UV Sterilizers...

[baisley101]

How many of you use UV sterilizers? Are they necessary?

[jon carman]

I have one I quit using because the light burnt out and it is $30 to replace it. I have a turbo twist. They are not necessary, but aren't bad either if you have the money.

[angel]

I never really even found out exactly what it's for. Don't have one.

[horton44]

I think they kill algae, and other water born protozons/ Parasites

[angel]

Well that's cool. Now I'll be looking at my water like it has parasites all through it, though! haha

[baisley101]

Jon, how much do they help with algae if you are doing regular water changes and have a good filtration system?

[jon carman]

I thought they helped alot at one time, then when my bulb went out and I never replaced it I saw no difference. I say the best thing it would help out with is something like ich. As for algae, my room is kind of dark and I have 4 plecos and haven't noticed any differance. I will at some point get another bulb, and it won't hurt having one. With this economy, if you are thin on money it is a luxury.

[baisley101]

Yeah the economy is pretty bad. My tank will be in my office with no windows, so it won't be getting any sun. I'll probably be ok.

[angel]

The only place I'm having algae issues is where there's a big window in the room. In the baby tank. But there's no spot in that room that doesn't get some light. I'm wondering if it would help to put a background or something on the side that faces the window. It's brown algae. I'm constantly wiping it. Couldn't be avoided at the time. No other place to put the tank but in there. Now with babies in it's kinda hard to move it.

[angel]

I do like that with a lot of the African older ones they pick at algae. That has to factor in with the other tanks. I never see any, and they're always picking at various things so they are probably keeping it in check. They think I'm starving them, you know. All of them are a little on the tubby side and feeding them just once a day is mean in their book. Trying to be tough about this!

[jon carman]

Yes, I like the algae on the rocks, but not on the glass. You just don't want it to get out of control which can happen if your nitrates go out of whack.

[rogerhopper]

UV filters have a much greater value in saltwater tanks than in freshwater. They will keep most of the common everyday things down like ich.

[baisley101]

THanks alot for everyone's advice.

[sirknight]

UV filters IMO have little or no use in tanks. We had some major debates on one of the largest Reef (saltwater) websites a few years ago only to come to the conclusion that they have Little use in controlling disease or algae. The best way to control algae is to keep nutrients down. As for fish I always recommend quarantine and if needed treatment before putting them in the main tanks.

Sorry to sound so negative

Joe

[jon carman]

overall I'm with you Joe.