UV filter... how inportant is it and does everyone use it?

[pURPLEcHILLIrED123]

Is the UV filter important? I currently have one hooked up but wanted to know how important it is without one. I had tanks before without one and everything was fine. How inportant is UV filter?

 

[Matt724]

well, it kills pretty much any bacteria that flows through it, good and bad. It does prevent algae explosions and green water and is overall beneficial to the fish's health. I don't think many people use it on their tank, unless they have really sensitive fish like juvenile EBJDs who are really prone to sickness. It will also kill ich, which is nice. I don't think there are any downsides, but for the price, IMO, lots of consistent water changes are just as good. Ponds, since they are more exposed to the elements, utilize UV filters to prevent massive algae growth. Hope this helps

 

[gazelle]

well, it kills pretty much any bacteria that flows through it, good and bad. It does prevent algae explosions and green water and is overall beneficial to the fish's health. I don't think many people use it on their tank, unless they have really sensitive fish like juvenile EBJDs who are really prone to sickness. It will also kill ich, which is nice. I don't think there are any downsides, but for the price, IMO, lots of consistent water changes are just as good. Ponds, since they are more exposed to the elements, utilize UV filters to prevent massive algae growth. Hope this helps

basically sumarized it all haha

 

[flipstylex]

^ its been proven that it is an effective product. there is really no known downside eighter. maybe just the cost running it, but it will clear up your water.

 

[sponger_2]

i went and got uvc bulbs. as uv just killed only few select things. look into that. also its best to have the water flow as slow through it as possible as more time has a chance to really get at the bad stuff affecting the fish.

 

[JK47]

^ its been proven that it is an effective product. there is really no known downside eighter. maybe just the cost running it, but it will clear up your water.

Its debatable that there is no know down side as some say it will weaken a fish immune system over time due to it not coming into contact with as much as it would otherwise. A healthy immune system is capable of fighting off a lot of bacterial organisms.I dount any of those guys will chime in though. I personnaly don't feel this way and think UV is a very sound investment, especially if you keep cichlids. Agreed on the above slower moving water statement as well.

 

[KAWAMIKIE]

I have the Green Killing Machine 24 watt from Pet Smart, it was about $80. and worth every penny. I have it on my 120, I couldn't keep the water clear with out it. The water started clearing up within a few hours of installing it.

 

[Toby_H]

well, it kills pretty much any bacteria that flows through it, good and bad. It does prevent algae explosions and green water and is overall beneficial to the fish's health. I don't think many people use it on their tank, unless they have really sensitive fish like juvenile EBJDs who are really prone to sickness. It will also kill ich, which is nice. I don't think there are any downsides, but for the price, IMO, lots of consistent water changes are just as good. Ponds, since they are more exposed to the elements, utilize UV filters to prevent massive algae growth. Hope this helps

While everything you mentioned is true... I do not feel this is a well balanced review of UV lights...

i went and got uvc bulbs. as uv just killed only few select things. look into that.

Aquarium UV's are all UVC... there are UVB reptile lights, but these are NOT advertised as aquarium UVs...

as some say it will weaken a fish immune system over time due to it not coming into contact with as much as it would otherwise.

Those who say such things are speaking out of pure speculation and have not taken the time to educate themselves on this issue. Fish do not build up an immunity to parasites or viruses. That's about as logical as saying a human can build up an immunity to AIDS.



UV lights are not in any way "necessary"...

At proper flow rates, UV lights will kill parasites, including very common parasites that result in Ick, popeye and some of the most common ailments in aquarium fish...

1W per 10 gallons of volume... at 10 gph per 1W.. is sufficient to kill parasites...

There is absolutely no concern to UV's preventing the developement of a healthy immune system...

Do not feel any requirement to provide UV... but feel free to add it as a preventative measure...