Whether you should use a UV sterilizer in your freshwater or saltwater aquarium or not has been debatable over time because getting quality products has been an issue. However, once you find the right one, unwanted bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms will no longer be a problem in your aquarium.
Having a list of the best UV sterilizers for aquariums will help you choose the perfect one for your fish tank. Read through the article to find the right UV sterilizer for your aquarium.
UV Sterilizer Levels
The sterilization levels of aquarium UV sterilizers are different. Knowing the difference will help you get the ideal one to suit the purpose you need it for in your aquarium.
Before that, let’s talk about the major uses of aquarium UV sterilizers. Many aquarists use them for green water clarification, heavy parasite sterilization, and bacterial, flagellates, and light parasite sterilization.
The best UV sterilizers do heavy parasite sterilization. Middle-grade UV sterilizers will do green water clarification, bacterial, flagellates, and light parasite sterilization. Then, budget-friendly UV sterilizers can handle mainly green water clarification.
Determining which you need for your aquarium will help you choose the ideal UV sterilizer for your aquarium. Now, to the different UV sterilizer levels.
- UV clarification
UV clarification is the most common in the market. This set is only capable of clarification and not necessarily sterilization, and some people tend to mistake this. Therefore, they may write UV sterilizers off as ineffective when they don’t get their desired results.
UV clarifiers can remove free floating green algae in freshwater tanks and ponds. They’re okay if that’s what you intend to use them for. They may be incapable of redox balance or bacterial and parasite mitigation.
These sterilizer levels are usually hang-on or internal, making them easy to install. They comprise the cheapest UV sterilizer on the market.
- Sterilization
This level of sterilizers does more sterilization than the level one sterilizers. The UV lights are more capable of sterilization, have longer dwell time, and are compatible with common fish tanks and ponds.
They can clarify water, destroy harmful bacteria and viruses, and eliminate dinoflagellates. They’re very effective in marine aquariums.
- Heavy sterilization
This stays on the highest level of UV sterilizer with the best dwell time. They are the best in aquaculture and quite common. However, they can be very expensive as compared to the other levels.
They are effective for water clarification, redox balance, disease mitigation, algae containment, and boosting your fish’s disease resistance.
Internal Vs. External UV sterilizers
UV sterilizers can either be external or internal. You can use an external UV sterilizer if a sump filters your aquarium. Some of these external models usually have a pump that draws water from the aquarium, passes it through the sterilizer, and returns it to the pump.
However, they’re not so popular and don’t sell as much as the ones without pumps. On the other hand, you can use internal sterilizers irrespective of the aquarium’s filter system.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best UV Sterilizers For Aquariums
Many UV sterilizers are available in the market, leaving you many options. With this wide range, you need a guide to help you choose the best UV sterilizers for aquariums.
You can use this list to narrow down which is best for you:
- UV lamp strength
This is one of the important factors to consider. Your water pump flow rate will affect the UV lamp strength. Therefore, if your aquarium’s flow rate is fast, you need a stinger bulb. 9 watts and above is good for big tanks.
On the other hand, if your tank is between 10 to 15 gallons, a 3-watt bulb will do just fine.
- Installation type
Is the UV sterilizer built-in, or does it need installation? You must consider whether you need a filtration system to install the UV sterilizer.
Having a filtration system will save you time and space. That way, you can get submersible UV lamps or inline UV sterilizers.
- Ease of use
Built-in sterilizers are the easiest to use. They don’t need to be directly close to the biofilter to work effectively. However, most don’t have timers. Submersible UV lamps have timers, making them easy to use as well.
- Cost
UV sterilizers can be on the high side. Cost can be a limitation when choosing which product to buy. Thankfully, there are budget-friendly aquarium UV sterilizers that are effective.
- Size
UV sterilizer size matters, reflecting the UV bulb power and water flow rate. Combining the bulb wattage and flow rate will determine how quickly the sterilizer will work.
- Dwell time
The dwell time is when the water is exposed to the UV light in the sterilizer chamber. It is related to the water flow rate. That is, if the flow rate is slow, the longer the UV sterilizer dwells. However, the length of the light tube can alter this.
