Uv steriliziler - how long should I wait?

[Paul31733]

Hey everyone!
I purchased a small UV sterilizer that drops into the tank. I did some research and some people love them and some people hate them.
I am wondering of the people who use them. When do you think is too soon to add one. My tank is just 5 months old and I feel like I am starting to get an algae bloom because my glass is getting a film on it just an hour or so after cleaning.
Hoping for advice.
Should I wait and ride it out because it's too soon?
Or should I drop it in for a couple days.
Thanks!
Paul.

 

[Funston07]

I put one on my tank when it was about 3months old. Helped calm down the ugly stage.

 

[Paul31733]

Any other opinions. Just don't want to mess up my tank! Thinking about putting it in tonight. Unless somebody stops me ;Blackeye

 

[Paul31733]

Try one more time... Anybody have varying opinion on putting in uv At 5 months?

 

[Spare time]

I don't think it matters when you put it in as long as you are not dosing anything that it would kill.

 

[Paul31733]

Thanks for replys. I had read some people saying it may kill good things in my tank competing against bad things.

 

[splitting_lanes]

I’ve run UV before, you are fine to run it at five months. Let us know if it helps with the ugly phase!

 

[Paul31733]

Ok it is in... Pray for me peeps!!

Looks like this one has a slot where I can see the UV light coming out. I hope this is ok. It said ok for saltwater.

 

[mikereefing]

I've run it at 3-4 months with no issues. I'm not sure why your UV has a slot for light to come out...I use the AA sterilizer.

 

[anthonygf]

The slot is to show you when the bulb needs to be changed. I heard that the UV light is harmful to fish, can cause blindness and maybe other issues. I put mine in the sump.

 

[Paul31733]

The slot is to show you when the bulb needs to be changed. I heard that the UV light is harmful to fish, can cause blindness and maybe other issues. I put mine in the sump.

Mine is an aio. I think if I put it in a back chamber it would spew all over the place.
It looks like it has a plastic cover over the slot.
Do you think the clear cover is ok or should I remove the unit?

 

[Paul31733]

https://www.aquatop.com/collections...-nano-uv-sterilizer-5w?variant=12325616975971This is the unit I bought if anyone is wondering..