Does UV Sterilizer really kill algae?

green_valley · 11-19-2011, 02:04 AM

I saw some review about this petco UV Sterilizer, and it claims that it will kill algae. If this true, I wonder if it would kill any algae or only particular algae. Please share your experience.

Thanks

VeeSe · 11-19-2011, 02:15 AM

It will kill green water, but I think that's about it.

wetworks · 11-19-2011, 03:19 PM

The UV sterilizer will only kill organisms that are in the water column. This means that it will only effect algae blooms (green water) and will have no effect on algae that is on surfaces.

talontsiawd · 11-19-2011, 06:58 PM

It can only kill what goes through it. That's why people only use it for green water. I turn mine on when I clean my glass too, as that will go through the UV as well. Again, you can't easily get rid of much algae with it only because it can't go through it. I am sure it will kill any algae if you had a way to force it in, it just doesn't make sense to do so.

discuspaul · 11-19-2011, 08:25 PM

Yes, as was said, it will kill any algae free-floating in the water column - and that includes GDA (green dust algae), but you need to remove it from the glass by brushing and get it into the water column first.

11-19-2011, 02:04 AM	#1
green_valley Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (11/100%) Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: California Posts: 1,098	Does UV Sterilizer really kill algae? I saw some review about this petco UV Sterilizer, and it claims that it will kill algae. If this true, I wonder if it would kill any algae or only particular algae. Please share your experience. Thanks __________________ *********** Green ********* Green's Resurrection Aquarium Gallery**

11-19-2011, 02:15 AM	#2
VeeSe Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (8/100%) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,418	It will kill green water, but I think that's about it. __________________ -VeeSe 55G High-Tech Journal

11-19-2011, 03:19 PM	#3
wetworks Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Fort Myers, Floriduh Posts: 1,186	The UV sterilizer will only kill organisms that are in the water column. This means that it will only effect algae blooms (green water) and will have no effect on algae that is on surfaces. __________________ I even have duckweed in my water bong!

11-19-2011, 06:58 PM	#4
talontsiawd Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 2,408	It can only kill what goes through it. That's why people only use it for green water. I turn mine on when I clean my glass too, as that will go through the UV as well. Again, you can't easily get rid of much algae with it only because it can't go through it. I am sure it will kill any algae if you had a way to force it in, it just doesn't make sense to do so. __________________ -Matt Eheim Pimp Club # 382 The Fraternity of Dirt #53 13 Stones Journal 6 Gallon Betta Tank

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11-19-2011, 08:25 PM	#5
discuspaul Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,588	Yes, as was said, it will kill any algae free-floating in the water column - and that includes GDA (green dust algae), but you need to remove it from the glass by brushing and get it into the water column first.