algae scrubber vs uv sterilizer
- Thread starter savannah_az
- Start date
By algae scrubber, do you mean that thin sheet that water flows down and upon which all the algae grows?
I think the uv only removes the free floating stuff... the stuff that's anchored will remain.
The added benefit of an algae scrubber (if it's the same thing I'm thinking of) is that it also helps keep nitrates and phosphates down.
I think the uv only removes the free floating stuff... the stuff that's anchored will remain.
The added benefit of an algae scrubber (if it's the same thing I'm thinking of) is that it also helps keep nitrates and phosphates down.
I think a UV unit will remove the free floating stuff, but you'll still have algae all over your rocks and glass.
Neither will eliminate algae in a reef tank. I think the algae scrubber (if built and run properly) will accomplish better results. Plus you get several added benefits from an algae scrubber, especially in a reef tank.
An algae scrubber is more maintenance over a UV, but well worth it IMO.
Think of a UV as a way to treat the symptoms of a larger problem and an algae scrubber as a way to address the actual problem to eliminate the unwanted symptoms.
An algae scrubber is more maintenance over a UV, but well worth it IMO.
Think of a UV as a way to treat the symptoms of a larger problem and an algae scrubber as a way to address the actual problem to eliminate the unwanted symptoms.
A UV light is a enclosured bulb that emits UVC radiation that kills whatever passes through the housing and is exposed to the bulb...
An algae scrubber, as I am familiar with the term, is section of a filter where algae is purposefully grown to consumer nitrates and other organic waste compounds...
Algae is your symptom... not your problem...
Your problem is you have an environment that contains ample light as well as ample organic waste compounds...
In my experience, the biggest "problem" that results in algae is excessive phosphates... If you have excessive phosphates in yoru local tap water, water changes will not help this problem at all... as the fresh water (tap water) simply replentishes the phosphates...
There are some products that are claimed to remove phosphates. Some of them work, some don't. Seachem products generally work quite well and chaper versions or knock off versions do not...
While I think a UV light as well as an algae scrubber will benefit your tank, I doubt either one will solve your problem that results in algae growing in your tank...
An algae scrubber, as I am familiar with the term, is section of a filter where algae is purposefully grown to consumer nitrates and other organic waste compounds...
Algae is your symptom... not your problem...
Your problem is you have an environment that contains ample light as well as ample organic waste compounds...
In my experience, the biggest "problem" that results in algae is excessive phosphates... If you have excessive phosphates in yoru local tap water, water changes will not help this problem at all... as the fresh water (tap water) simply replentishes the phosphates...
There are some products that are claimed to remove phosphates. Some of them work, some don't. Seachem products generally work quite well and chaper versions or knock off versions do not...
While I think a UV light as well as an algae scrubber will benefit your tank, I doubt either one will solve your problem that results in algae growing in your tank...
Just to clarify, in saltwater tanks, water changes and top off water should be done using RO water or preferably RODI water (some areas require RODI).nc_nutcase;4867729; said:
IMO the algae scrubber is 110% better option. The algae scrubber is going to help prevent the root cause of the problem, not just the syptom like Toby pointed out. The scrubber will remove disolved organics, a UV will have zero impact on disolved organics.
For a Marine tank especially, I would run both. The UV as preventative for protozoa in the water column.
For a Marine tank especially, I would run both. The UV as preventative for protozoa in the water column.