Fish Keeping Jamaica's video: WHY I DO NOT USE UV STERILIZERS TO TREAT ALGAE ISSUES

A UV sterilizer is used to control infections by stopping the spread of microorganisms from one fish/coral/invertebrate to another through the water. It is also used in pond applications to control free-floating algae. When operated correctly, free-floating microorganisms will be killed by the UV light. The problem is this equipment may cause issues within your aquarium or pond system. Exposure to a UV sterilizer during chemical treatments may have a negative effect. You will also need to replace your sterilizer's light bulb every 6 months. If set up appropriately, the UV sterilizer will kill the pests you want gone. It will also not kill beneficial bacteria unless they flow through the water. A UV sterilizer is a great device used in aquariums to get rid of bacteria, algae, and other nuisances like Ich or other parasites. It acts as a prophylactic and is a safety aid or an “insurance policy” for your fish tank. UV sterilizers can be used both in freshwater or marine fish tanks. It’s a great addition to your tank and prevents the death of fish because of its protective nature. It also makes your water crystal clear so you can enjoy your tank even more. UV sterilizers are still a debatable subject and most of the knowledge is user-based, but nevertheless, it is very widely used. Why UV sterilizers are not a fun toy for some A UV STERILIZER IS CONSIDERED : Expensive Bulb needs constant replacement Uses electricity Another piece of equipment to maintain and possible point of leakage IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE NOTE THAT, A lot of aquarists, fish shops and wholesale fish distributors installed UV sterilizers on their tanks and fish holding systems thinking their disease problems were solved. The problem was no one saw a reduction in disease outbreaks. A series of independent research projects were conducted by universities to see how well UV sterilizers work in aquariums, zoos and aquaculture facilities. Here is a summary of what was found out about UV sterilizers and aquariums. Aquarium water is packed with micro-organisms—bacteria, plankton, algae, fungi, parasites and other microscopic life – hundreds or thousands of times what is found in nature Aquarium water is full of microscopic non-living debris—even if the water looks clear UV sterilizers don’t sterilize aquarium water—they can only reduce the population density Some micro-organisms are harder to kill than others Aquarium-style UV units are not powerful enough to significantly reduce the population of disease-causing organisms like Ich and bacteria. For organisms to be killed by UV, they must be exposed to the radiation at a certain strength for a certain amount of time. Because aquarium water contains so much suspended matter, it is easy for the organisms to “hide” behind other particles and organisms as they flow past the UV light. This reduces exposure to the UV radiation and limits its effectiveness. At the same time these “bugs” are reproducing in the aquarium. Small aquarium UVs can help control but not eliminate parasites, bacteria, etc. Overall the research demonstrated that UV somewhat reduced the population of suspended organisms. But there was no sterilization, no complete elimination of disease organisms. If you want to sterilize your aquarium water, you’ll have to buy a massive commercial UV unit costing thousands of dollars. Thank for your never ending support, Check out my blog spot @ https://fishkeepingjamaica.blogspot.com/ Also my instagram postings @ Fish keeping Jamaica Hopefully my webpage will be up and running by the end of 2021 or during the early 2022. Also check out the following channels Aqua Funk/ Angel Freak @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6WpRz1f-SGx2m9EC2EHPFA Rob 93 Aquatics @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo3q0UiuqRZFVLZ5n4d9Lg Thirsty Rabbit @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfFnpUcgU61qNxLUivJP2g NoSaltBP :: Living A Flavorful Life Removing Salt https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRzNvuCJsRZnQlFWjrhjjog Lito Loco 4 Fish https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGyd7snx8M3tIPUhT8fRTOQ Matthew Moore Cichlids https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLDNn5_dI__U_fuzceT4dCg Deadfred821 https://www.youtube.com/user/deadfred821/videos Regards Raliegh