UV sterilizer filter

[geoffgarcia]

I apologize if this gets asked often, I'm new to the forum and unfortunately the search doesn't allow for searches under 2 characters, so UV is out....


just wondering if anyone uses these on their freshwater tank, and how they like the results.

Have heard quite a few positive things about increase in water clarity, decrease in algae, etc...

 

[Richer]

You don't have a choice for "Haven't used it, and don't plan on using it."

Why do you need a UV sterilizer? In most cases, those are not needed in a fish tank... as far as I know, green water is about the only thing that UV sterilizers are good at getting rid of. Though it is potentially good for ridding the water of pathogens, healthy fish will generally not get sick. So as long as you keep your fish healthy, a sterilizer is useless.

Just my 2 cents.

-Richer

 

[geoffgarcia]

richer, I think your sentiment qualifies under the
"Haven't heard enough info on this to convince me to try it yet"

 

[OrionGirl]

Without knowing specifically why you want the sterilizer, no, don't have enough info for this application. In general, I agree with Richer on their uses. The are high maintenance (especially compared with not running one), and will not prevent ailments. Using them on a q-tank will be helpful in some cases, but running them on a main show tank is not a requirement.

Of course, there are 2 sides--many people run them and love them. I just have never seen anything that indicated a UV on a main tank was better than quarantining fish before introduction and providing quality maintenance on a fish tank. And yes, I've looked at them, both for FW and SW applications.

 

[geoffgarcia]

sorry, thought my reasons were clear:
increase in water clarity, decrease in algae, etc...

 

[OrionGirl]

Water changes will accomplish those things. The problem I have with UV--it kills everything that goes through, good and bad. There are tons of micro-organisms that are beneficial and keep algae and bacteria populations in control. Kill them off, and you cause problems. And, while it may seem miniscule, those dead organisms contribute to ammonia and nitrates as they decompose. While running a UV might kill off free floating algae, it won't impact those that grow on surfaces. There are many people who use them and love them, but IMO, it's hard to credit the UV with anything--you'd have to have duplicate tanks setup, one with UV, one without, same maintenance on both, to really determine if there were any benefits to the system.

For my money, it's not worth it. Just one more thing to maintain and tinker with.

 

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by geoffgarcia
sorry, thought my reasons were clear:
increase in water clarity, decrease in algae, etc...

I use a UV sterilizer on my 125 gallon and will continue. Cycling the sterilizer off and on with a timer is what I'd recommend. The sterilizer helps me provide even cleaner water, and I look at it as a good "insurance policy" against potential bacteria problems.

 

[PumaWard]

I have to agree with richer and oriongirl...

Why would you want one unless you have a persistent free floating green algae problem?

You need an option that says, I know about them, but I refuse to buy one

 

[got_nailed]

I think the main key to using a UZ Sterilizer is having an establish tank and running 2 filters with only one with a sterilizer. If you don’t have a planted tank that’s over 55 gallons then I think it’s a waste of money. Yes I do have 2 of them and I THINK I have less problems with those 2 tanks but I’m just THINKING that. If you have a picky fish that needs this type of thing then get it. But sometimes I think there a waste of money when I’m trying to clean them out so they still work.

Will I put one on my 75 gallon tank? I might, it depends on the size of my wet sump and if I have room for it. But them I would be running 2 pumps out of the sump or splitting it in ½ and putting the UV on the one side. IMO I THINK they work better if only ½ the water is filtered with UV. I know I won’t get one until I get a good case of green water that will not go away.


I’m thinking you need a micron filter. You won’t need to run them all the time but they work great. I’m thinking this is what will work for what you need. http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22141 I would just get one with the micro filter and not the bio wheel and the canister. But I’m not going out looking for one. A micron filter will give you clear water and remove almost all of your floating algae.

 

[Richer]

You misunderstand, I've done plenty of research on many kinds of equipement, including UV sterilizers. Everything I've read about them indicates that I personally don't need one on my tanks. I put every new thing I buy in a Q-tank (everything from plants to fish), I do large water changes regularly, I stock lightly, and I never have green water problems because I keep my nutrient and light balance in check.
It may improve water clarity... I can't say, but on my cichlid tank, I can look at one end of the tank, and see the other end without a problem... thats looking through 4 feet of water. Thats clear enough for me. My plant tank is also just as clear... its just that the oxygen bubbles that my plants produce may obstruct the view a little bit .

This doesn't mean no one should use a UV sterilizer, but IMHO generally people don't need them. Of course there are always exceptions.

-Richer