An issue that has long been debated in the aquarium hobby is whether a UV sterilizer is necessary for aquariums. But for freshwater aquarists experiencing problems with algae blooms, green water, or disease breakouts, a UV sterilizer is a great addition to your system. Think of it as buying insurance for your aquarium - insurance that will improve water quality and provide added protection for inhabitant health.
If you are interested in improving your water quality or aquarium inhabitant health, there are a variety of
UV sterilizers to research, but be sure to choose a unit that will provide the best results for your system.
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Is a UV sterilizer right for your system? Weigh the pros and cons below: |
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UV units will not harm inhabitants or negatively affect water parameters. |
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A UV sterilizer will help manage harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites, and algae. |
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Because the UV sterilizer helps reduce harmful microorganisms in the water, the water quality will be improved. |
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There are a variety of UV sterilizers available to the hobbyist, from in-line to hang-on, for any type of system. |
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Because UV sterilizers affect only free-floating microorganisms, they are not effective against microorganisms attached to substrates, corals, or fish. |
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UV sterilizers are not an effective substitute for mechanical, chemical, or biological filtration. |
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Like most equipment added to an aquarium, a UV sterilizer can raise water temperature. |
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