benefits of uv sterilizer outweight cost?

S

shortdariwanda

AC Members
Apr 10, 2009
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Orlando, FL
So... my tank was fine and dandy before I added a couple fish without QR-ing them. Long story short, I regret that decision very much. Since then, I've gone out and bought a 10 gal with heater and a filter. I've medicated the tank since then but now I'm paranoid about another bout of diseases so I was wondering if it would be worth it to buy a uv sterilizer to suppress the chance for an outbreak of fungal infections?

I've heard some good things about the "AA Green Killing Machine" for its price so I was thinking about going to my local Petsmart and purchasing it.
 
Since you have invested in a solid QT tank I would definitely continue to use it as planned. As fare as you 55 goes a UV sterilizer IMO would be a beneficial thing, I know I have one for all my tanks because of the results. However If you decide to get the GKM model make sure its the 9w not the 24w as its a bit much and made my 60 run a little warmer. When my 24W bulb finally blew I just replaced it with the GKM 9W because the bulbs are interchangeable on both models, my 60 tank temp is normal now and the UV works just as well. For my 80 and 120 tanks I use the 24W as the bulb temp doesn't affect that much water. I also have them all on $6 Lowes analog electric timers which runs them only 6 hours per day between midnight and 6am, works great and save bulbs and electricity.
 
True fungal infections are fairly uncommon in aquariums...most are misidentified bacterial. And the bacteria have to be free floating for the UV to have an effect.

Not saying that UVs are not worth it, from what I have heard they certainly are in certain situations...but make sure you are purchasing one for the correct reasons.

Good QT and maintenance practices tends to be enough for most, so do not feel that a UV is the only way to prevent disease.
 
You think a 9w is okay for a 55 gallon tank? I read on the specs that the 9w goes up approximately 50 gallons. I heard the 24w is pretty bulky looking in the tank. If the 9w is okay for the 55gal, the better for me as far as my wallet goes and the aesthetics of my tank. :D
 
All I can tell you is I replaced my 24W on my 60 tank with a 9W (interchangeable) because it was competing with the heater a little although fine in my larger tanks. I opened up the casing on the old bulb to see how the water flow to bulb was designed and I am most impressed with what detail they took to ensure water flow contact with the bulb surface and control flow which is all important and actually it is not one bulb but a two part wrap around bulb with the cathode and anode at opposite ends giving the exposure of two bulbs.

Ill post a photo of what I'm talking about as soon as I take a pic, as Iv been meaning to.
 
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