- Water flow rate
The flow rate is also important. It is related to the water’s exposure time to the UV light source. This will help you determine your desired UV light size based on your aquarium size.
- Body diameter
This affects the sterilizer’s dwell time. A high body diameter sterilizer can allow water into the UV chamber for longer because you can turn down the flow rate and maintain turnover time.
However, the bigger the diameter, the chances of the water coming close to the UV light source decreases, meaning the sterilization level lowers. Also, if the body diameter is narrow, you’ll sterilize the water, but it wastes UV light and increases the turnover time and your electricity bill.
- Product purpose
Another thing to consider is the purpose you need it for, bearing in mind the different sterilization levels. Do you only need to clarify the water or do some heavy sterilization? The answer to that will help you determine which to pick.
Benefits of Using UV Sterilizers For Aquariums
Aquarium hobbyists use UV sterilizers for different reasons, which serve their benefits. There are a few of them, including:
- Water clarification
UV sterilizers help to clean your tank water. Using sterilizers is one of the easy ways to clean green water in fish tanks. When you install them, they can become effective in a few days, and your aquarium water will be clean as its original state.
- Eliminates algae and bacteria
The UV light helps to kill algae, bacteria, viruses, cyanobacteria, and other harmful microorganisms in the water. While there are other effective ways of doing that, UV sterilizers are easy and highly effective.
- Keeps fish healthy
Keeping the water clean and ridding it of unwanted and harmful microorganisms will help keep your tank and fish healthy. This is the primary purpose and benefit of using UV sterilizers. They cut down on chemicals present in the water and keep fish healthy.
Best UV Sterilizers For Aquariums
Now, let’s help you with a list of UV sterilizers to choose from for your aquarium. Here are the best UV sterilizers for aquariums:
- AA Aquarium Green Killing Machine
- Fluval inLine UV-Clarifier
- Aqua UV Advantage – Hang on the back sterilizer
- 5W UVC aquarium clean lights
- Aqua UV Classic
- VIP UV sterilizer aquarium filter
- Coralife Turbo Twist UV Sterilizer
- SunSun HW-304B External Canister Filter
- Lifegard Aquatics UV Sterilizer for aquariums
- Tetra Pond GreenFree 9W UV clarifier
- SunSun HW-302B canister UV sterilizer filter
- GRECH CBG-800 UV sterilizer
- Polar Aurora canister UV sterilizer filter
- TAISHAN UV sanitizer submersible light
- OXYFUL UV Ultraviolet clarifier lamp filter
Our choice
- BEST OVERALL: Aqua UV Classic
- RUNNER UP: Aqua UV Advantage – Hang on the back UV sterilizer
- THE BUDGET DEAL: TAISHAN UV Sanitizer Submersible light
- BUDGET ALTERNATIVE: 5W UVC aquarium clean lights
1. AA Aquarium Green killing machine
This UV is very effective at what you need it for; to clear green water. It’s very easy to get and works well. In addition, it is compact and an internal UV sterilizer small enough to fit in a fish tank or small sump.
Inside your tank, they are almost invisible, especially when you have rocks or plants in the tank to hide them. This UV sterilizer light does not do heavy sterilization but is mainly clarification.
However, you can trust it to clear up the green water in your aquarium. This UV sterilizer varies, with different power heads from 9W to 24W and more, depending on your tank size. The 9W is suitable for 50-gallon tanks, while the 24W is perfect for 120 gallons.
It allows water to flow in direct contact with the UV lamp. You need to submerse the sterilizer completely in your aquarium by attaching it to the tank wall using suction cups that come with the product. The good thing is it’s very easy to install, about 5 minutes.
This product clears up green water in a few days, and you can stop it from working after that to preserve its lifespan.
Pros:
- Very effective in clearing out green water
- Can run it internally in a fish tank
Cons:
- Only effective for green water clarification
- It can be too large for use in all-in-one aquarium chambers
Product details:
- Type: Submersible
- Wattage: 24 W
- Flow rate: 120 GPH
- Aquarium compatible: 120 gallons
- The GKM24W Internal UV System with Power Head is for aquariums up to 120 gallons. The GKM24W allows water flow in direct contact with the UV lamp, making it extremely efficient. Keep your aquarium crystal clear & reduce water changes.
