Uv Sterilisers

[§tudz]

Hi,

As some of you know I have recently setup a 120gal (4x2x2') tropical tank, and I'm know wondering about UV sterilisers.

What are their benefits, would I see any benefit and what brand, model, etc. would you suggest for my setup?

It is currently using a External Fluval 405 filter.

I know very little about these devices, apart form they can kill pathogens and floating algae, even this info could be wrong.
So any input would be great.

Cheers

 

[Fishy_7]

I know very little about these devices, apart form they can kill pathogens and floating algae, even this info could be wrong.
So any input would be great.

Cheers

That is exactly what they are for! In my opinion, they are not necessary - unless you have has particular problems with algae and fish dieseases.
They are needed in ponds as it is open to the elements and it helps to keep things in check but not for an aquarium.

 

[jimw13uk]

Benfits - these are from the TMC webssite - heres the link - http/tmc-ltd.thor.titaninternet.co.uk/aq...m/vecton-uv.asp

• Reduces bacteria and pathogen levels in the aquarium.

• Improves water quality for aquarium inhabitants.

• Significantly reduces the risk of disease spreading in the aquarium.

• Aids the introduction of new fish into the aquarium.

• Eliminates the risk of toxic tank syndrome caused by bacterial or algae blooms.

• Controls the level of yeast and moulds in the aquarium.

You should see clearer water - but if you have clear water already then no you probably wouldnt see benefits but they are there.
As for types of uv units - you can get in-line ones or drop in the tank ones - I have a FishRFun Drop In UV Steriliser and since having it i have seen better water conditions and no illnesses(but then again I hadnt had any illnesses before hand either) - see what I mean about it being hard to quantify its visible benefits.

Bottom line - I would always have one on my aquariums as they add peace of mind - some people do and some people dont but if its doing all of the above list then surely it can only be good for the fishies

 

[smmetz]

I have found this article to be a helpful quick reference for UV filters. The chart with recommended flow rates and bulb watts is particularly helpfull IMO.

http/www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article....424&aid=440

As others have said, they are not necessary, but can help in some says. I have one on my 55 gallon, but not on my 29 or 20 gallon tanks.

 

[§tudz]

after reading this I do beileve if they arent too expensive I will invest in one

and after some searching the VECTON V2 600 - 25 WATT seems to be the best bet, I gather you just stick it on the outlet pipe of the external filter?

 

[rdd1952]

As mentioned, they aren't necessary but they will clear green water and also kill free floating organisms such as those that cause white spot.

 

[timmystood]

I don't believe there necessary.

 

[idlefingers]

I've been contemplating getting one of these myself and so am quite interested to hear peoples comments, too.

I don't believe there necessary.

Would you care to justify that? Not that I have any reason to disagree, but without any explanation regarding your opinion, how can i understand? It doesn't mean much to say you don't think they're necessary without explaining why..

 

[timmystood]

OK, I don't think their needed on Freshwater aquariums because there is very little for them to kill.

On Marine systems and ponds where the water contains more free-flowing bacteria they are needed.

 

[§tudz]

OK, I don't think their needed on Freshwater aquariums because there is very little for them to kill.

On Marine systems and ponds where the water contains more free-flowing bacteria they are needed.

but if feed forzen foods such as bloodworm and such, that does release some unwantedx bodies into the the system, the same as live foods, I think I introduced some leech 'type' organism into one of tanks like that, and I had to use several different treatments to get rid of it, but the uv may have gt rid it before it became a problem?

 

[CFC]

OK, I don't think their needed on Freshwater aquariums because there is very little for them to kill.

On Marine systems and ponds where the water contains more free-flowing bacteria they are needed.

I'd like to see if you still say that if you were keeping fish that cost hundreds of pounds and are so sensative that they cannot be treated with conventional medications without killing them.

While a UV sterilizer is probably more of a luxury item on an average tropical freshwater aquarium on systems containing fish such as stingrays, rare catfish and expensive oddballs they are pretty much a standard piece of kit.

 

[raptorrex]

OK, I don't think their needed on Freshwater aquariums because there is very little for them to kill.

On Marine systems and ponds where the water contains more free-flowing bacteria they are needed.

I'd like to see if you still say that if you were keeping fish that cost hundreds of pounds and are so sensative that they cannot be treated with conventional medications without killing them.

While a UV sterilizer is probably more of a luxury item on an average tropical freshwater aquarium on systems containing fish such as stingrays, rare catfish and expensive oddballs they are pretty much a standard piece of kit.

got there before me CFC. as a prof lactic, always on, most "normal" FW systems do not need them, however as a stand by and something for use when the need arises they are things, i feel people should look at! and with them starting at £25, i think we will see more and more of them!

 

[angelmouse]

I use one on my discus tank, worth it if you have sensitive or expensive fish, had no illness in tank in 6mths that i've had it.
Angel

 

[§tudz]

OK, I don't think their needed on Freshwater aquariums because there is very little for them to kill.

On Marine systems and ponds where the water contains more free-flowing bacteria they are needed.

I'd like to see if you still say that if you were keeping fish that cost hundreds of pounds and are so sensative that they cannot be treated with conventional medications without killing them.

While a UV sterilizer is probably more of a luxury item on an average tropical freshwater aquarium on systems containing fish such as stingrays, rare catfish and expensive oddballs they are pretty much a standard piece of kit.

With the rare catfish statement that some thing that has told me I WILL buy one, as I want to get a semi-rare catfish, hopefully i've found one, but need to wait till I've been paid.

Any advice on which to buy?

 

[raptorrex]

OK, I don't think their needed on Freshwater aquariums because there is very little for them to kill.

On Marine systems and ponds where the water contains more free-flowing bacteria they are needed.

I'd like to see if you still say that if you were keeping fish that cost hundreds of pounds and are so sensative that they cannot be treated with conventional medications without killing them.

While a UV sterilizer is probably more of a luxury item on an average tropical freshwater aquarium on systems containing fish such as stingrays, rare catfish and expensive oddballs they are pretty much a standard piece of kit.

With the rare catfish statement that some thing that has told me I WILL buy one, as I want to get a semi-rare catfish, hopefully i've found one, but need to wait till I've been paid.

Any advice on which to buy?

kinda depends on the size of your tank, and to some extent the type of filtration system you have. there are some units for £25+pp which are perfectly good units. these are self contained, c/w pump. but if you wish to use the unit as a permanent, part of your tank, an in-line unit, perhaps plumbed in via an external filter. may be best.

its hard to recommend one type. but it may be worth looking at the price of replacement bulbs, lol not much point getting a £25 unit, if the bulb costs £20 to replace. dwell time, the length of time the water is exposed to the light, could well be the most important thing.

i do know some people on this forum have found the top unit on this page good to use. the second one is just a bigger version of this. tube prices seem good too.
http/www.rocketrading.co.uk/index.php?cPath=82_151