uv sterilizer or not?

al mc

Active Member
Good for either. However, there is much debate about how effective they are. To be effective they need slow water flow past the UV light. I use them. But I would suggest that if you do not have a great skimmer or if a reef tank..a great light source...it would be money better spent to upgrade those areas first...JMHO.......
 

miaheatlvr

Active Member
Originally Posted by dwendler4
can someone tell me... what exactly does a UV sterilizer do for a tank?
not mine, cut and paste!
When used in conjunction with proper fish-keeping practices, an ultraviolet sterilizer is a great way to help protect aquarium inhabitants from potentially harmful microorganisms. Ultraviolet sterilizers use a special fluorescent lamp that emits light at a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers. Aquarium water pumped through the UV chamber is exposed to this UV light and is irradiated. Free-floating microorganisms in the passing water are affected by the UV light and are no longer able to multiply. Through continual use, UV sterilizers can help manage water quality issues due to microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and parasites.
 
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