Uv Light Sterilisation

[NickAu]

I have seen Canister filters with  UV light Sterilisation, And am wondering what the members here think? Are they good? Or, A waste of money?
 
Here is an example.

Biopro Aquarium Fish Tank Aqua Water External UV Sponge Canister Filter + Media

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Like everything else in the hobby there are times when it can be beneficial and times when it is mostly a waste of money. Mine has spent 99% of the time on a shelf. But when receiving wild altums it was essential.
 
I can see no reason to use one on the average tank, but it can help with Q and H tanks in some situations.
 
Like any other equipment we use there are better ones and one's that are overpriced and less effective. You can read some really good information on them here http/www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html

 

[goldfinger]

Hey Nick really depends what you are using it for?
If I ran a reef then definitly yes
If I had one lying around (which I do) and had phytoplankton blooms or algae in the water column then yes temp solution.
Apart from those situation I find that even though it kills bad bacteria it also kills good ones as well.
Depending on the design if it sterillises the whole canister filter then some good bacteria could be lost depending upon design spec.
My guess there is a UV shield that isolates the bulb and water only passes through it not effecting the whole canister.
I've only ever seen external ones prefilter or post never internal I think Aqaone do an all in one, as my LFS tried to sell me one and it was a good price!
I think flow rates are more important in purchase as not all bad bacteria and algae can be killed if intensity and flow rates are not right for the size of a tank?

 

 

[baker360360]

I have one similar to that and it has been switched off all the time now as I find it makes no difference to the look of the water or to the parameters.