Do I need a UV sterilizer?

Scottinbend · 10-14-2006, 09:56 PM

I am setting up my 55 gallon freshwater community tank and was wondering if I should get a UV sterilizer and if so what would you recommend?

I plan on using a Fluval 305 canister filter with an additional powerhead for aeration.

Thanks !

Loman · 10-14-2006, 10:18 PM

Scottinbend,
I do no think you need one. I have never owned one so I can not really advocate its use or not other than to say I have had many freshwater tanks and never felt the need to use one. I am just now venturing into salt and that may prove to be a different story but we will see.

Jay · 10-15-2006, 06:16 AM

They really are a luxury item. Not really necessary in a well tended tank.
I have one, used it for about 6 months, and took it off the tank, have never missed it.

Jay

MikeToo · 10-16-2006, 09:33 PM

I bought a UV gizmo (CoraLife TurboTwist 3x) a few months ago, to cure a problem with *really* frequent algae blooms (ugly green water, like the fish were swimming in pea soup). It worked wonders.

Prior to the UV unit, I would "scrub" my water every week or two using a HOT-250 filter with micron cartridge & a little diatom powder, maybe a capful or two of Kent Pro-Clear. Lots of work.

I now know that my algae blooms were most probably caused by thru-the-roof phosphate levels, caused by using a phosphate-based pH control product over the years. Water changes and a *lot* of Kent Phosphate Sponge has gotten my phosphate levels down - but I'm not taking that UV unit off my tank.

If anything, I think I may get a weaker powerhead to slow down the flow through the UV - I understand with longer contact time, it's quite effective at killing parasites and microbes.

Mike