UV Sterilizer Yay or Nay?

[Airidal]

We found a UV sterilizer we bought years ago when taking inventory to get ready for setting up a tank and I was wondering how folks feel about using them.  I think we decided not to use it due to not wanting to kill good things along with the bad.  Since it's been a few years I was wondering what the general stance is now days when considering a reef tank.

 

Thank you in advance for your input,

Lorna

Edited March 22, 2015 by Airidal

[zygote2k]

If you plumb them correctly and are able to measure the flow rate to get desired flow to kill desired stuff, then they work great.

You can't simply hook it up to a powerhead and expect that it is working correctly.

[fishgate]

UV is very effective particularly on algae. You don't need to worry about killing anything beneficial but don't add it until your tank is established. Flow through the sterilizer is critical and determines what it will kill. Slower the better. Plan on replacing the UV bulb 1-2 times per year. They become ineffective very quickly after about 6 months. Brand matters!