Do I need UV sterilizer

[an411]

Should I get a uv sterilizer when just starting up a tank or is this something that i need to add once its up and running. I am going to be starting FOWLR

 

[Entropy]

You do not need a UV sterilizer to keep a saltwater tank of any kind. Getting one may help in some way, but there are thousands (tens of thousands) of really nice tanks (FOWLR or otherwise) running perfectly fine without UV.

 

[Young Frankenstein]

Nope it will also kill beneficial bacteria

 

[loves saltwater]

I agree it will kill your beneficial bacteria. I do not know anyone that is running one. If you keep up with water changes testing there is no need to have one. Just my 2 cents worth

 

[an411]

Thanks guys I didnt think that i needed one. More money to spend else where

 

[sjm817]

Beneficial bacteria lives in the sand, LR, glass surfaces. Very little is in the water column and would be affected by a UV.

 

[BeesGoneWild]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9537456#post9537456 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sjm817
Beneficial bacteria lives in the sand, LR, glass surfaces. Very little is in the water column and would be affected by a UV.

this is what i understand too.

Ive been using a uv sterilizer continuosly for a year now and what it basically does is damage dna, wether it be plant or animal(i mean smaller organisms). Ive bought it originally to help battle ich and other parisites which it is somewhat effect doing, as i havent had an ich outbreak since i bought it.. Keep in mind every aquarist does not need one. And to maintain proper uv exposure takes a lot of maintence on the unit as well to be effective the water flow has to have optimal time in front of the uv light.
Anyway some people choose to have them some people dont, its not a miracle piece of hardware like a skimmer.