UV Sterilizer Worth It?

[sumeet]

I'm just recovering from an ich outbreak in my 125-gallon reef tank. There is one purple tang left in the tank -- he looks fine... but I'm going to wait about a month before getting any more fish just to make sure all the ich is gone. I have a sailfin and a yellow tang in a hospital tank that look healthy now. I'm planning to put them back in the main tank in a few days.... I don't they like the 10-gallon hospital too much, and I have to keep doing water changes in the small hospital tank. I think they'll be fine in the main tank now....
I have a proten skimmer, but no UV sterilizer in my set-up. I was wondering if it would be worth buying a UV sterilizer in order to prevent a future disease outbreak. Would it kill the ich parasite? Do they really help prevent diseases? Are there any downsides to having a UV sterilizer (besides the initial cost)? Would it harm the reef and inverts at all? What wattage and what brand would you recommend for a 125-gallon?
I would appreciate any comments or advice...
Thanks!

 

[aileena]

I have a UV on my tank and I think it has real benefits. But like most things its controversial since some say its a waste of money or that harms more than it helps. I think it helps in a F/O tank for sure, but then why get it in a F/O when you can just medicate it with copper solutions. I got mine since I have inverts and some soft corals and cannot use copper stuff, so its a preventative measure.
I think its worth it! But like Anthem said don't waste money on a tiny one for a huge tank. The manufacturer says my 9watt is good up to 150g that means its good for up to 50 or 60. If you get one make sure you get a lot of watts and a slow pump so that you expose the water for a long time!