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Title: UV Sterilizers
Description: Looking for info...


Bubbles - May 5, 2006 04:41 AM (GMT)
I am looking for information from anyone who has used or knows about UV sterilizers. I've heard that they are good for clearing algea, bacteria and parasites from the water itself. I don't know how effective they are or how they are connected. I'm wondering if they are worth the cost. I've never talked to anyone who has actually used one.

FishyFry - May 6, 2006 02:17 PM (GMT)
Hi Bubbles. I don't have specific information, but I can tell you that I have thought about UV sterilizers often.... especially when there is an outbreak of something in my tanks. The cost is what has stopped me so far... not just the initial cost, but the maintenance cost of the tubes. On the other hand, I supposed I should weigh that cost against the health of my fish. Though I don't have problems that often, it is time consuming and costly to rid the tank of whatever problem occurs, not to mention the discomfort of the fish. I wonder if it might be a good idea for fish that are more prone to health issues than others. It might be worth the expense in that case. Running one in a quarentine tank seems like a good idea as well.

[Edit] On the other hand, here is a link to a forum topic on a plant-scentric site regarding the use of UV sterilizers and the effect on plant nutrients:
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumap...t=UV+sterilizer

I came across a "to UV or not UV" article at the link below. What caught my eye was the first paragraph.

"Water treatment with ultraviolet (UV) light does not remove organisms; it simply damages their DNA so they cannot reproduce, rendering them harmless to humans and animals."
http://www.waternet.com/article.asp?IndexID=6635915

The article also includes links to related information such as, Tank tee test for UV sizing, UV feedwater requirements, Maintaining UV — bulbs and cleaning and UV’s target wavelength.

Here is an informative article from Drs Foster and Smith
http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/general...eral_pagesid=21

Bubbles - May 23, 2006 03:43 PM (GMT)
Thanks for the info. and new sites for me to explore. I'm still trying to decide if a UV sterilizer would be right for me. Any info from the rest of you would be nice! :)




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