UV sterilizers

[oOMO3NOo]

i have a slight green water problem in my planted tank and i was thinking about getting a uv sterilizer to stop it. now i know some people say it is really bad in a planted tank but some say its good so i dont want to starte a debate i just want to know the pros and cons of them. also if i was to get one would it be best to only use it tell the green water is gone or should i use it all the time or only at night or somthing like that?

all the advice for or agenst them would be great thanks.

 

[HunterX]

They do work well for green water. There's 2 types : sterilizers and clarifiers.
Sterilizers kill microbes and algae, Clarifiers are just for green water.
Cons are that they are expensive, and you need a cannister filter or pump to push the water through them.
Pros are that they work well on green water.
I quit using mine long ago and noticed no difference at all. I never have green water though.

 

[oOMO3NOo]

i was thinking about getting an internal one and use it just to clear the green water and hopefully stop what ever it is that is causing it but i think it could be all around just to much light in that case ill only run it at night atleast not all the time.

 

[Chuckeff]

I have one that is hooked inline permanently, but I only use it when it is needed. When I get green water(once or twice a year), I just let it run until the water looks clear. That is usually 48 hours. I am too lazy to figure out what causes green water(probably too much light), so this is a great alternative for me.

 

[WyldFya]

UV sterilizers will slow your growth, as they affect the dissolved nutrients. While running one, I recommend not dosing ferts.

 

[oOMO3NOo]

ya i have stopped dosing everything and lowered the amount and time lights are on so ill keep trying this for a little longer with alot of water changes and then if that doesnt work get a UV sterilizer tell its gone then stop using it unless i have a problem.