- It includes the pump and takes only 5 minutes to install (no tools required). The UV lamp and pump are submersed completely in the aquarium and are attached to the inside of the aquarium with the included suction cups.
- 4″ x 4″ x 17″ long. LED signals need for a UV Bulb replacement, easy change without tools. UV bulbs lasts for 6 to 9 months, assuming constant use. Sealed UV bulb design – avoid UV housing deteriorate, fresh with every bulb change.
2. Fluval inLine UV-Clarifier
Another aquarium UV sterilizer to use in your fish tank is Fluval inLine UV-C clarifier. This product is very effective for removing bacteria and algae present in the water and also prevents green and cloudy water in aquariums.
In addition, it prevents deadly cyanobacteria growth and spread, thereby making your fish and plants safe in the tank. This offers a chemical-free way of keeping your tank clear and healthy for your fish tank.
It uses CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Light) technology which runs cooler than traditional UVC bulbs. It can also last 30,000 hours and approximately 27 years if properly maintained. You can connect the in line to the canister filter housing your tank’s Fluval filter system, mostly the 07 and 06 series.
It’s also compatible with freshwater, saltwater, and turtle aquariums. However, one problem is that the bulb could get damaged, and replacing it could be a problem. Hence, it may not last the whole 37 years.
Pros:
- Effectively removes algae and bacteria in the tank
- Prevents deadly cyanobacteria growth
- UV bulb can last 30,000 hours
- Chemical free
Cons:
- Doesn’t allow bulb replacement
- Only work with 06 and 07 Fluval filter system
Product details:
- Type: Submersible
- Wattage: NA
- Flow rate: NA
- Aquarium compatible: 100 gallons
- A chemical-free and maintenance-free way to purify water that eradicates suspended bacteria and algae in the water column that contribute to cloudy and green water, respectively
- Helps prevent the growth of cyanobacteria that often smothers and destroys aquatic plants and does not harm beneficial, surface-dwelling bacteria
- CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Light) technology runs cooler than traditional UVC bulbs to last up to 30,000 hours (3X longer)
- Quickly connects in-line to all canister filter hosing with an internal diameter of 5/8” (or 16 mm), including all Fluval 07 and 06 Series Filters, Not for use with Fluval FX Series
3. Aqua UV Advantage – Hang on the back UV sterilizer
This is a hang-on-the-back UV sterilizer for aquariums. The Aqua Ultraviolet Advantage series are created for small and sumpless tanks. They make up some of the best sterilizers in the market with top-notch quality.
They have the same quality build and larger dwell chamber. They are capable of sterilization and can do a bit of heavy sterilization but not as much as products designed for it. They’re perfect for a sumpless fish tank.
The technology disinfects water, hard surfaces, air, and opaque liquids. It uses the same germicidal rays as the sun and is purely a physical process and chemical-free; therefore, it doesn’t alter the water’s smell, pH, or taste.
This is a high-performing, compact, and budget-priced sterilizer.
Pros:
- Has a compact size
- Compatible with sumpless tanks
- Performs quality sterilization
Cons:
- Pricey
- Shorter dwell time compared to classic models
Product details:
- Type: Hang on
- Wattage: 25 W
- Flow rate: NA
- Aquarium compatible: NA
- UV is versatile technology used for disinfecting water, other opaque liquids, hard surfaces and Air.
- Using the same germicidal rays as the sun
- UV sterilization is a Purely physical process not a chemical one so it doesn’t Alter water’s Chemistry, taste, smell or ph.
4. 5W UVC aquarium clean lights
This is a submersible UV light that is effective for cleaning green water. It doesn’t require installation; you only need to place it in one of the compartments of your tank’s sump system, away from the biological filter. You shouldn’t place it directly in your display tank, or it may affect your tank.
While it may look small, it’s quite powerful. It is effective for tanks that are up to 800 gallons and suitable for freshwater and saltwater tanks. For the best effect, you should leave the sterilizer on for 2 to 4 hours daily for 2 to 5 days to get your desired result.
It has 5W, 110 voltage input, and 50 to 60Hz power. You just need to plug it in and switch the light on to start working. However, one issue with this is that the results may vary in different tanks. Therefore, while it may work well and quickly in a tank, it may be different in another aquarium.
