterilizer to get

[geef64]

So i just started the cycle on my 180 build and trying to figure out which uv sterilizer to get

Trying not to break the bank but get a good one. Any suggestions snd why.

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I personally wouldn't recommend getting one at all, unless you keep fish especially prone to bacterial infections, such as seahorses.

 

[joshuajoshua]

I had one that almost killed my whole tank. It was one if the coralife ones, it broke internally and I had no idea until I put my hand in the sump and completed the circuit.

It wasn't the electricity though, it was the copper that leeched out from the bare wiring.

 

[geef64]

Randy Holmes-farley. Why would you not recommend one. I have read both sides but want your opinion

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Randy Holmes-farley. Why would you not recommend one. I have read both sides but want your opinion

IMO, they do little to nothing for diseases, and I don't want to kill circulating bacteria.

I dose vinegar to encourage bacterial growth, in part to feed filter feeders. I'd prefer them alive, instead of dead and spilling nutrients back to the water.

It may help the water be a little clearer, especially if you have some sort of phytoplankton bloom, but for water clarity in general, I'd prefer GAC.

 

[geef64]

Ok. Thanks.

 

[Nevil]

I got one when I had dinoflagellates in my 28 gal nano cube. They dissapeared overnight after adding 18watt uv. Not sure if it was a coincidence or what but that was the only thing I changed and they are gone.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Well, as a general rule, UV's do not cure dino problems, which are among the more difficult problems that reefers face.

 

[Nevil]

Maybe I got lucky. But like to share my experience with uv. I thought also maybe because it was way oversized for my tank.