i will be purchasing a uv sterilizer soon and i would like to know a few things beforehand. here goes:

1. what medications should i avoid while using the uvs?
2. is a uvs really effective at killing all parasites that are sucked through? if not, what doesnt it kill?
3. is a uvs effective against green and brown algae that is sucked through?
4. does a uvs kill beneficial bacteria that is sucked through?

sorry for all the questions. ive read that several of the members here have them and i couldnt find the answers anywhere else ive researched.

I think this article will answer all your questions... I am researching getting one right now as well

Ricks UV sterilizers

Goodluck!

And another


Practical Fishkeeping

thanx, those links really helped a lot!

Question #1: If using ALMOST any medication the UV should be turned off since it will render many meds useless. This also goes for bacterial starters like biospira.
#2 : It all depends on the power of the bulb and the rate that you are passing the water through it. Too totally clarify this question it would take a page long thread. Sorry.
#3: Uv is only effective with water born algae. Any algae that is floating in the water will be eliminated but anything growing on the glass and ornaments will not be affected. It is extremely effective with the green water but don't expect anything with that brown stuff growing in the tank.
#4: No, The beneficial bacteria is grown in your filter through the nitrogen cycle. Meaning as long as the ammonia reaches your biofiltration you will have no problems since UV does not kill ammonia and nitrite.
Hope that helped.