uv sterilizers...

[greystreet41]

Are they a must? Pros and cons? Will they really help control parasites? Is that enough questions?
thanks,
casey

[AttackDonut]

Generally speaking, leave them off main tanks. They are not discriminate in regards to what they kill. In other words, they'll happily kill good bacteria as well as bad ones.

[coralreefing]

Sterilizers aren't as popular with reefkeepers as they are for fish only tanks. If used properly they will kill planktonic parasites but they also kill zooplankton & phytoplankton that feed corals.

[kevlouie]

never used one in nearly 20 years, never had a serious viral or bacterial problem (other than cyano) I would say they are an unnecessary expense. Spend that dough on a good skimmer.

[greystreet41]

just the responses I desired...thanks guys.

[fishdoc11]

UV sterilizers are actually kind of making a comeback in ceartain circles, mainly the ones that want ultraclean water. The benefits they provide other than killing things like ich are that they also kill the waterborne stage of algae and they ozonize the water to some extent. For instance Mike Paletta has never stopped using one and considers them very benificial. I had someone offer me one for free a couple of years ago and turned it down, now I wish I hadn't. I do think some people, mainly some lfs, push them as necessary which they are not.
Chris