Is a uz sterilizer worth it?

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Mr.kelberi

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 9, 2016
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Pretty simple questin.. Or maybe not. Is a us sterilizer worth the added protection?

I do not have any algae and I don't have any live plants. 210 with some pbass cats pleco and an african pike.

Only reason I ask is because my cousin just bought a aquatop fz13 which comes with a sterilizer. He always used fluvals and that is what I have but it made me think I need it, do I?
 
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I use one for water clarity. My tank had a bacterial bloom going on, uv cleared it right up.
 
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I'm running a coralife turbotwist unit that I won (well, fiance wasted a bunch on raffle tickets, meh still like half off) on my planted 90 gallon. I believe this one is about 120 bucks normally. Only 9 watts and works great so far. Got a marineland powerhead hooked up on the bottom. Was a bit of a pain in the butt to set up at least for me. Had to mount it on the bookshelf where I keep my tank goodies.
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Makes the water really clear and I doubt I will have any ich or green algae blooms now! Unfortunately the glass is as old as I am, so ugh, scratches, not as clear as the water is haha. IMO it's worth it if you can get one cheap. Remember they need a bit of a slow flow going through them so the UV can kill all the germs n' junk. I should see how much generic replacement bulbs are, I've heard they burn out easy.
 
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Mr.kelberi said:
that was too much for me to enjoy reading lmao but thank you, maybe some day ill look back at that.

Based on what you guys are saying if its not set up right with the right flow its not really worth it. Since i dont think i have a huge algae or bacteria problem i think ill be okay without one for now.

Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

Yeah, definitely a good amount of info to sort through in that link. And yes, flow rate, wattage to gallons, and other factors all play a part in a proper sterilizer. For most set ups, I would certainly say it's more a luxury than a necessity.
 
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Real sunlight has a UV fraction as well.
I feel that my ecosystem behind glass is better balanced with my UV. Fish breed well. Plants grow well. Fish have had no health issues in years.
My other tanks that don't have UV seem to swing more between algae and plant growth.
Just a feeling. I have no hard data to quantify it.
 
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HarleyK said:
Real sunlight has a UV fraction as well.
I feel that my ecosystem behind glass is better balanced with my UV. Fish breed well. Plants grow well. Fish have had no health issues in years.
My other tanks that don't have UV seem to swing more between algae and plant growth.
Just a feeling. I have no hard data to quantify it.
Click to expand...

Classic explanation of the benefits of using an UV sterilizer to achieve Redox Balance.
 
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