Pros:
- It is submersible and fits most sump systems
- Effective for killing bacteria and algae
- Easy install
- Compatible with freshwater and saltwater aquarium
- Quite rigid construction
Cons:
- Plastic material
- Results may vary for different tanks, but water clarity is assured.
Product details:
- Type: Submersible
- Wattage: 5 W
- Flow rate: NA
- Aquarium compatible: 800 gallons
- 【 Application 】this water clean light help to clean the green water,such as Fish tank,swimming pool,pond, shoes,dog house clean and so on.
- 【 WARNING 】Please use the light in sump or filte r tank,please DO NOT use it in your display tank or it will hurt your fish.please read the user manual before use it.
- 【Instruction 】Provide a clean living environment for your fish,water clean light for tanks up to 800-gallons,Suitable for Freshwater and Saltwater,suggest that use the light 3-4 hours once in 2-5 days.
5. Aqua UV Classic
This product is the best available aquarium UV sterilizer and is the gold standard in the market. It has a great dwell time and is capable of heavy sterilization and on the last sterilization level. It has various models; one has 40W power and is as long as 44-inch units, which helps boost the UV light dwell time.
You need to run this with an aquarium sump or in a separate area for pond usage. They can be quite expensive, but they’re worth the money because they’re very effective. It has a wiper feature that you activate by pulling the knob.
You can use the 25W, 40W, or 80W power, depending on how much power you need, your tank size, and your pocket. Of course, they have different power grades.
Pros:
- Capable of heavy sterilization
- Very powerful and is the best
- Available in different sizes and can work in large aquariums and ponds
Cons:
- Not budget-friendly
- They’re large and best suitable for basement and fish room setups.
Product details:
- Type: Hang on
- Wattage: 80
- Flow rate: NA
- Aquarium compatible: Large aquariums and ponds
- 2 Inch Inlet and Outlet
- Comes Complete with Lamp Quartz Sleeve and Transformer
- Wiper Feature Cleans the Quartz Sleeve by Simply Pulling the Knob
- Designed for Indoor or Outdoor Use
- 38-3/4 Inch long x 3-3/4 Inch wide x 16-1/2 Inch high
6. VIP UV sterilizer aquarium filter
The VIP UV sterilizer aquarium filter is suitable for large tanks up to 80 gallons because of its strong flow rate of up to 200 gallons per hour. This UV sterilizer is compatible with saltwater aquariums and can double as a filter. Therefore, you may not need a separate UV sterilizer for your aquarium.
It helps remove water particles and kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It’s quite easy to clean with no screws to undo. You can also remove the UV lamp to replace it when needed.
The UV lamp is a 9-watt bulb that is powerful enough to kill microorganisms instantly. This sterilizer works well for aquariums that are at least a foot long and not perfect for small or shallow tanks, or it’ll be ineffective.
However, the design is bulky, so hiding it in the tank’s decor may be challenging.
Pros:
- Great flow rate and ideal for 50 to 80 gallons tank
- Easy to dismantle and clean
- Powerful 9-watt bulb for cleaning water
- An all-in-one device that doubles as a filter
- Aerates and circulates the water
- Comes with an airstone
Cons:
- Big and not compatible with small and shallow tanks
- It might mess with the tank’s decor
Product details:
- Type: Submersible
- Wattage: 9 W
- Flow rate: 200 GPH
- Aquarium compatible: 80 gallons
- Suitable for aquarium tanks up to 80-gallons (300 litres) Flow rate of 200-gallons-p/hour (800 litres-p/h)
- UV light with strong sterilization and excellent performance
- Fast acting product that creates a healthy living condition for your fish.
- BONUS 80 mm air stone to help with filtration.
- Dimensions 12″ x 3.3″ x 3.75″ @ 2.2 lbs
7. Coralife Turbo Twist UV sterilizer
The Coralife turbo twist UV sterilizer is quite popular and is readily available. It has a twist chamber which helps reduce the size, making it compact for aquariums. You need to use it with a canister filter or sump, but it can also work with smaller spaces in the filter.
