uv sterilizers

[alexblanelayder]

first question is do they really work? second question is what is the best way to set it up on my sump?:thinking:

 

[badkharma]

Yes, they work wonders, at least in my experience. You gotta have the right pump for it though, you don't want the flow going thru too fast. Usually 100-150 gph is good. I have it hanging on the back of my 60 fowlr right now, but I'm in the process of doing a 120 reef and I'm going to have it just hanging on the sump as if it were the tank. My sump will be high enough for that. I have the turbo twist 3x.

 

[wocka]

with one of those, do u have less algae and no chance of getting ich?

 

[rossim]

I've read on the boards that not everyone likes them. From what I've heard they can also get rid of beneficial bacteria as well as the bad. Maybe someone else more knowledgable can provide some additional information.

 

[wocka]

if they were cheaped i probly would get one.. ive lost so many fish due to ich it sux

 

[badkharma]

You still run the chance of getting ich, but I think that chance is greatly reduced with a UV. It can also help out with algae. I'm sure there is the chance that it can destroy good bacteria, but most of the stellar tanks (even reef ones) you see featured in Ultimate Marine Aquariums use UV's as well. I think it's well worth it; I've noticed a significant difference.

 

[alexblanelayder]

hey bad kharma does it matter what brand you buy? and do you have any experience with the tetra UV? Cuz i just purchased one. :jumping:

 

[badkharma]

As with most things, it does matter what brand you buy and what features it has. I'm not a UV sterilizer god, I just know that they work for me and a ton of others with tanks a billion times more spectacular than mine (which is almost everyone actually

). I'm not familiar with tetra UV. Does it have a quartz sleeve around the bulb? What's the wattage on it?

 

[cincyreefer]

I have tons of experience with UV sterilizers and can't say that one has ever done anything bad to any of my tanks. I have yet to see any legitimate research show they can do harm, other than killing a little phyto/zoo plankton. They definitely aren't a necessity though.

 

[badkharma]

Originally posted by cincyreefer
I have tons of experience with UV sterilizers and can't say that one has ever done anything bad to any of my tanks. I have yet to see any legitimate research show they can do harm, other than killing a little phyto/zoo plankton. They definitely aren't a necessity though.
I agree.