Ultraviolet Sterilizers

[weathermen]

What do you guys think of ultraviolet sterilizers?

I was thinking of getting one due to all the good write ups they get, are they worth the cash? haven't seen much about them up here! or have I missed a thred?

 

[ncjharris]

Depends on what you are using them for.
They are pretty much a neccesity on larger marine tanks, but a waste of space and money on your average community tank.
If you keep anything other than a 150 G + reef tank, a huge amount of livestock or delicate fish I don't think there is anything that they offer that good maintainence can't keep on top of.

Is there a reason you have been looking at them? Have you been having trouble with specific pathogens?

 

[weathermen]

No problem,

I have a 76 G tank, with tropics, run a fluval 304 plus two power heads, tank is clear just thought it might be a good add on! would I be wasting my cash then?

cheers for reply

 

[CFC]

I run UV's on my two largest tanks (200 & 80 gallons) as a precaution against any disease outbreak since they both contain fish which cannot be treated with conventional medications and due to the volume of water in the tanks would be expensive if i did have to treat them, the sterilizers do their job well and so far i have not had any problems with either tank.
They are a usefull but not really nessesary addition to any system, if money isnt a concern then it certainly doesnt hurt to add one.

 

[weathermen]

the cash is there, always have a little put by for the tank just incase something goes wrong,

so!!!!! shall I upgrade and add this? good move or not?

 

[Lateral Line]

I would regard a UV on an average freshwater setup as a luxury item. In certain circumstances, they may be justified - see CFC's post.

 

[The-Wolf]

I had one in a 40ltr tank to cue a stubborn algea problem, which it did.
it now runs in my 20g that is, currently, used for rearing krib fry.

 

[weathermen]

right, looks like I might have to purchase one, even if it is a little OTT, if it does a job it's gotta be worth it.

cheers for feedback.