pepetj

I'm thinking about installing a UV filter for the Oscars tank, since snails are not wellcomed there and some (not that much, but visible) white algae is allways attached to the glass surface. I'm concern about them getting infectinos, since they get bruises from time to time (territorial issues, moving things around) although it does seem superficial, I wouldn't like fungus or bacteria in the water creating problems. But I'm concern if the UV filter would harm the beneficial bacteria seeded in the substrate and filter media or not.

Any Pros and Cons on UV filters you can share with me?

Pepe
Santo Domingo

Trio123

Although some might disagree with this, most of your good bacteria is not in the water it is seeded in your filter and your gravel so my answer is no it will not harm your good bacteria. Just so you know though it will not do anything for you algae on the glass only floating algae and diseases. You need to have the correct exposure time for it to work properly (that is adjusted by adjusting the flow through the unit). Con in my opinion is price. Also be aware that it will not completely irraticate disease as many diseases life in the substrate for at least part of thier life cycle. It also only sterilizes parasites so they cannot replicate. Just know that it is not a "cure all". I personally think they are only worth the cost in a aquaculture or aquatic store setting. I have also never owned one, just sold them

pepetj

I decided to try with an interesting and simple UV design from Resun, the UV-05 series, 13W UV, that works with an Airpump. I just installed it in my 145gal tank, running with a Tetra 100 Airpump (which has dual adjustable output), placed in the middle of the tank. Will see how it works.

After some reading on this subject, I guess the pros outweighs the cons; UV sterilization/clarification likely helps in achieving healthy REDOX potencial (-250 to -350mv) good also in FW fish, cons are operation/maintenance related costs; UV lamp should be replaced twice a year, and cleaned somewhat regularly. I got a fair price for this unit (USD71.00) considering how expensive everything is down here (allways add-up international shipment, and the mood the guys at customs wake the they your package arrives), and the replacement lamp is relatively easy to find locally.

I also have the option of purchasing the usual HOB/outside-the-tank usual design -works with powerhead also from Resun; I declined the Tetra model since it's quality seems questionable, and they use a lamp only they sell, usually too expensive. I might use this option in my Rainbowfish tank, where I have a Wet/Dry running.

If some of you are interested in reading about REDOX potential I suggest the following article, as least as starting point:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts....Potential.html

For UV sterilizers pros and cons:
ttp://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Redox_Potential.html

I have no commercial interest with this company, I e-mailed a question to them and got quick response.

Let's see how it goes
Pepe
Santo Domingo

ikevi

As said, there really aren't any cons... I can say I have one, I used it on my African tank first. It did help with diseases. I have since moved it to my Discus tank, and I have not had a problem in that tank ever. Does that mean the UV sterilizer is doing its job, or that I am just being extra careful with that tank... I don't know. But I can truly say it likely helps in the long run. Of course the question is does buying it and running it cover the cost. (I don't know.)

Personally I first bought it to kill green water algea for a tank that was always in the sun. It worked great there too.

I will watch to see if you feel it does improve things in the long run.

clinton1621

The only Con that I can think of would be in setting up a new tank... initially before the nitrifying bacteria colonize in the filter and in the gravel. During this time, when there is a noticable bacterial bloom, you would be killing the nitrifying bacteria off as they tried to reproduce and find a suitable place (the filter) to colonize.