uv for alge control?

[livingwater]

i have a 280g. i want to stop alge from growing on the walls. i know that a UV will stop the water from getting a green tint to it but will it stop algae from growing on my glass(acrylic) if so then what size uv should i use? and where is a good place to get one for a good price?

 

[mr . salty]

A UV will not prevent this..They will keep you from having a major algae bloom,but glass algae is something that goes with this hobby.A good scrubber and snails is all we can do...

 

[phild]

I have been using a UV since I started with aquariums (6 years fresh water, and 7 months salt) and although it does help to stop water borne algea, it is going to little or nothing for your glass algea. Mr. Salty is right (like always), get a good scrapper or magnet and some snails to help out.

 

[javajoe]

I just use a green scrubby (like the kind you use on dishes)and once a day when i feed the fish in the evening, i quickly scrub the front and sides. (we leave the back alone- got some good coraline starting finally, and even some feather dusters!)
Just make sure if you use a scrubby, dont use the kind that has soap, and rinse it out really good before you use it the first time. We had one of those magnet cleaning things, but believe it or not, i found it faster to use the scrubby. (you arm DOES get wet though, but we keep a towel under our tank stand for that.

 

[windee]

I have found a great floating magnetic scraper use it on the front about twice a week, whoever invented those things was a genius.

 

[von_rahvin]

the floating magnetic ones rule!!!!! the other thought is to have lots of snails. i only have to clean my glass every 3 or 4 days.