UV filter.

[CANAMONSTER]

Just curious to know who here uses them and if any of you do not use them.

Has any one really been able to tell if it is working based on a certain experience?.

 

[Lepisosteus]

I've used a few different models. Biggest difference was algae

 

[Bigfishnut]

Yup, mostly help with algae. I only use 1 on a planted discus tank. Probably would be ok without it. Haven't replaced the bulb in a year and a half! I'm sure it's not doing anything anymore!!

 

[MariaS]

Just curious to know who here uses them and if any of you do not use them.

Has any one really been able to tell if it is working based on a certain experience?.

We have been using UV sterilizer lights on our sumps in big tanks for about a year

One of my tanks developed a bacterial bloom after a massive water change last year and would just not come right after many, many water changes so eventually I got a UV light
Tank cleared to crystal clear in under 48hours

We then decided to add UV lights to the other big tanks

Have found it does help a bit with algae but the most important I have found is that over and above crystal clear water, we have not had any outbreaks of ich and if fish injure themselves or someone's fins get nipped it heals very, very quickly without having to add salt or anything

About a month ago my red arowana decided she wanted a moth that was flying around the lights and tried to jump out to get it
She hit the bracing on the tank and cut herself quite badly and lost two scales
The cut healed in about 3 days and the scales have grown back that you cant even see a mark on her

 

[KNH]

I've never used one and personally don't think they are necessary.

 

[keepinfish]

i on the other hand do use one and NOT for algae.

To me it is like wearing a seat belt... dont know if it is gonna be necessary, but when dealing with expensive fish, best to bite the bullet and get you one. BUT it has to be the right one, and sized properly to work for health.

 

[CANAMONSTER]

^ Forsure!! All safe guards can only help! Also from what I have read, UV Clarify and sterilize are different. One being for algae the other for pathogens.

May I ask keepinfish what wattage your UV is and flow rate through it?

 

[JasonsPlecosCichlids]

I know for sure they work for algae. Here are some before and after photos. I use a 55 watt jebo.

 

[fishguy306]

Most people undersize theirs and have too much flow going through it which is why they may not see great results. Also all brands are not created equal. There is a reason some are cheap and some are very expensive.

I'm installing a 114 watt Aqua UV on my 1200 gal pond, I'll be pushing a bit over 1000 gph through it. At that speed it wont kill everything but it should certainly have an effect.

 

[CANAMONSTER]

Most people undersize theirs and have too much flow going through it which is why they may not see great results. Also all brands are not created equal. There is a reason some are cheap and some are very expensive.

I'm installing a 114 watt Aqua UV on my 1200 gal pond, I'll be pushing a bit over 1000 gph through it. At that speed it wont kill everything but it should certainly have an effect.

Is that a good brand? Seems to be a fine balance between flow through the UV, wattage of Bulb and volume of water. Slower flow is better but if the volume of water is large then to slow of a flow the UV is not killing pathogens in time?