UV Sterilizer? Who uses them?

[TheBigB]

I recently just had my first break out of ICH in one of my CA/SA tanks with silver dollars. Out of stupidy I didnt quarantine a new fish an sure enough, I got ICH. I have it under control, but now im worried about it coming back or other problems killing my fish.



How many of you use or have used UV Sterilizers and what is your experience with them. What are the benifits in your experience? Would they be worth investing in?

 

[PDRed302]

I run one on all of my tanks, healthy fish and clear water

 

[AQUAMONSTER]

Mine needs a new bulb but my fish are fine without it. Doesnt hurt to have one but also not needed

 

[libayn]

i also run one in each of my tanks

 

[charles-n-charge]

I have a pond UV on my 220... Rated for 2000g lol OVERKILL.

I run one on my 220 and on my 20 SW tank. They're really great to have.
You'll never have ich, free floating algae, parasites, or anything else like that again

 

[andyjs]

I especially run one on planted tanks where I can't use salt/meds to treat parasites

 

[johno27]

Just started using one myself, It is the 40 watt lifeguard unit really happy with it so far. I had some bright green water going from my planted sump experiment and just my lights being on too much in general. Tank was 99% free of green in under 24 hours

 

[Richie_ELP]

Completely worth purchasing; I would avoid the cheap all in one units though.

 

[fish n chips]

i never had one but if its good for killin ich and parasitesi will deff get one

 

[Eupterus]

Because one of my fish got sick with a serious internal mystery illness, I have have put a UV sterilizer on my wishlish. I currently have no way to prevent others in the same tank from coming down with the same mystery illness as there is no known cause or diagnoses. Might even pay for itself in gas money because treating sick fish who don't live with you requires a lot of driving.

I wouldn't count on it alone to prevent diseases, just as another tool to help prevent diseases. I've seen that many experienced aquarists use them.
I have gotten the idea that you need to research it first and get the proper size and have enough water flow for it to be effective.
I have been warned that in some cases, they can kill beneficial bacteria, aside from the cost this seems like the only potential drawback.

Keep in mind, last time I asked about using a UV sterilizer here, the response was quite negative. Some people think they will not kill microorganisms, prevent diseases and are ineffective.