UV Sterilzer and Algae?

[aquadiva]

Does a UV Sterilizer help to keep unwanted algae down and if so, what brand is recommended? Are they easy to use? Does it hang on the back of the tank? I have never used one before or seen one on a tank so would appreciate any in put on this. Thanks in advance. I am still preparing my tank for discus and very excited to have it ready for stocking!

[Graham]

A UV unit only affects what flows by it, so hair algae growing on something in the tank will not be affected.

[White Worm]

Lol, this seems to be a busy topic lately. Very easy to use. http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2750628
This is the one I use (24W) and it is doing a great job. It has suction cups and a powerhead that go in the tank. Stick it in the tank and plug it in just like a heater.

[aquadiva]

Thank you! I will check this one out.

;)

[CraigG]

I just put one on yesterday night around 7pm when I woke up the greenish tint to the water was gone.

Like Graham said it doesn't get rid of exsisting Algae but that's my project for tomorrow. To manually get as much as I can off of there.

One thing you have to remember is when you medicate the tank to turn off the UV light.

This is the one I put in last night. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4393+13954&pcatid=13954

You have to buy a seperate pump for it as well. I have it hooked up to an Aqua Rio 600

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4585+4671&pcatid=4671

Nice thing about this unit is it can be used as a HOB unit, side unit, under the tank if you have a stand. I ended up hooking mine up to my sump so that there is still nothing in my tank but plants,driftwood,rocks,fish, feeding cone, thermometer cable.