What is a uv sterilizer

Can you guess explain what this is and what it does?

 

UV Sterilization - What Is It, and How Are UV Sterilizers Used in Saltwater Marine Aquariums

I have one and have yet to use it since the tank has bee up and running. I have heard both good and bad things about them, the good being it really helps with algea, ich and velvet.

the bad is the bulbs dont last very long and they can be a waste of time if the flow through the unit is to much or to little.

I got mine for 20 bucks and decided to use it on a timer when and if I decide I need it. just my 2 cents ;D

 

On Ebay, there are some high wattage models, ( I purchased the CL model, rated twice as large as my 125 DT, and still not probably enough from my LFS)
That also have the spiral technology that spirals the flow around the bulb which increases the 'dwell' time- or time each pass is in contact with the UV portion.
You can get the bulbs off ebay too for much less.

MIne seems to help keep my tank Dz free and cuts dwon on the algae on the outer glass/less cleaning with the mag float.

Check out numerous other threads on the concept.

 

if your going to buy one research them. not all uv sterilizers are created equal. look for ones that tell you what speed pump you need for different uses, also look at how often the bulb needs to be changed, mine is rated for 18 months. thats the longest lasting bulb i have seen. when you decide what unit your going for, check ebay. you can pick one up cheap and just buy a new bulb for it.
im a uv sterilizer believer and run mine 24/7 they are not only good for your fish, but also good for you. since you have your hands in that water

 

In my none professional opinion, its is just what it says it is, UltraViolet Sterilization, it sterilizes your water, kills everything good and bad going through it. Your water will sparkle for sure. Personally I don't like it. I rather try to go by more natural means and this is as about un-natural as you can get. ooppss!!

 

i disagree about it being un-natural. the sun acts in the same manner, we get uv from the sun. have you ever put a piece of dead coral or rock out in the sun for a few days and than go out to see it white and clean looking. uv cleaning your water is a good thing IMNPO ;D
uv sterilizers always get this kind of debate .. its seems the thoughts always are either black or white no gray. lol

 

i would only say that uv stabilizers are good for the aquarium it provides the va;uable UV RAYS TO FISHES which help them in nutrition and it also keeps the aquarium free from impurities as it sterlizes the water you can have it from ebay where you can get these stabilizers at very cheap rates and can often change its bulbs