UV sterilizer questions.

[redtailshark1]

the other day down at the creek i cought 11 spangled perch (wild caught natives).
Just wondering if a uv sterillizer could eliminate any chance that they could have parasites or diseases so that they can go in a comunity tank

 

[redtailshark1]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/800L-H-FISH-...wItemQQptZAU_Pet_Supplies?hash=item1c0f9a8d4d

 

[IrnGynt]

You'd be better served treating with anti-parasite Jungle Fizz Tabs or something similar.

Also, keep in mind, UV will only kill parasites that are in the water column. And to do that effectively, the flow rate needs to be under 10 gph per watt of UV light.

 

[flipstylex]

uv sterelizer is a good addition to freshwater aquariums. your tank will be crystal clear and will keep your fishes happy, just my 2 cents cuz i have one.

i have the petsmart brand green killing machine it does its job a must say

 

[knobhill]

uv will kill parasites that are free-swimming but it won't kill parasites already living in your fish. Best to medicate.

 

[Toby_H]

I half agree with the suggestions above, and half disagree...

Yes, UV lights "only" kill things that are free floating... thus they will not kill parasites that are living in/on the fish...

But most parassites breed by means that include a free floating stage. So while UV sterilization may not kill the parasites in/on the fish, they will prevent future generations.

Now consider the life span of an individual parasite. It will be different for each species but a couple of weeks is a very long lifespan these types of parasites. Also keep in mind the warmer the water the faster the metabolism thus the shorter the lifespan...

 

[redtailshark1]

so if i use one it will stop any paracites from spreading and if i use a trreatment that would kill any that are in/on the fish!?

 

[H]-[H]

Sry to chime in but can a UV sterilizer get rid of planaria worms or whatever tiny worms that are swimming around the tank?

 

[dookie]

I have never found U.V's to be very effective against treatment of any disease or the spreading of any pathogen. 100% of the water has to pass through the UV to be effective and that is simply not possible in most standard setups.

 

[redtailshark1]

the only real way to stop/prevent diease are water changes.
i am meaning paracites (the worms that fish can get).

What colour light does the uv tube emit?