UV Sterilizer - Suggestion Seeking

I have always sternly advised that they are a complete waste of money. Other people will say otherwise.

UV will only kill things that float through it. So parasites that are attached to fish, and algae attached to plants and surfaces will not be affected. What UV 'fixes' are easily remedied by proper tank maintenance.

A lot of UV 'benefits' are simple marketing hype.

I completely 100% disagree with Coach_Z. I have a Green Killing Machine from Petsmart in my 72g bowfront. It absolutely stopped the green water problem I was having, after having spent 8 months aggressively doing everything to my tank to make it go away.

So, two people, two opinions. Pick one.

I'm in favor of a UV sterilizer if you can afford it. IT's not needed but it can really help provide peace of mind.

I battled a bacterial infection twice in my 80 gallon mbuna tank. The meds were expensive and it spread quickly. I got a UV sterilizer and it stopped spreading and I was able to cure the tank. Never had to deal with the stuff again. I also use it after adding new fish to prevent anything from spreading. This has worked great! Way better that QTing since in QT my mbuna tend to tear each other to shreds.

I know on MFK some EBJD breeders/owners use a UV sterilizer to help EBJD get to the critical 3" mark. EBJD are very prone to parasites when they are small and with a UV sterilizer it tens to help then resist infection.

I have a Green Killing Machine I got from Petsmart. I think I have the 9w.

I've been battling green water after recently increasing my photoperiod and after trying several methods to no avail, I decided yesterday to spring for a UV sterilizer. I too bought the Green Killing Machine from Petsmart (24W). I started it less than 24 hours ago but based on the reviews I've seen, it should be crystal clear within the next few days. I'll update you to let you know how it goes.

I bought 3 of these and have no complaints:

http://cgi.ebay.com/UV-Filter-Steri...202?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a119df6a

Hrm I have a couple UV sterilizers but have never used them. I think since my Puffers are pretty prone to internal parasites maybe I should start using one of them on my two Puffer tanks. I have had one issue of IPs with a new Puffer but other then that all has been good. But for a little more peace of mind it sounds worth it to me. Will a 15 watt UV Sterilizer be OK for a 30 gallon? By the way sorry to ask questions in your thread