A buddy wants to give me a UV sterilizer. Can anybody tell me what the pros and cons are in using one? Can they be used continually or only when there is a problem. Obviously, Ive never used one before so any info would be appreciated.
UV sterilizers Pros and Cons
- Thread starter Aquanero
- Start date
They're great for killing protozoa and other parasites. I can't really think of any cons, except maybe the price of the bulb.
Im interested in this as well. I actually like algae but heard that uv kills that, besides that I was also wondering the cons. I am also wondering just how clear it will make the water, to decide if the extra electricity I will pay to run it will be even noticeable.
UV sterilizers are great! Here's a short list...
PRO's:
Will 100% kill any waterborne disease causing micro organisms and parasites (like ich).
Will 100% kill any algea in the water giving unparalleled water clarity.
CON's:
The units themselves are expensive.
Replacement bulbs can also be expensive.
That's about it. Think of it like insurance. I would never be without one on my big tank. I use a 36 watt Coralife Turbo Twist UV sterilizer. I got it after a case of ich. The ich has not returned in three years and neither has any other disease or parasite. My water has remained super clear in spite of leaving the lights on for long periods of time, heavy frequent feedings, and having lots of algea growth on tank surfaces.
Check bulb replacement cost when shopping for a UV sterilizer. It can vary greatly from brand to brand even though they may be the same wattage. It is of utmost importance to choose the right size pump to run one. Here, more volume is not desired, like in a sump. The water has to flow through the UV Sterilizer slow enough to allow the light time enough to kill the bad guys. The amount of time the water spends inside the UV is called dwell time. Manufacturers have invented gimmicks to increase this dwell time, like the turbo twist I use. Water twists around the bulb keeping it inside the sterilizer longer. Follow the guidlines on the UV sterlizer for pump sizing. Smaller(slower gph) than recommended is ok, but never bigger.
That should about cover it.
PRO's:
Will 100% kill any waterborne disease causing micro organisms and parasites (like ich).
Will 100% kill any algea in the water giving unparalleled water clarity.
CON's:
The units themselves are expensive.
Replacement bulbs can also be expensive.
That's about it. Think of it like insurance. I would never be without one on my big tank. I use a 36 watt Coralife Turbo Twist UV sterilizer. I got it after a case of ich. The ich has not returned in three years and neither has any other disease or parasite. My water has remained super clear in spite of leaving the lights on for long periods of time, heavy frequent feedings, and having lots of algea growth on tank surfaces.
Check bulb replacement cost when shopping for a UV sterilizer. It can vary greatly from brand to brand even though they may be the same wattage. It is of utmost importance to choose the right size pump to run one. Here, more volume is not desired, like in a sump. The water has to flow through the UV Sterilizer slow enough to allow the light time enough to kill the bad guys. The amount of time the water spends inside the UV is called dwell time. Manufacturers have invented gimmicks to increase this dwell time, like the turbo twist I use. Water twists around the bulb keeping it inside the sterilizer longer. Follow the guidlines on the UV sterlizer for pump sizing. Smaller(slower gph) than recommended is ok, but never bigger.
That should about cover it.
As mentioned the only rational Con to using them is the initial cost fo the unit and the yeearly cost of replacing bulbs...
It is suggested that while cycling a tank you do not use a UV light, as during this period you will want bacteria to be abel to move throughout your system freely without threat...
It is suggested that while cycling a tank you do not use a UV light, as during this period you will want bacteria to be abel to move throughout your system freely without threat...
they say a ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. UV are great for preventing disease but are terrible at treating disease. u.v.'s work by altering the genetic information of the pathogen so that it could no longer propagate. the drawbacks to u.v's is that they do need proper maintenance in order to be effective. water turbidity can effect the transmission of the u.v. rays, slime coating the interior of the quartz sleeve can also inhibit transmission in addition to what was already said.
nc_nutcase;4132114; said:
Toby, my friend! Good advice on start up.
BTW, my tank is still going strong, same stock but with a big dovii for the last year. I'm looking for a female for him. Holler if you're in Concord or if you hear of any female dovii around.
Sorry for the slight hijack, back to bidness.
Thanks for the advice guys. I'm going to take it and use it. The tank's been running over a year and I'm not having any problems but from reading the replys it can't hurt. I'll put it on the planted Discus tank and see what happens. Thanks again.
I put mine on a timer to come on when the lights go on and go off when they go off. The life of a bulb (for a turbo twist) is approx 10k hours according to the manufacturer. I broke one when I moved and it was alittle pricy at 40 dollars but at the same time it will last quite a while.