Would a uv sterilizer help with diatoms?

[Kevin1962]

Title asks the question.
My 120 is 5+ months along. Moderately planted, 0, 0, 5-10 pH 7.8
Diatoms get bad on my anubius, other slow plants, glass and substrate (flourite black sand).
I keep cleaning it off and bleach dip the anubius every 4 months (only once so far) and the other affected plants every 2 months.
I was thinking that the diatoms I rub, scrape and brush off may be killed by a sterilizer and slow the spread until the tank and plants can defeat it for good.
Thoughts?

 

[JB92668]

yes it will help a lot I use one in my tanks to stop this and to stop my fish getting sick

 

[SM1199]

That should work, yes. It will not do much for the diatoms living on your anubias directly, but will kill any diatoms suspended in the water after you rub them off.

 

[Sanderguy777]

I've heard that the sterilizer hurts plant growth and that it needs to be like 30 watts to do anything, is that true?

( I assume from the responses that the first part is false, but does it slow it at all?)

 

[GlennO]

I've heard that the sterilizer hurts plant growth and that it needs to be like 30 watts to do anything, is that true?

( I assume from the responses that the first part is false, but does it slow it at all?)

I don't see how it could affect plants, what is that reasoning based upon? Wattage required is dependent on many things such as lamp housing and tube design, flow rate, tank size and whether you want it to function as a true steriliser capable of killing bacteria and parasites as well as algae spores or just as a clarifier to kill the algae. It takes less to do just the latter. If you want to try it (as a steriliser) my suggestion would be to purchase a quality unit (usually European or US made) designed for aquariums (not ponds) and a brand that specifies the above parameters for each model. Some of the cheaper Chinese units should not be labelled as 'sterilisers' but can work well as clarifiers.

 

[andy305mia]

Diatoms suck, I noticed that leaving my light during the day helps. I just clean a little every time a do a water change. This way I am not letting it get out of control. I believe Ottos and Nerite snails eats it as well

 

[Sanderguy777]

I don't see how it could affect plants, what is that reasoning based upon? Wattage required is dependent on many things such as lamp housing and tube design, flow rate, tank size and whether you want it to function as a true steriliser capable of killing bacteria and parasites as well as algae spores or just as a clarifier to kill the algae. It takes less to do just the latter. If you want to try it (as a steriliser) my suggestion would be to purchase a quality unit (usually European or US made) designed for aquariums (not ponds) and a brand that specifies the above parameters for each model. Some of the cheaper Chinese units should not be labelled as 'sterilisers' but can work well as clarifiers.

I think it was supposed to kill some stuff they feed on, but I don't even remember where I heard it honestly.

What are some decent brands for sterilization? I probably can't afford one, but my cichlid tank is getting lots of algae and Id like to get rid of it. (I know this isn't a replacement for water changes or actually cleaning, but...)

 

[GlennO]

What are some decent brands for sterilization? I probably can't afford one, but my cichlid tank is getting lots of algae and Id like to get rid of it. (I know this isn't a replacement for water changes or actually cleaning, but...)

You need to ensure that the model is suitable for your aquarium volume and filter/pump flow rate. Personally I wouldn't bother if it was just for algae removal, and it will only kill suspended algae.

 

[Sanderguy777]

Yeah, that is way more than I can afford right now. $167 is about what I've spent on the whole system!

Thanks though.