uv sterelizer in a fresh water tank
i was wondering if a uv sterelizer would be a good addition to my fresh water oscar tank...it a avery well filtered 90 gallon with 2 oscars. i always heard they were for salt tanks and could use some info..
Yes is the answer to your question, UV can be very beneficial to a freshwater tank, as much as in saltwater.
Due to the late hour, I will have to refrain from my typical lengthy but thorough explanation, but I will stop back in tomorrow and write another post for you to further explain the how/why of UV in freshwater.
There's a number of things why one would be good in a FW tank....it'll kill off certain bacterias and viruses that would otherwise attack your fish and get them sick. Its also helpful to control parasites (Ich, Cryptcaryon...) that said, it does not fully eliminate ich from your tank, but it sure helps.
So from these 2 aspects, it'll help your Oscars stay healthier.
Its also known to work against certain types of algae like green water, however other types of alage (that deelop under different circumstances) can still develop in your tank regardless.
Pers I don't use them in my planted tank. But its safe to assume you have no plants with your Oscars.
You have to evaluate for yourself if you feel like you need one. If you were to permanently introduce new fish to the tank (possibilities of carrying sickness in is higher) then yes I'd get one.
If you tank is and will stay what it is and you have no problems as it is...why change it!?
To add to what Angel has contributed, circulation means everything when using UV. UV can be quite effective, but the only water it helps to sterilize is the water that actually goes through the UV. You may find that the addition of a power head or 2 is needed to make the UV most effective by circulating the water from one end of the tank to the other.
Don't nail me on it now, but I wanna say some brand name canister filters also have uv ster. inserts for into the filter, with most common canister set up's all your water is def passing throught it at one time or another, so maybe investigate that route too.
would like to add the ONLY algae that it kills/prevents is unicellular algae which is mostlt the stuff that turns ur water green.
It can be somewhat beneficial, but however IMO it treats problems but doesn't cure them. A stable properly maintained tank shouldn't have green water or diseases present in the water.
While I agree with you that a properly maintained tank should not have "issues", please keep in mind that people's source water differs depending on their location, and not all source water is conducive to keeping a healthy aquarium.
I am the first person who will promote doing things naturally, as natural is the safest, healthiest, etc. But sometimes natural is not possible. In these cases things like UV and the chemicals can be the only way to keep an aquarium healthy. It should be decided on a case by case basis who needs it and who does not.
Another thing to take into account is that not everyone has access to a supply of healthy fish. In these situations things like UV and quarantine systems can be the difference between success and failure. Again, it should be based on a case by case situation as to what is needed and what is not.
Can a UV help in any situation? Sure. Avoiding things that could be potentially hazardous is always a good thing. Using things like UV in a situation where parasite issues are common, where certain fish species are more prone to the problems can be a great tool to avoid them and keep a tank as healthy as possible and to make the whole process a bit easier and a little more fool proof.
Late to the party, but none the less you might find this article interesting. This chap has maintained thousands of tanks as a professional and he's big on UV filters:
UV Sterilization, Irradiation for Aquariums/Ponds; UVC Sterilizers Information
I forgot to add that algae prevention is not the only reason people use UV in fresh or saltwater. UV is also effective at controlling/preventing parasite infestations for things such as ich.
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