Are Uv Sterilisers Worth The Money?

[smurfyy_2k3]

i only run mine if there is an actual problem in the tank

 

[rdd1952]

The original post mentioned getting rid of algae. A UV Sterilizer won't help with algae as it only kills what passes through it. It will get rid of green water as that is caused by diatoms in the water and it will kill them. And as stated it will kill harmful, waterborne bacteria, viruses, fungi, and small protozoans including (from all I have read) free floatin ich. It does not have an effect on ich which is already on the fish.

Here is a thread I did almost 2 years ago documenting my use of a UV Sterilizer to get rid of green water. I had previously used it on another larger tank and it worked so well that I decided to take photos on the second tank. It actually cleared the first tank in less than 48 hours and it was worse than the second tank.

The price on the one on ebay seems too low. Im not familiar with the brand but anything that low almost sounds too good to be true (and you know what they say about that).

 

[Underwurlde]

^
Re: Algae: Are you just talking about clearing up an existing problem via the use of UV?

If one does not currently have a problem with any kind of algae, then my thinking would suggest that UV will prevent algae starting as it must be bourne in the water to begin with.... Not sure on this though.

Andy

 

[smmetz]

Algae can and will still form on surfaces, even with a UV sterilizer running 24/7. I notice it in my 55 gallon, in places where my plec cannot reach. I don't even know if there is less algae on surfaces do to the UV filter, since I have no way of confirming it. (no tank set up in the same place, with the same stock, same lights, etc. - sa many variables to consider for a meaningful answer)

 

[JackoUK]

My purpose for buying one was to remove the slight green water problem I have at the moment so hopefully it will still be a useful addition for myself.

 

[rdd1952]

It will definitely solve a green water problem.