pros/ cons of a uv sterilizer.....
- Thread starter 8x8nhl
- Start date
sufunk
Member
As ive said in a few other threads, i thought mine was great and despite everything i read about them not doing much i was afraid to take mine off. I finally decided to take it off and when i did i realized it had been unplugged for at least 3 months, the powerhead was running thru it but the uv was off
Havent had any problems since, my opinion is spend your money on something else
scsinet
Active Member
I have several tanks, both fresh and salt. They all have Pentair UV units on them except one, and the one without is the only one I've ever had parasite problems with. It could very well be a cooincidence, but I look at it like this: Saltwater fish are not cheap, and if UV saves only two expensive fish over the lifetime of the unit, it's paid for.
Many folks do not believe in them, and it's sorta a tough time justifying them... it's like saying that my mailbox is an elephant repellant... I don't see any elephants around... so it MUST be working... but they do have some definite, clear, good points. They definitely control algae and they definitely kill bacteria and parasites in the water column when used properly, making them the safest form of disease reduction out there... but are they worth it? Dunno. I hear they keep elephants away also.
... oh man... elephants... that was good.
Many folks do not believe in them, and it's sorta a tough time justifying them... it's like saying that my mailbox is an elephant repellant... I don't see any elephants around... so it MUST be working... but they do have some definite, clear, good points. They definitely control algae and they definitely kill bacteria and parasites in the water column when used properly, making them the safest form of disease reduction out there... but are they worth it? Dunno. I hear they keep elephants away also.
... oh man... elephants... that was good.
sufunk
Member
"When used properly" is the key to this argument. From everything i have read from the "experts" it is nearly impossible to use them properly. The flow rate thru them has to be exact to work and there is no way to know the exact flow rate. as a result, the water flows thru the uv either too fast or slow and the bacteria isnt killed. Also, if you have a reef, i believe the uv can kill beneficial bacteria that you want in the water column.
Obviously, im no expert, mine wasnt even plugged in for gods sake
, but i certainly havent noticed any difference since i took it off.
Obviously, im no expert, mine wasnt even plugged in for gods sake
sharkbait9
Active Member
Originally Posted by sufunk
"When used properly" is the key to this argument. From everything i have read from the "experts" it is nearly impossible to use them properly. The flow rate thru them has to be exact to work and there is no way to know the exact flow rate. as a result, the water flows thru the uv either too fast or slow and the bacteria isnt killed. Also, if you have a reef, i believe the uv can kill beneficial bacteria that you want in the water column.
Obviously, im no expert, mine wasnt even plugged in for gods sake
, but i certainly havent noticed any difference since i took it off.
The only "CON" i can think of, is the fact that you have to buy it. The flow rate is right in the directions. I have mine hooked up to my canister filter so as to not crude up my channels. The longer the dwell time the better sterilizing. While yes if your dwell time is to fast them it will not sterilize the free floating particles long enough. I use one on both my fish and reef and my hospital tank. Knock on wood never had a problem or out break. Bulbs to need to be replaced 6 months if used 24/7 that’s the only other “CON” I can think of.
"When used properly" is the key to this argument. From everything i have read from the "experts" it is nearly impossible to use them properly. The flow rate thru them has to be exact to work and there is no way to know the exact flow rate. as a result, the water flows thru the uv either too fast or slow and the bacteria isnt killed. Also, if you have a reef, i believe the uv can kill beneficial bacteria that you want in the water column.
Obviously, im no expert, mine wasnt even plugged in for gods sake
The only "CON" i can think of, is the fact that you have to buy it. The flow rate is right in the directions. I have mine hooked up to my canister filter so as to not crude up my channels. The longer the dwell time the better sterilizing. While yes if your dwell time is to fast them it will not sterilize the free floating particles long enough. I use one on both my fish and reef and my hospital tank. Knock on wood never had a problem or out break. Bulbs to need to be replaced 6 months if used 24/7 that’s the only other “CON” I can think of.