To UV or not to UV

[K5reefer]

hello i got a alge out break i have a 300 gal tank a total tank volume 420 or so i was wondering what kind of UV do you all run watts-brand ect....

[redfisher]

UV ?? do you use a phosphate remover ? Like Phos Band

[K5reefer]

UV sterilizer

[Reefer Brian]

what type of algae? Hair, red, red slime, "green water" ??? UV are good with "green water" algae outbreaks. Depends on what you have.... A 50w or 60w will do the trick if you truly are in need of one.

[K5reefer]

any really good brands out there

[redfisher]

Emperor Aquatics and Aqua Ultraviolet I have found to be the best made and most effective, look for a high output model. They take up some room but that is what is needed. You can go with short and FAT or a long unit. Personally I run the the Emperor, and have been replacing all of my other units with them. Some of the Aqua units require Multi Bulbs.

[FishTruck]

I like the Aqua units. They are modular, so if you want to move up from the power just needed for greenwater control to a dose that would be lethal to parasites, you can add on modules. They also have a wiper system to clean the bulbs without taking the thing apart. As was stated above, they do require some room to set up properly which might be tricky under a stand, but easy in a fish room.

That being said, you will probably do better to focus on nutrient control for the algae.