Would a UV filter be worth it?

[Nugzz]

I have a 24g Aqua Pod HQI, I have been reading about these UV filters.

Do they actually help keep water clear?
Would it be worth it to drop one in?
What other purpose do they serve?(I've read they help control Algae) not true?

[Nugzz]

this one or the 9w version?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320391675468&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching

[36and2]

I don't think it is worth it, in fact I have not seen anyone use one yet. Not to say people don't. Weekly water changes with RO/DI water should be enough to keep your tank clean, A skimmer or a fuge would help too. I have a skimmer and do weekly water changes and my tank is super clean.

[munsils]

I have UV sterilizer lamp (came with tank, in-built), cant really tell difference with it on/off, so like 90% of time its turned off.

Here is more info about UV:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-04/newbie/index.php

UV Sterilizers
Not a myth, as they do work, but somewhat questionable for use in a home tank, is the UV sterilizer. They do work as advertised and can kill bacteria, algae and protozoa; it is a ciliated protozoan that causes ich. The main question is, do they prevent disease in the tank? In the display tank, disease prevention is highly unlikely unless the unit is extremely large. The filtration rates for common units are usually not high enough to kill a significant number of organisms to prevent infection. They also kill off protozoa that are food for corals and copepods.

UV sterilizers can be useful under specific circumstances. In the case of multiple tanks connected to a common sump, a UV sterilizer placed in the return line to the displays can provide a barrier against disease moving from one tank to another. In this case, all the water is exposed to the UV light and the discharge water will be almost pathogen free. Another use is in the quarantine or hospital tank. These tanks are generally small and the use of a UV can help remove many pathogens. This is especially true if dip methods are used to control the disease, a UV sterilizer can kill emerging parasites not killed by the dip.

For a large display tank there are better uses for your money. A canister filter with a micron cartridge can filter far more water and remove more pathogens than a UV. They also cost less than many UV sterilizers. I don’t advocate the full time use of a canister unless the filter element is cleaned at least weekly, but in an infected tank it will usually do a better job at removing disease causing organisms.

[Nugzz]

Thanks, I ended up getting the 5w Biocube UV sterilizer & yes it did make a difference. I woke up the next morning to Crystal Clear Water for the 1st time. am new to the hobby & thank you for the link, I will read further.

[munsils]

It's good to hear, that UV sterilizer made difference for you, I guess, Im lucky enough to have clear water without it :)

[fishsince3]

I run one at night only, I bought it some time ago it helps with some parasites but not significantly I'm assuming and kills algae spores

[MeReefBeef]

Nuggz, I would strongly suggest against a UV filter. It sounds like your main agenda is clear water. Assuming that you have begun the cycle properly, your tank should be going through some of the algae outbreaks that we see in many of our reef tanks. This is because the algae grow very quickly compared to the beneficial bacteria that we are all striving to accumulate. Since your tank is only 3 months old, it is likely that it is still doing the finishing touches on the cycle, and you may see a lot of diatoms and cyanobacteria. My suggestion to you is to wait it out and give the bb some time to grow. My suspicion is that if you use a UV filter, you may actually be hindering this process. Although it is true that very little bacteria is in the water column, they do spread by means of the water movement.
Not to worry though, once your tank has aged, you WILL have crystal clear water, simply by doing ~20% water changes every 2 weeks or so.

[fishsince3]

Even having a UV I can see both sides of the argument and reefbeef makes a really good point, with this said just way the pros and cons and make your decision, i think its going to come down to personal preference

[IUnknown]

I have both a UV filter and Diatom filter. I use the diatom filter all the time and love how it polishes the water. You can get a 5 year supply of diatom powder at lows for 9 bucks.

[Gamepro_inc]

Ok so I have run one on my 90g and plan to run one on my new 34g the thing is if you are doing it for water clarity dont waste your time but I do it for disease and keep the unit off most of the time. the only time it is on is if I introduce a new fish and/or anytime I add stress to the tank I.E cleaning, rockwork, etc. I have seen a dramatic drop in disease since I added the UV to my 90g but this can also be attributed to my tank getting past the 6 month period. It is now 2 1/2 years old but still use the UV when needed. BTW it does NOT help with hair algea only free floating things.