freshwater UV filter - is this a good idea?

[bacala]

I will be getting a new 150 gallon freshwater tank. It will a sump filter. Is a [acronym:32c6769a5f="Ultra Violet"]UV[/acronym:32c6769a5f] a good idea and if so, what are some recomedned brands?

Thanks in advance!

[BrianNY]

One of the advisors (loganj), is presently writing an article on [acronym:1f07950116="Ultra Violet"]UV[/acronym:1f07950116] sterilizers. If he doesn't reply here, send him a PM. I think he's probably the best one to answer your question.

[bacala]

thansk you!

[mattrox]

To my mind, if you use U.V. to sterilize the water the fish's immune system never gets a chance to strengthen. Then if it (the [acronym:918c99621e="Ultra Violet"]UV[/acronym:918c99621e] lamp) fails or becomes ineffecient with age there might be the potential that your fish will be weak. Then they may succumb to a normally reatively easy to treat illness.

Immune systems are meant to be exposed to a mild level of nasties. Keeping a good tank maintainence schedule and strict quarantine should really enough to have healthy vigourous fish.

These are just my thoughs and others may disagree. I wouldd be interested to hear what others think too.

[loganj]

I'm not sure I agree with that or not. I expect than most fish you buy have already been exposed to most, if not all, of the common bacteria/viruses. Will their immune system lose its effectiveness in sterilized water? I'm not sure. I will certainly pose that question next time I go to the diagnostic center to service their tank. I'm not saying you're incorrect of course...I'd just like to find out more. Interesting theory.

[MarkLehr]

[acronym:373d287b8a="Ultra Violet"]UV[/acronym:373d287b8a]'s. I love'em. I use'em. Won't live without 'em! I can't testify to the immunity question, because I change my bulbs on time.
The real question is the cost. I dont' see the need on a basic [acronym:373d287b8a="Freshwater"]FW[/acronym:373d287b8a] community tank. Only if you have a lot of money tied up in fish does it justify the [acronym:373d287b8a="Ultra Violet"]UV[/acronym:373d287b8a] expense.

[mattrox]

I agree Mark. If I were in a situation where I had $$$ tied up and the potential that a disease outbreak might occur, then I would think more about it.

LoganJ, I guess I was thinking that if you got young fish or spawned your own.... But you are probably right. Most fish from an [acronym:a0bae0cd1e="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:a0bae0cd1e] would have been exposed to things, especially if wild caught.