U/V Sterilizer?

A friend of mine is tearing down his 55 and might be parting out some equipment. He has a pretty much brand new u/v sterilizer that he said he will sell me cheap ($30). Not sure the brand or wattage. He says he paid $120 for it a couple months ago. Assuming i can install it on the return hose from the refugium and display tank (is that the only place it should be installed?), is it worth it? My water parameters are perfect now and ive always believed in "if it aint broke dont fix it". Will it make much difference in anything if i installed it? And will a u/v sterlizer raise my water temp? btw its a 20 gallon display with a 20 gallon refugium.

 

Anybody?

 

Ive never been a fan of uvs, IMO they dont really do much to warranty the cost to run one(electricty,bulb changes ext.) I believe in haveing as little equipment as possible to maintain a tank!! IMO i would say pass on it.

 

Well, Some folks say that it is actually a "remover of good things" also......I ran a little 9 watt in 55 and seen no difference but more watt usage..
I guess you need to search some of these forums...I'm sure its been brought up in much detail.
I'm not scared of them...but there is more info you need to know in regards to what application..ie livestock, you are keeping. I'd say on a 20 gallon, if your params are cool...then its a waste of money and resources.
Good Luck
LG

 

It will kill any pods leaving your fuge. You can do with out it just my 2 cents

 

AMEN brother !!;D

 

I have a small reef, 29 gal. and I wouldn't run a UV on it, but and currently building a 150 gal. predator tank and will def. be running a UV on it. Just depends what you are going for with your tank I guess. Also are you done adding new fish? or are there still new inhabitants to come? If you are done, then whatever "bad" things may infect your tank are already in there. And so with proper care you should be fine without it. It will help clear up the water, but if it's a reef then you may be killing lots of beneficial things as well.

Jake

 

i have a 9 watt on my tank ,it seems to do well. i think the fish looked better after having it on it for a month

 

I would pass. If it ain't broke ....

 

i agree, sounds like a good deal, but if i dont need it its still waste of $.
thanks for the advise guys...