Need Help Picking a UV Sterilizer

[Wayne.J6995]

How's everyone doing, long story short I just recently got my 150 gallon tank going (I bought the whole setup used from someone who was no longer interested in aquariums). It has been running for about 3-4 months or so now its been cycled and I finally have added my last fish to the tank. Although all my fish are small right now eventually when they grow it would probably be considered a heavier stocked tank. I have 1 watchman goby, 1 royal gramma, 1 firefish, 1 blue hippo tang, 1 purple tang, 1 lollipop tang, 1 foxface, 1 marine betta/comet, 1 midas blenny, and 2 clownfish.

I am currently trying to decide on a UV sterilizer without having to break the bank as I have pretty much drained my funds on fish and other things to keep the tank going. I currently have an Aqua 15 watt UV sterilizer that the ballast and bulb took a dump on me. I did some research and from what I was able to find it is gunna cost me roughly $120 to get a replacement ballast and bulb. In addition on Aqua's website they claim their 15w setup is only efficient for up to 75 gallons.

That said, I feel it is not worth my money to replace the 15w bulb and ballast as it is underrated for my current tank setup and I plan to only replace things once with equipment that is suitable for my tank. I have found this sterilizer on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/Aquarium-U...33:m:mQZtYXtIh1sqExDC1HVxMcg&var=521964342460

I would really appreciate some peoples inputs on what they think of the sterilizer I have posted above. They claim the 36w is capable of supporting tanks up to 200g and the 55w for up to 300g. Both the 36w and 55w are cheaper than what it would cost me to replace the ballast and bulb of my Aqua 15w and are rated for larger tanks. Do you feel the ebay sterilizer will work fine for me, if so should I get the 36w or 55w? Everyone's input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Kingsley_Reef]

Why

How's everyone doing, long story short I just recently got my 150 gallon tank going (I bought the whole setup used from someone who was no longer interested in aquariums). It has been running for about 3-4 months or so now its been cycled and I finally have added my last fish to the tank. Although all my fish are small right now eventually when they grow it would probably be considered a heavier stocked tank. I have 1 watchman goby, 1 royal gramma, 1 firefish, 1 blue hippo tang, 1 purple tang, 1 lollipop tang, 1 foxface, 1 marine betta/comet, 1 midas blenny, and 2 clownfish.

I am currently trying to decide on a UV sterilizer without having to break the bank as I have pretty much drained my funds on fish and other things to keep the tank going. I currently have an Aqua 15 watt UV sterilizer that the ballast and bulb took a dump on me. I did some research and from what I was able to find it is gunna cost me roughly $120 to get a replacement ballast and bulb. In addition on Aqua's website they claim their 15w setup is only efficient for up to 75 gallons.

That said, I feel it is not worth my money to replace the 15w bulb and ballast as it is underrated for my current tank setup and I plan to only replace things once with equipment that is suitable for my tank. I have found this sterilizer on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/Aquarium-U...33:m:mQZtYXtIh1sqExDC1HVxMcg&var=521964342460

I would really appreciate some peoples inputs on what they think of the sterilizer I have posted above. They claim the 36w is capable of supporting tanks up to 200g and the 55w for up to 300g. Both the 36w and 55w are cheaper than what it would cost me to replace the ballast and bulb of my Aqua 15w and are rated for larger tanks. Do you feel the ebay sterilizer will work fine for me, if so should I get the 36w or 55w? Everyone's input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Why do you want a uv sterilizer? You really don’t need it why spend the money

 

[cromag27]

save your money for something else. :)

 

[Coralreefer1]

I have never purchased nor used a UV sterilizer. I have had long term success without the use of one. Expensive in terms of electricity and bulb replacement plus maintenance and cleaning issues. Maybe using one in a hospital tank could be beneficial. As a remedy to combat green algae blooms possibly, though determining why the outbreak has occurred and correcting that would be more beneficial in my opinion. More often than not, if you are diligent with regards to ensuring stable and ideal water parameters, husbandry, inhabitant compatibly and in selecting healthy livestock and minimal stress on your livestock a UV sterilizer could be eliminated.

 

[jtl]

I had one many years ago and it did nothing for me. As someone else said the bulbs are pricey and the effectiveness drops quickly, not to mention the electricity costs.