I always thought they were a bit of a hassle to run, changing the bulb and stuff? Not sure how much benefit it would have in fresh water. I've never had any infections yet that couldn't be treated with salt / heat but sure go for it if you have the spare $$$
UV sterilizers worth it?
- Thread starter biboybaka
- Start date
I am really going to be the one who goes against the grain here. I am really not a fan of using a UV right from day one. If you are having cloudy water then it is a sign you are under filtered for the bio load of your tank. This is as we all can attest to free floating bacteria in the water that hasn't been colonized in the filters or else where so potentially you could be under filtering and killing off the very thing that is keeping your fish safe and happy. And unless you are really having trouble with keeping ick or other parasites under control, again if you are able to maintain healthy fish then there is no need for this, then really why get a UV sterilizer? Might as well save your money and electricity. But that really is just my two cents, I know others have a differing opinion.
I just want to say lastly that bacteria in the aquarium is more important then the fish in the tank, I am a huge advocate for large bio support systems. If the bacteria in your aquarium is not adequate then you are unable to have healthy fish, easy or not.
I just want to say lastly that bacteria in the aquarium is more important then the fish in the tank, I am a huge advocate for large bio support systems. If the bacteria in your aquarium is not adequate then you are unable to have healthy fish, easy or not.
dr_sudz;4160443; said:
I'm not trying to be rude but wtf does having bacteria in your tank have to do with using a UV light to keep alge blooms from forming in your water and using a UV light to kill it?
As well what does using a UV light to kill parasites like ICH have to do with your bacteria?
The bacteria in your tank and what a UV light are two very differnt things that have little to do with each other and there are clear advantages to using a UV light.
jack frost;4160580; said:
I believe what DS is suggesting is that to use UV to clear cloudy water is not a great idea because often times the cloudy water is actual free floating bacteria in the form of a bloom becase of a large food supply (overstocked and or underfiltered). A UV sterilizer will kill off free floating bacteria in the water column and could be counter productive in that circumstance.
I can see his point but also support UV any day for algae/parasite control. Cheap insurance if you don't mind the price.
JK47;4160806; said:I believe what DS is suggesting is that to use UV to clear cloudy water is not a great idea because often times the cloudy water is actual free floating bacteria in the form of a bloom becase of a large food supply (overstocked and or underfiltered). A UV sterilizer will kill off free floating bacteria in the water column and could be counter productive in that circumstance.
I can see his point but also support UV any day for algae/parasite control. Cheap insurance if you don't mind the price.
I understand and I agree with him/her and again not trying to attack but what does proper filtration have to do with the benifits of UV. They do totaly differnt things IMO
Its very simple, I am running a 220 with a sump, I have no UV and have clear clean water. I don't have any issues with ick, or green water. I feel that yes UV are a great product, but when you first set up a system, this is not necessary until you know that you have a problem. I would be making sure I put my money first into the biological and making sure the fish are safe that way. IF I develop an ON GOING problem of ICK or green water, after trying all other methods first to keep this from happening then I would consider the use of a UV.
This OP is stating that he/she is just starting this up. Green water is usually a chemistry imbalance, and ICK is like the common cold. Ick can become problematic yes, but this is usually due to a fishes lowered immunity, just like people. Keep the fish at a constant comfortable level, and the least amount of stress as possible and you really shouldn't have issues.
We are such consumers that in reality we can pair back our systems making them more effective without buying every chemical and gadget without having any merit for it.
I guess what I am really trying to say is that I am not against the use of a UV, but its not the first thing I put in my shopping cart when setting up a new system. If it is needed down the road then I would consider it when the issues arise. Why waist money on unnecessary equipment when you can spend the money on some cool fish?
This OP is stating that he/she is just starting this up. Green water is usually a chemistry imbalance, and ICK is like the common cold. Ick can become problematic yes, but this is usually due to a fishes lowered immunity, just like people. Keep the fish at a constant comfortable level, and the least amount of stress as possible and you really shouldn't have issues.
We are such consumers that in reality we can pair back our systems making them more effective without buying every chemical and gadget without having any merit for it.
I guess what I am really trying to say is that I am not against the use of a UV, but its not the first thing I put in my shopping cart when setting up a new system. If it is needed down the road then I would consider it when the issues arise. Why waist money on unnecessary equipment when you can spend the money on some cool fish?
