UV unit?
- Thread starter KNH
- Start date
well I had a crappy Jebo brand which was 8 watts and it really didnt do anything. the algea stayed and I still seen the little white worm wiggling around. if you do get one make sure it is expensive because I got mine for cheap and it was crap.. but it still works... but I really see no change in water conditions
It only kills free floating algae like green water,it also kills algae spores so that they cannot reproduce and also bacteria and parasites. Most importantly is not to get one that is expensive but to get one with an adequate amount of power for the size of your tank and to change the tube every six months or so or usage for it to remain efficient. Also u mihgt one to consider getting one that is slightly more powerful than required for your tank so that as you use it, its efficiency does not decrease to that below required for your tank.
I spoke to one of my friends about UV. He is a discus breeder, btw. He advised me against them, claiming that they weaken the fish's immune system. It makes sense, but is it true?
Eh.. how does the UV filter weaken the immune system of the fish?.. it doesnt make sense.. unless u shine the light onto the fish? 
The UV filter just improves the water quality by killing free floating bacteria, viruses and other crap.
The UV filter just improves the water quality by killing free floating bacteria, viruses and other crap.
sohfatfish said:Eh.. how does the UV filter weaken the immune system of the fish?.. it doesnt make sense.. unless u shine the light onto the fish?
Well think about it. The fish are going to grow dependant on that sterilizer to remain bacteria free. IDK, it makes sense in my mind-putting it into words is a challenge. I won't be running one, but that's just me.
Hers my take on UV sterilizers the cost to buy, cost to run and maintain plus they need to be taken apart for monthly cleaning, need new bulbs at least yearly and add heat to the tank.and what do they cure Green water, so does limiting the light
and proper tank maintenence,depending on the flow rate and length of exposure
they control some parasites,so does quarantining new fish.I've had fish since i was 6 so thats 19 years my dad keeps fish and my grandfather kept fish.With no need of UV sterilzers.But if you want one enjoy odds are you'll need a seperate pump and prefitler for it also-Anne
and proper tank maintenence,depending on the flow rate and length of exposure
they control some parasites,so does quarantining new fish.I've had fish since i was 6 so thats 19 years my dad keeps fish and my grandfather kept fish.With no need of UV sterilzers.But if you want one enjoy odds are you'll need a seperate pump and prefitler for it also-Anne
Thanks for the insight Anne. I'm considering the UV sterilizer bc cleaning algae from the back wall of a 4 foot wide tank that is against a wall doesn't sound like much fun. Does anyone know if a UV sterilizer will cut down on this type of algae growth?
Tainted Glory said:
how would it weaken a fishes immune system????? its jsut ultraviolet light!!!
contained in a tube, unless uv light can become dissloved in water and contaminates water, it shouldnt be able to do that.