UV Sterilizer...

[MattP725]

My tank grows green algae pretty quickly. I was wondering where I could get a descent UV sterilizer for a 55g. I really don't want anything super expensive... just something that will minimize the daily scraping I have to do with all this junk. Also how do they run? Do I need an external pump of some sort or can they go inline with a canister.

[Clown Monarch]

I'm planning on putting mine inline with a Fluval 404. Just make sure the flow rating of the canister doesn't exceed the flow rating of the sterilizer or else the UV won't be effective.

[SJSobczyk]

Is a UV sterilizer really that effective? I was looking into one before and i am still up in the air about it. This is for a 75 gallon FOWLR tank.

By the way, i was going to put one in line with my Fluval 404 as well!

SJS

P.S. - Sorry for jumping in the topic but i had some questions about this as well.

[MattP725]

I don't know for sure but I hear it helps algae growth. I figure I would try it... back to the question is there anyone that knows where I can get one for a descent price?

[SJSobczyk]

Search EBAY, this is how i found some of the best prices before!

SJS

[SJSobczyk]

Search for Turbo-twist, some good prices come up.

SJS

[Clown Monarch]

I can't say definitively how effective they are but I will say this:


I ran my UV for about 7 months with the old bulb from the previous owner not knowing how old it was. I fought algae a bit, scraped occasionally etc.

In the last 2 months since putting in a new bulb, I have NO algae at all. Freakishly low algae growth.

I can't say it's all due to the UV because I do control feedings, light etc. But there has been a marked drop in the amount of algae in my tank since installing the new bulb.

[seaham358]

My question is what kind of water are you using?
UV's are nice but if your having a lot of algae maybe you water is the problem. UV will only help wiht free floating algae, paracites not hair or cyno bacteria....