UV Sterilizer

[Vadafallon]

I have had algae and slime issues off and on for a few years. I run GFO and Carbon for a while and it goes away then it comes back. Also changing the GFO is a pain in the butt because i don't have much room to work with under my tank. I have a 60 gallon rimless cube with a 24 gallon sump underneath. With that being said thoughts on a UV Sterilizer. I have seen a few HOB and some inline and submersible ones. Which direction do you think would be the easiest. I am not opposed to having a HOB one.

 

[TL1000RSquid]

I could be wrong but I dont think UV sterilizer will be much help for stuff like cyano or hair algae, more for waterborne algae like green water. Do you have any room for macroalgae in your sump?

 

[NSimpkins]

UV sterilizer won't kill preexisting algae that being said I have one and love the clarity that it gives the water.

 

[zhewitt04]

+1^

 

[snorvich]

Excellent water clarifier.

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

I'd like to follow along in this post. What are y'alls recommendations when it comes to UV? There are a ton out there and picking the right one seems to be pretty difficult. I'm interested in one for my 125.

 

[JoelA7]

An acquaintance who is a professional aquarist always uses them. I'm considering one for my tank actual volume after accounting for glass thickness overflow rock substrate etc is about 110 gallons. He suggested a 40 watt in line. There's a 50 watt in line out there too. Space for the units and plumbing is tricky if you need them hidden in the cabinet.

 

[nathanjohnson09]

I could be mistaken but i thought alot of folks dont run them cause they are said to strip nutrients corals need

 

[fishgate]

I have the below one 15 watt on a 120g - it is great. It will stand up on a shelf or hang on the back of the tank. It requires a pump to push water through it I was using a 200gph small powerhead and it worked great with that. Make sure you plan on replacing bulbs annually on any UV sterilizer that you get. They wear out. Also you might need to get some plumbing parts to customize it to your tank. It comes with some parts but I had to add a few.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4393+13954&pcatid=13954