UV sterlizer worth it?

No matter how long I have had an aquarium (3 years) I realize how little I know still. And I have a feeling it will remain that way. LOL. My question is, is it worth it to have a UV sterilzer? My water param. are fine and I have Geisman T-5's but the colors and clarity just doesnt seem to pop. I do have a lot of green algea so I thought I could try a UV sterilizer to solve or help all of those predicaments. If it is worth it, what kind should I get and at what voltage? I have a 46 gallon bow BTW. I heard it just attaches inline with your return pump in your sump?

 

I looked into this extensively, more extensively AFTER I paid alot for my 18W Corralife Turboe Twist UV.

Go on Ebay- There are SEVERAL models to choose!

Choose the one that has the Turbo, or spiralling water flow around the UV tube! this gives it much greater 'dwell' time for each pass- much more effective!

An 18W would be large for you, but if you want it to deal with algae blooms, it may be what you need.

I've seen 20something watt spiral ones on there for like 30-40ish- bulb included!

** As a site note, I went to replace my 18W UV bulb, and my favorite lfs with good prices had the bulb alone for $55! I got it shipped to my door of ebay for around $16!

A UV also helps control parasites, bacteria, etc.- depending on the strength, dwell time, and speed of the flow thru it.



Parameters are all good, and still an algae problem?

 

Sorry I can't help ya with the U.V. But you might have a phosphate problem. That could cause algae and lack of color in corals. Just my 2cents.

 

Yeah I think its because the room I have it in has a LOT of sunlight but its the only place we can have it which also happens to be the living room so the lady wont let me close the blinds durring the day. It hasnt been a problem until recently. The params have been good for nitrite and nitrate (nearly zero) maybe it is a phosphate issue? I'll have to get a test for it. I test PH, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, calc, etc but not phosphate. Maybe i should buy a test for it i suppose.