UV Sterilizers

[AimeeMLS]

I have a Hippo Tang that has ich (currently in my hospital tank and getting treated). I talked with my LFS and they said that I would greatly benefit from a UV Sterilizer in my tank. Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on these. I've done some research online about these... a lot of mixed reviews out there. Thanks ahead!!!

 

[bongarone]

The mixed reviews refer to whether they're useful. Some people report better water clarity.

On the other hand, just about everyone will agree that they do nothing to prevent ich. I would cross that LFS off your list of stores with knowledgable staff.

 

[mtcoins123]

IMU that a uv steralizer is only effective in killing protozoans? bacteria? and ther like question marks mean i dont remember exactly i know you need to make sure the flow matches the watts and its hard to get one to eradicate a problem also they will kill "good bacteria too" or so i understand the case to be

 

[AimeeMLS]

I don't know if they were much saying that it would cure my Hippo Tang. I'm doing that quite well with the treatments in my hospital tank. I guess what they were saying is that it might make it harder for another outbreak. So from what I am taking... this is not true?

 

[sirreal63]

Agreed, bad advice from your lfs. Hippo's are very susceptible to ich and UV is not going to cure it. There are ways to beat it but you will find 20 different methods people swear by and some who are downright zealots about their method.

 

[sirreal63]

If you were able to pass 100% of your water through a strong enough UV you might prevent it but that is doubtful and virtually impossible to do. Healthy, well nourished fish don't get ich. I haven't had it on a fish in many many years. Forget the UV, it is not going to be a preventative measure.

 

[AimeeMLS]

Ok.... so call me dumb now. But what exactly is the purpose of them then? Or are they just another one of those pieces of equipment that has great promises but sure as you know what doesn't deliver.

 

[sirreal63]

They work well to clear water, think pond full of algae, where they can make a tremendous difference in the water clarity. For a saltwater tank they offer limited returns on your investment. You aren't dumb, your LFS is, you just haven't had the experience and they need to sell things, even if you don't need them.

 

[shiladitya1991]

Aimme,MLS-UV Sterilizers,Cleaner Wrasses and Cleaner Shrimps wont help you get rid of ich..this is a false notion..The best ways to get rid off ich are:
1.Hyposalinity
2.Copper treatment

Best of Luck

 

[Decadence]

UVs kill bacteria and algae suspended in the water column improving water clarity. A powerful UV can also kill tiny parasites which pass through them but it is not 100%.

Personally, I run one and have never lost a fish due to parasites. I also have perfect water.

 

[AimeeMLS]

I'm not expecting the UV sterilizer to get rid of the ich on my Hippo Tang. Already using Cupramine in my quarantine for it. Just had questions about UV sterilizers in general. Not sure if it is worth the money. Also not sure if as I was told may make it so I would never have another outbreak. Which I am finding out is not necessarily true.

 

[AimeeMLS]

By the way... I do have to say thanks for all the quick responses here. It's nice to have people to ask these questions to that have knowledge about saltwater tanks and actually live it.

 

[scooter268]

I've used UV sterilizer to keep the film algae down. As far as killing the bacteria, there are more bacteria on your glass, rocks, and equipment. I also use a biopellet reactor as well.

UVs can be use for killing ich in its free floating stage. However as stated before the UV needs to be strong enough and the GPH on the low end for a longer contact with the UV.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

 

[sirreal63]

There are never bad questions but you can always count on a few bad answers, lol. Keep in mind this hobby is still pretty young and everyone has different experiences based on what they have had to deal with, so answers vary but there is no other place like RC to get the most broad based knowledge available for nothing but your time. Welcome here and never be afraid to ask or challenge what you think you already know, there is always someone who can make us see things differently and that is a good thing, we are all learning and that is a good thing.

 

[TimeConsumer]

edit, nevermind

 

[Globel]

Ich will be in the sand bed for 2 weeks after its left the host. Uv speeds it up by a few days.

 

[AimeeMLS]

Thanks for all of the help guys! All of your answers were greatly appreciated.