UV Sterilyzer Question?

[airbrnebkr]

I am sure this is a nooby question but does a UV Sterilyzer kill diatoms? What purpose does it actually serve. I hear a lot of people saying they wouldnt own one. I have one and I might trade it in on something I need more like a protein skimmer if it serves no purpose in my reef tank.
Thanks,
Doug

 

[gbolton]

It will not kill diatoms. The UV sterilyzer will only kill living things in the water stream. This includes beneficial phytoplankton as well as harmful parasites. In my opinion quarantining is a better route and I would trade it in for a skimmer.

 

[airbrnebkr]

Thank you for the advice
Doug