Anyone Using a UV Sterilizer?

My Emperor angel has ich and I was considering installing a UV sterilizer. I don't have an algea problem but if the light will kill free floating spores that would be a bonus. I also have a couple of Tangs and since they are prone to ich I think it would be a good thing. I just don't want to spend the money only to find out they don't really work. I would like to know other people's thoughts on this hardware.

 

I have one ( actually 2) I used to "use" cleaner shrip to keep things happy, but my puffers kept eating them, so I went to UV and I am glad I did. with UV's however it's important to remember "soak time" ( ie, how long the water is in the UV light).

UV does not effect the cycle. the bacteria that does the cycle are not "Free floating" , so it is really not possible to kill the "good ones".

Here are samples for the turbo twist UV's. ( from the vendor) on the water flow. the slower the water, the more it kills.

for the 9 watt...
Parasites: water flow should be a max of 55 gph
algae: water flow should be a max of 121 gph
bacteria: water flow should be a max of 253 gph

for the 18 watt...
Parasites: water flow should be a max of 110 gph
algae: water flow should be a max of 240 gph
bacteria: water flow should be a max of 500 gph

 

i use one and swear by it its a of great benefit and i would not consider it a waste of money,

 

What are you feeding them. Try soaking it in garlic to help the immune system

 

+1 on the UV.

 

ditto

 

I'm going to take the plunge and get one. I know my LFS carries the Aqua Medic brand. Anyone know if these are any good?

 

I would buy them online. petsolutions.com or Pet Supplies | Dog & Cat Supplies, Pet Meds | DrsFosterSmith.com Pet Products LFS's are not always the best price and if you can wait the few days I would go online. if you need it "now" then use the lfs.

 

I posted in another thread, coupon code. pet mountain has a 5% off coupon, compare the prices

 

I would get a MUCH larger one, the little 9W versions are much less effective as the flow rates have to be so slow. Also a UV is most effective when you are moving water through the UV from point A to point B, as an example, from the sump, to the tank. I use a 57W unit and run all the water coming from the sump through the UV before it gets to the tank. This will give you the best results, as you are not re-circulating the same water through the UV, as you would do if you were driving it with a powerhead taking water from the sump, and passing it through the UV, and then back to the sump again.

Also, my favorite brand is Aqua Ultraviolet, as they rate the flow and bulb life based on the End Of Life rather then the brand new bulb ratings.