UV Sterilizers with Algae

[MattP725]

Will UV sterilizers help kill off future algae outbreaks? I know it can't help with algae already in tank but I figure if the algae particles move through the sterilizer before they cling to wherever they go it would kill them off.

[seaham358]

Only free floating algae... Will not help with hair type algae that Im aware of.

[fishfreek]

As long as the flow rate was correct thru the UV unit it would kill/steralize algae spores that are exposed to the light. I wouldnt say a tank that had an algae problem to start with would cure itself of additional algae outbreaks by having one though.

[MattP725]

What are the best algae eating verts? I only have a hermit and two turbo snails. Should I get more of these or any other verts?

[xxmoorishmanxx]

what size tank? i love turbo snails there winderful. Some crabs are ok, but many eat small fish and snails, sally light foots are suppose to be good but ive never had one.

[MattP725]

55g

[xxmoorishmanxx]

i would do at least 7 turbos, i have 3 in a 36 gallon they seem to do the job

[seaham358]

what kind of algae are we talking about... And what kind of water are you using...