UV sterilizer question.

You have to replace the bulbs in them and clean them out as you would anything else with water running through it.

 

wow. def did not know that. and i guess the bulbs have to be replaced every 6 months.

i wish someone did some conclusive studies regarding uv. everyone suggests it based on anecdotal evidence.

 

Too many factors to consider unfortunately. UV definitely does have its place. If the system was properly designed (i.e. large enough for the tank it is going in), they can certainly be effective. UV units are big with water treatment, whether it is potable, pool or wastewater. I am actually doing a project right now installing (2) 13' long UV units for a town. But these are engineered units that are designed specific to the flow rate of the water going through, and for what it is treating for. Contact time is the real key. Too little, and it won't be effective. Too much, and you are just wasting energy.

Like I said, if you are just getting into the hobby for the most part, I think your money is better well spent elsewhere.

 

My manual says bulb replacement is every 9 months.

 

From what I've understood UV doesn't kill, it just prevents whatever goes through it from reproducing

 

While I do understand your logic, I am pretty well equipped as it is.

 

I decided against if for a few reasons after reading a TON on them. Do they hurt, NO, do they help, a little IMO. The advantage i see is it may kill pathogens/bacteria that your fish in turn won't have to fight off, so your fish will be healthier to fight Ich. BUT, each organism needs a specific intensity of UV for X amount of time, its different for all of them. Secondly, for ICH, its only free floating for a very short amount of time, so therefore, prob won't be affected by the UV, and most UVs you're going to by don't have the intensity/photoduration to kill the Ich.

So in short, I decided the ugliness, power usage and bulb replacements just aren't worth it, IMHO.

But to each there own, I'm not anti them, just not really pro them either

 

That is exactly how the coralife turbo twist sterilizers work

 

Perfect then! I'll have it on my wishlist.