UV Sterilizers

[Davidb6]

New to the use of UV and could use some advise before I buy.

Should a UV Sterilizer be added to my list of must have equip?
Is there one brand better than another?
In addition to helping kill / avoid parasites will UV “help” kill algae spores in my tank and help avoid new algae growth?

Thanks

[Pmolan]

IMO its a must have.
I like the turbotwist. I used others and the design of this one appeals to me.
I use it to kill spores and algae blooms. I had an algae bloom once, the water was green. Within an hour of turning it on, it was gone.
Anything free floating will be destroyed.
Until recently I never just kept it on. I used it only when needed. When I plumbed my new skimmer, it works perfectly right in front of it. One UV is on all the time now. If I need an extra kick, I''ll turn on the second.

[stuccodude]

second that, ran 1 from day 1 only cause it came with the used set up and i started from scratch and its been 1 year almost to the day and never once a outbreak of any kind, had ich at first but garlic cured that, good luck.

[snommisbor]

I had it from day one on my 75, my regal had some ich and all I did was give some sliced garlic and ran the uv all the time and it is gone. This was about 8 months ago and have not seen any ich since.

[Beach Bum 70]

same here agree a must .I have the turbp twist to.Well worth the$$$$$$

[greenbean36191]

I say it's unnecessary. They're useless against pathogens in recirculating systems. They can help keep algae to a minimum, but given otherwise good husbandry it shouldn't be an issue anyway. They can also improve water clarity, but IMO the cost of running and maintaining them doesn't justify the difference.

[Davidb6]

Very interesting - 4 out of 5 say yes and a marine bio student says no.

Anybody else?
Doesn't look like a major expense but with my limited space it will be difficult to fit it in. Just want to make sure it's worth it.
Thanks