How Effective is UV Sterilization?

I am thinking mainly for controlling algae. Is it a worthwhile purchase?

 

not for controlling algae, for controlling parasites, but you wouldn't want to run it all the time. just as needed till the parasites are gone. control algae with a good clean up crew, a proper refugium, timers on lights(not keeping them on all the time) and phosphate control

 

ok, not to get off topic, but does the UV light help or hurt during a cycle?

 

part of the ccycle is to build up bacteria whee the uv takes out bacteria and parasites...I might be wrong and soon I will know...I read alot and came up with that peice of info somewhere....

 

UV does not effect the cycle. the bacteria that does the cycle are not "Free floating" I love my UV lights, however, make sure your water flow is correct. Many people use too much water flow. if you want max effect, you need "soak" time. I took the specs for the turbo twist. the slower the water, the more it will kill.

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