which UV sterilizer should I buy?

[Nano Gabe]

Hey guys so I've been dealing with a diatom issue for a while now. I've tried a couple different methods but nothing seems to work. So I'm looking to get a UV sterilizer to see if that helps solve my issue. I figure I would give it a try since I've been seeing some people have success with them plus they give the added benefits of suppressing disease and clarifying the water. So my question is which UV can I buy for my JBJ 45g tank that won't break the bank? I was searching amazon and found one called oddssea UV pro 18W. Ive never heard about it and it seems mostly generic but it looks like a small version of the jebao 36w.

 

[AZMSGT]

Get something of good quality. Don’t waste money on a cheap off brand $40 Amazon junk. Remember you are dealing with electricity and water in a very tight space.
Any 18w of good quality will do fine for you. Pentair is what I would lean towards.

 

[infinityends]

I don't have a specific suggestion, although I know the Pentair UVs - BRS sells them - are good ones.

The key with UV is exposure time, you need to look up the specific flow rate for whichever UV you buy. Flow rates also vary depending on what you want it to kill. Trying to kill off things like free floating parasites in the water column like ich needs a much longer exposure time and therefore slower flow rate compared to other things like bacteria or algae.

 

[theMeat]

Uv is not rocket science. Don’t get why ppl spend big $ on em. It’s all about exposure time.
Have used odysea on many tanks for years with no issue. Uses the same replacement bulb as many others. Good build quality. For the price a no brainer

 

[DarthSimon]

Bulk Reef Supply carries a brand called Pentair, I use the 40 Watt Version and it keeps my tank crystal clear!!