UV sterilizers...pros and cons.
- Thread starter zennzzo
- Start date
9wt on a 90 galnever had one, tanks were always fine. When I set up my new tanks (720gal and 200gal) put one on the 720 and NOT on the 200 gal. Did nothing. Both tanks are fine, in fact the 200 gal is clearer (for other reasons).
IMO, waste of money, overhyped. I took mine off the 720 just yesterday. No need.
Algae (greenwater) not a problem and as far as parasites, etc, I don't add any new fish to my tank , so no big deal.
IMO, waste of money, overhyped. I took mine off the 720 just yesterday. No need.
Algae (greenwater) not a problem and as far as parasites, etc, I don't add any new fish to my tank , so no big deal.
Pros:
--Really kills algae. I've seen even small ones do wonders on ponds. That's great for koi ponds where most owners only do 1-100% water change per year.
--reduces bacterial, fungal, and protozoal populations in your water.
Cons:
--killing bacteria may or may not prevent disease outbreak.
--difficult to know if it's killing protozoa
--expensive bulb replacement every year
--heats the water somewhat
--microbes must pass through to be killed. you still need to scrape the sides and ornaments.
I have one, but I am a gadget nerd. I haven't had it very long, so it hasn't really needed any scrubbing yet (I have a 1um prefilter in front of the powerhead). It makes me sleep easier at night, but not much easier. I'd say they are only necessary for ponds.
Brandon
--Really kills algae. I've seen even small ones do wonders on ponds. That's great for koi ponds where most owners only do 1-100% water change per year.
--reduces bacterial, fungal, and protozoal populations in your water.
Cons:
--killing bacteria may or may not prevent disease outbreak.
--difficult to know if it's killing protozoa
--expensive bulb replacement every year
--heats the water somewhat
--microbes must pass through to be killed. you still need to scrape the sides and ornaments.
I have one, but I am a gadget nerd. I haven't had it very long, so it hasn't really needed any scrubbing yet (I have a 1um prefilter in front of the powerhead). It makes me sleep easier at night, but not much easier. I'd say they are only necessary for ponds.
Brandon
i think it is very benefial to have a uv light... but whats even better is a fluidized filtration system...
I have way too much sunlight in my front room with my 125g. I have to have one. Love it. Works well----have had no floating algae problems since.
CON: I wish it was free.
CON: I wish it was free.