UV Aquarium Sterilizer - worth it?

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Natural_Born_Killer

Feeder Fish
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Dec 2, 2008
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I recent read a bit about UV Sterilizer for aquariums - boasting that they kill off bacteria, algae etc.

I was just wondering if this is something that anyone out there thinks is actually worth having. What are the pro's and cons... any info or opinions anyone wants to chip in would be fantastic :)
 
For something in your treatment arsenal, they rock. I wouldn't use one continuously though, for two reasons, second one's my biggest reason:
1. Bulbs weaken over time, like fluorescents, and they're expensive.
2. Prolonged use can weaken immune systems, nothing to fight, gets weaker. Add a new fish, even after quarantine, it may have some pathogens that don't bother it, strong immune system, but your "fish in the plastic bubble"...
 
I run mine all the time and plan on getting them for my other two tanks as well. My fish seem to stay healthier since I started using it, the algae has decreased, and the water stays clearer. About once every ten months of so I replace the bulb.
 
:iagree:
I wouldn't use one continuously though,
Click to expand...
:iagree:
I got mine extremely cheap, otherwise I probably would not have one. That said, it was the UV that cleared a stubbornly cloudy tank in 24 hours, nothing else worked. If you have no problems now, I would keep an eye out for a good buy, and get it.
 
I agree as well!! I had a whiteish haze in my tank, friend gave me his fo free, cleared it up in less than a day. Now I have to get it on a timer.
 
So far the one's I have seen are all for saltwater tanks... is there a specific one for freshwater?
 
No they all are pretty much carryover as far as I have seen.


As for your original question yes! They are worth it I have a 24 watt inline and an 18 watt coral life twist. I highly reccomend the coral life twist model (Yes I had 2 break but they are awesome and very efficient) They take care of a lot of algae and they seriously decimate bad pathogens viruses etc.

I have also never heard of them lowering your fish's immunity although I guess it is possible I personally would rather have one. I quarantine for 35 days now (instead of 28) so I am pretty certain any stock going in is going to have no viruses or problems.
 
I've been debating about getting one myself, I've read on a few forums about people saying their water is clearer. I'm wondering if in general it's clearer or if it's due to just no algae in the water that makes it clearer.
 
It clears out the algae and also assists in breaking down biological waste that's dissolved in the water, although not as well as a micron water polisher would do in filtering the particles out.
 
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