UV Sterilisers

Shop UV Sterilizers for your aquariums

UltraViolet (UV sterilizers come in handy for both beginner and experienced aquarists who are looking for effective ways to keep the water clean and healthy. Unlike other filtration options that act by sucking out the debris and returning the purified water, the UV sterilizer uses its ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, parasites, algae, or other things that endanger your fish’s health. It ensures that only beneficial organisms survive in your aquarium.

UV sterilizers are filtration devices used to stop the build-up of pollutants in your aquarium, because it is obvious that fish will not survive long in unhealthy water. Options like internal or external filters draw water out of your aquarium, filtering it before pumping it back inside. However, it has been proven that some microorganisms can survive this process even though the water returns cleaner. This is why you need the UV sterilizer to target and kill those organisms.

They also suck in water from your aquarium and pass it through high-intensity UV light to kill the organisms before releasing the water back in. There are different types, shapes, and sizes of UV sterilizers, and they work well with tropical, saltwater, or reef tanks, and even ponds where algae are known to spread quickly. There are external sterilizers like the AquaEL UV AS Lamp 3W and the AquaEL UV-C Sterilizer that come with different energy options.

A key factor to consider before buying a UV sterilizer is the energy demands. UV sterilizers are known to consume more energy than other filtration options, so ensure to get one that requires the kind of wattage your home can provide. Look out for energy-efficient options like the OASE ClearTronic UV clarifier.

Also, check your budget. UV sterilizers may be quite expensive, but there are budget-friendly options that can work with your aquarium setup. For instance, the AquaEL Sterilizer UV PS 2.0 is more suitable for pond settings, while the OASE ClearTronic UV clarifier not only kills the bacteria and algae, but it also maintains clear and healthy water in both freshwater and marine aquariums.

The key concern for aquarium owners who consider using UV sterilizers is how they may affect their fish, other organisms, and aquatic plants. This, however, should not be a bother because UV sterilizers target the unwanted organisms, leaving your fish and even beneficial bacteria unharmed.

You just need to ensure that you install it correctly according to the specifications. They are quite easy to use and maintain once you get the hang of things, so ensure that you do not miss out on reading the manual or attached leaflet. Note that the UV sterilizer is often covered with an opaque canister that is supposed to protect the rest organisms in your tank from the ultraviolet rays.

That is why you must ensure that to get the specifications right. Aquatic life is quite delicate, and if the UV exposure levels are higher than recommended, it could cause some harm to the environment and the organisms in it. Note also that when using UV sterilizers, you do not require additional chemicals or medication to get rid of parasites or bacteria in your fish tank.

A key argument for UV sterilizers is that they reduce the spread of bacteria or parasites by targeting and destroying those harmful elements long before you recognize them as a threat. They are essential for your aquarium if you want to prevent a disease outbreak. Check out our guide and collection of UV sterilizers, and identify those specifications that would do the job for your fish tank.

FAQs About Aquarium UV Sterilizers

(1) Do I need to use a filter with a UV sterilizer?

Yes, you do. While the UV light kills the algae and other organisms, they remain in the tank, meaning that your tank water can remain different shades of green. You can carry out water changes to remove the dead algae and clear the water, but it does not eliminate the need for a filter. There are some sterilizers that can help keep the water clean, too.

The AquaEL Mini UV LED Sterilizer not only kills the bacteria to protect the fish from disease, but it also removes the algae from the water to prevent it from turning green and destroys protozoa that cause water turbidity.

(2) Do I need to use my UV sterilizer all the time?

This is not a one-size-fits-all situation, so what you do will depend on several factors, especially the type and size of your UV sterilizer. For the external UV sterilizer, it is okay to only run it during an algae bloom or when you need it.

If you have a large and powerful UV sterilizer for your aquarium, it is only okay to have it on and off on a need-to basis. For a submersible or in-line UV sterilizer, you can keep it on 24/7, but watch it so that it does not overheat or get damaged.

(3) What can happen if I overuse the UV sterilizer in my aquarium?

Running the UV sterilizer constantly, especially for small tanks, can reduce the oxygen levels in your water and threaten the beneficial bacteria in the filter. It could also become problematic if you kill too many organisms at once, leading to a drop in your water quality.

So, it is always best to observe for the first few days and figure out the formula that would work for your fish tank. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as detailed in the manual.

(4) Can the UV light from the sterilizer harm me?

No. While it is public knowledge that ultraviolet light harms humans, that only happens in prolonged direct exposure to the light, and in such cases, it can cause skin burns.

If you use the UV sterilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, there is no room for you or the fish in your aquarium to have direct exposure to the light rays. The UV light is usually protected with a casing, a tube, or a cannister that shields the light from direct contact with humans or fish.

(5) Does UV light kill all algae?

UV light kills algae in the aquarium, but not all types of algae. For instance, free-floating algae, bacteria, and parasites can be killed by the UV light when they are sucked into the sterilizer.

However, the algae that attack the plants, rocks, or walls of the aquarium are not affected and will need to be manually scraped off. Alternatively, you can add more oxygen or hydrogen peroxide to the water to get them off.

(6) How do I maintain the UV sterilizer in my aquarium?

Regular cleaning is required. Ensure to clean out the quartz sleeve and replace the UV bulb as directed by the manual. The cleaning may be done every two months, while the bulb replacement should be done once or twice a year based on the recommendations.

If you use the OASE ClearTronic UV clarifier, for instance, it has an indicator light to monitor UV bulb functionality and tell you when to change it.

(7) What are some safety precautions to keep in mind?

The first step is to choose the right size and wattage for your tank, and set it up according to specifications. That is the safest way to use a UV sterilizer. You should also turn off the device during feeding time to avoid killing beneficial microorganisms in the fish food. Also, monitor your aquarium or time the device to ensure it does not overheat, as UV light is known to heat water sometimes.

For added measures, turn off the UV light when you are working on the aquarium or changing the water. For your safety, wear goggles, protective gloves, and clothing when handling the UV light. And, when you change the UV bulb, dispose of the old one properly, as they may contain some harmful elements.