UV Sterilizer

Discussion in 'Algae' started by Jesus, Dec 18, 2009.

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  1. Jesus

    Jesus Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2009
    Messages:
    106
    Location:
    Cicero In
    I've been having trouble with random algae blooms and i was wondering if UV sterilizers work well, and if they do, are there any that can fit in a biocube 8?
     
    Jesus, Dec 18, 2009
    Jesus, Dec 18, 2009
    #1

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  2. NASAGeek

    NASAGeek Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2009
    Messages:
    1,253
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    I have read totally contradictory advise on UV sterilizers. I am looking forward to experienced answers to this as well.

    On the con's, I read that they kill good stuff AND bad stuff or that they are 'useless'.
    On the pro's, I read that people swear by them and that they protect your livestock from parasites, reduce algae, etc.

    I haven't been able to determine if they are good or bad or useless.

    Looking forward to this thread.

    M
     
    NASAGeek, Dec 18, 2009
    NASAGeek, Dec 18, 2009
    #2
  3. mikev15101

    mikev15101 Purple Spiny Lobster

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2009
    Messages:
    461
    Location:
    Philadelphia
    Micky D was right...people have their own opinions. I mean I have been running one for over a year and half, it has been working great for me. We starting using it when we set up our used tank we got to quickly because the guy said all the livestock was gonna be sold and wasnt...but anyway everyone got ick, so we took everyone out during the 6 week without fish period we ran the uv....have had it on since. Havent had any ick or algea issues since...but look at everything else first...Use ro/di water, if you are get a tds meter to make sure it is working good, make sure you cut back on feeding, watching the lighting cycle isnt too long, get a good clean up crew, one BIG turbo snail for the thank they love the GHA...we have been using it as peace of mind, but no scientific proof that it is doing anything.
     
    mikev15101, Dec 18, 2009
    mikev15101, Dec 18, 2009
    #3
  4. trelane

    trelane Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2008
    Messages:
    402
    I generally recommend a small 'fuge with chaeto for a sporadic algae bloom problem. It should be noted that blooms aren't uncommon as tanks mature, and different chemicals and parameters break down, or wear out in small quantities that the algae can feed on, they're fairly opportunistic. Chaeto's cheap and easy, get a 10 gallon tank, a couple small sheets of glass, a pump, some aquarium safe caulk, build it stick in the chaeto and put a desk lamp with a full-spectrum cfl on it 12 or so hours a day (don't let this light get in the tank!)
    When the Chaeto gets big, cut it out and toss it, or give it the cutting to a friend or club mate!)
     
    trelane, Dec 18, 2009
    trelane, Dec 18, 2009
    #4