UV Sterilizer?

[jayclarke]

Hi, just been looking at UV Sterilizers and im wondering if it is worth getting one for my 150. Its currently got 2x FX5s full of Ceramics, 1800L/PH powerhead and Ehiem 400 air pump on it.

Would it benefit from a 10W UV Sterilizer?

 

[RedDwarf]

It really depends on what you want to use the UV sterilizer for. If you want it to reduce the free floating pathogens in the tank then you would have to get a low enough flow rate as to maximize the exposure time for the UV to effectively kill the pathogens. The manufacturer should have a flow rate suggestion with the unit, use that as a guideline.

 

[jayclarke]

It really depends on what you want to use the UV sterilizer for. If you want it to reduce the free floating pathogens in the tank then you would have to get a low enough flow rate as to maximize the exposure time for the UV to effectively kill the pathogens. The manufacturer should have a flow rate suggestion with the unit, use that as a guideline.

Ive seen one with a rate of 800 l/hr im upgrading my tank soon to a 250 and getting Rays so if i can benefit the water quality with one id like to know.

 

[RedDwarf]

I don't think you would need one for a ray tank unless your adding fish to your display fairly often. It's not really going to help much with the water quality in terms of an established aquarium over frequent water changes to reduce the NO3 that the rays produce. Now if your adding live feeders or changing out fish fairly often then it would be a good idea to have a UV just to help control potential pathogens.

 

[jayclarke]

Wont be feeding live food or adding new fish so im gonna give it a miss Thanks RedDwarf

 

[RedDwarf]

Np, I would use the money you were going to put into the UV towards more bio-filtration