UV Ultraviolet Sterilizer

i'm newbie, i will have a 90gal reef tank, what dose UV Ultraviolet Sterilizer help and how to chose them, what wattage is good for my tank and do i need one? thanks for any reply.

 

From my reading on them no matter what the company who make is says says you need a 15 watt minimum at a maximum flow rate of 75 GPH to kill off the more complex organisms like parasites. If you just wish to control algae and bacteria then lower wattage is fine. The lower the flow rate the better because the water is in contact with the UV light for longer which means it's more effective, increasing the bulbs wattage also makes it more effective as well.

Here are some good links...Although these are from a site selling the sterilizers I have read independent reports saying basically the same thing, I just can't find them in my overpopulated bookmarks/saved links file.
Proper Aquarium Water Quality: UV Sterilizers: Which one is right for you?
Proper Aquarium Water Quality: UV Sterilizer Selection Guide

 

thanks for your reply, for your opinion, which one below is better for me? are they good deal or not? do you have any more suggestion?

 

Jebo 36w UV Ultraviolet Sterilizer+a spare bulb on sale - eBay (item 160423560450 end time Apr-23-10 17:31:09 PDT)
Jebo 18w UV Ultraviolet Sterilizer+a spare bulb on sale - eBay (item 400060351826 end time May-03-10 07:56:05 PDT)

 

I have a Coralife Turbo Twist and its great....no problems with it at all.

I was thinking about the ones you listed but opted to go with the Coralife.

Been running for a few months now and all it well.

 

I only use and recommend Aqua Ultraviolet UV Sterilizers.

 

IMHO if you can afford higher quality equipment don't try to save a few bucks buying brands like Jebo/Odyssea etc. They won't last and you'll end up spending more replacing equipment in the long run.

 

I have the 36w Turbo Twist. It saved my tank when it experienced a massive algae bloom in the water.

 

yes i agree, but i just want to test out that helps in my tank first. if they help and that broke down, i will budget more to get a better one. by the way, how much different whit the 36w good brand will be?
thanks you for reply.^^"

 

Honestly I can't say. I've never used a UV unit. I haven't seen the need. I keep nutrients in check by keeping a regular maintenance schedule, watching what I feed and how much, fuge etc. No algae problems period. New fish would be QT'd if I had any plans on adding anything else so no worries about parasites there.
I'm sure with some good shopping you can find a great deal and probably from one of our sponsors to boot. ;D