Does anyone use them? I was just reading up about them and thought one might be good for my algae problem.
UV Sterilizers
- Thread starter C8lyn
- Start date
I use them, not for algae, but due to the fact I have 3 x 4ft tanks connected to a central sump and don't want any outbreaks etc.
Are they simple to use? I've seen them for sale at the lfs. Do they only get used in sumps or can I put one in a single tank? I'm not sure. I hvent actually looked at how big they are.
They will only kill water borne algae (green water)...They are totally ineffective for any other algae you may find on your tank glass, rock or decor.
Oh ok thanks for clearing that up. But I guess now I know what to use if I ever have green water! :clap:
They are very simple to use and generally used on a multi tank system, but can be used on a single tank...You can run them via a internal filter providing you can fit a hose to it, or via an external by fitting it into the return hose...If you decide to buy one you have to make sure that you get the correct wattage for your pump flow...If the flow is too fast the UV will not get a chance to sterilize the water passing through...They are also used to control the spread of parasite and bacteria on multi systems...Just make sure you don't buy a pond UV as they are slightly different and used more for green water control.
Algae problems are normally cured by doing your weekly 10% water changers every week.
Slowing the food down also helps and a sign of over stocking is algae
Before buying this, I would look at what causes your algae ? Overfeeding, not large enough water changes or overstocking ? Algae can be controlled, so maybe look at this first. cheers jk :thumbup:
Lots of people are but Im not a big fan of UV. They are used for helping to control algae, parasites and bacteria, my concern is that in the future(generations later) we will have fish that are unable to fight off any ailments at all. Ive got a UV2 in my cupboard, still in box, 3 years old and never used lol
Hi all,
It is a cosmetic thing, not a fish health one.
I had a fantastic green water bloom when I added water to my new pond (below), but because I don't have any fish, or top the pond up with tap water, it was followed by a fantastic Daphnia bloom and lots of plant growth and I've never had green water again (although I do have some blanket weed).
cheers Darrel
Same here, I'm not convinced that it has any benefits. I've got a particular problems with its use on pond filters, the green water algae is growing because the water is rich in plant nutrients. The UV makes the water clear by killing the algae, but it doesn't remove any of the nutrients. You would be much better running the water through a fine mechanical filter, that at least removes the nutrients along with the algae.
It is a cosmetic thing, not a fish health one.
I had a fantastic green water bloom when I added water to my new pond (below), but because I don't have any fish, or top the pond up with tap water, it was followed by a fantastic Daphnia bloom and lots of plant growth and I've never had green water again (although I do have some blanket weed).
cheers Darrel
For me i went with the rational that there is very little stuff that is killed by the UV that i would want in my tank, but it kills a lot of the stuff that i deff dont want in my tank ....so i bit the bullet and bought two Blue Planet (i chose those units since they have had high reviews and they have a stand alone pump included) units that is a bit of an overkill but hey you can never have enough gear =D IMO UV's are not a kill all solution, but prevention is better than solving problems in big community tanks, this along with regular water changes make for a pertty stable tank....again all of this is in my oppinion IMO....i am aware of alot of people thant have some solid arguments against them but i can only speak of i have gone with them.