UV Sterilizer in a planted tank

[exu]

Helping a friend set up his first planted tank. He went and picked up a canister filter on my advice , but ended up with one that has a UV Sterilizer in it. I have no experience with them. Is a UV sterilizer going to be detrimental to a planted tank? seems like it would kill biological filtration.

thank you,
Jason

 

[Chrisinator]

A UV sterilizer only kills whatever goes through the UV setup itself. This is especially good killing for free floating bacteria/parasites and green water algae.

 

[captaincaveman9]

Not a problem at all for a planted tank like Chrisinator said

 

[dundadundun]

won't hurt anything but your pocket. buying bulbs and electricity are really the only negatives unless a person thinks it's the answer to everything.

 

[67chevelle]

won't hurt anything but your pocket. buying bulbs and electricity are really the only negatives unless a person thinks it's the answer to everything.

????

 

[dundadundun]

some people do...

and other that the little bit of electricity it takes and buying a bulb every six months it's not going to hurt anything.

 

[jpappy789]

I agree...not an essential but shouldn't hurt anything AFAIK. Your beneficial bacteria are attached to surfaces, not free floating.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

you also dont have to run it 24/7. i never used one but it wont hurt anything.

 

[coach_z]

i think UV is a waste of time and money. but it wont hurt anything.

some people run around saying that it is the best thing since sliced bread, i think that putting bread in your tank would be more effective than UV.

 

[ryukin_5]

i have a laguna uvc700 i just leave the uv unpluged....