It removes algae, parasites, and harmful microorganisms. In addition, it has a unique twist flow design that increases water exposure to ultraviolet light, which treats unwanted algae and microorganisms.
It’s easy to set up and install and has mounting brackets for hanging it or installing it in an aquarium. It also has an indicator light that signifies when the sterilizer is running. You can dismantle and replace the UV lamp when you need to.
Pros:
- Can accommodate different aquarium sizes
- Has a compact size
- High dwell time
- Replaceable UV lamps
- Easy to set up and install
- Has indication light
Cons:
- You might encounter a problem hooking them up in aquariums.
Product details:
- Type: Hang on or inline
- Wattage: 18 W
- Flow rate: NA
- Aquarium compatible: 250 gallons
- Removes free floating algae, parasites and harmful micro organisms from aquarium water
- Features a unique twist flow design increases water’s exposure to ultraviolet light improving the treatment of unwanted algae and microorganisms
- For fresh or saltwater applications
- Easy setup and installation, includes mounting brackets for hang-on or inline applications
- Indicator light lets you know when the sterilizer is operating
8. SunSun HW-304B External Canister Filter
This UV sterilizer is perfect for large aquariums of over 100 up to 150 gallons. It can pump 525 gallons per hour and circulate water in aquariums. Its 525 GPH flow rate and 55W power can purify your tank water and remove unwanted bacteria, algae, and microorganisms.
The canister filter uses a 5-stage filtration, removing particles and debris in the water. It will also reduce ammonia and nitrate spikes in the water. While it circulates water at a high rate, it has a low noise level, and you can hardly hear it running.
Pros:
- High flow rate
- Compact design
- Low noise rate
- Has a built-in 9-watt UV bulb
- Has a filter media
Cons:
- The instruction manual can be confusing
Product details:
- Type: Hang on
- Wattage: 9 W
- Flow rate: 525 GPH
- Aquarium compatible: 150 gallons
- Good for up to 150 gallon fish tanks
- Dimension: 11″ L X 11″ W X 17″ H
- Flow rate: 525 GPH (2000L/hr)
- Pump Power: 55W
- Built in 9 Watt UV sterilizer for controlling algae spores/bacteria and promoting clear water
9. Lifegard Aquatics UV sterilizers for aquariums
This aquarium sterilizer will help you maintain a healthy and clean aquarium. It’s compatible with ponds, freshwater, and saltwater aquariums and has a high UV efficiency. It has an operating pressure of 30 PSI and must be connected to a power source to work.
This is a hang-in product so that you can hang it at the back of your fish tank or sump.
Pros:
- High UV efficiency
- Good dwell time
Cons:
- It can be pretty large for a hang-on model
- More advanced installation
Product details:
- Type: Hang on
- Wattage: 25 W
- Flow rate: 1000 GPH
- Aquarium compatible: 2400 gallon
- PATENT-PENDING PRO-MAX UV STERILIZER: Maintain a healthy and clean aquarium environment with this Pro-Max High-Output UV sterilizer that features black 3-inch diameter housing and a flow-through design.
- REQUIRES LESS PLUMBING: Simplify how you maintain your aquarium or fish tank with this UV sterilizer that includes outlet ports and a less restrictive angled inlet for easy use.
- UV STERILIZER FOR AQUARIUMS: This UV sterilizer for fish tanks, saltwater and fresh water aquariums is equipped with a white internal reflective protective sleeve for high UV efficiency.
10. Tetra Pond GreenFree 9W UV clarifier
This UV sterilizer can work ponds up to 1,800 gallons. It has a maximum pump flow of about 900 GPH, effectively clarifying water and eliminating algae, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms.
The 9-watt UV bulb can kill unwanted bacteria it comes in contact with.
Pros:
- Effective in clarifying aquarium water
- Powerful flow rate
- Can replace bulb
Cons:
- More of a clarifier
Product details:
- Type: Hang on
- Wattage: 9 W
- Flow rate: NA
- Aquarium compatible: NA
- Also available in 5
- 18
- 36 watt.
11. SunSun Hw303B canister UV sterilizer filter
This is another SunSun UV sterilizer model, and it’s good for keeping aquariums clean and clear. It’s an all-in-one model that triples as a biological filter, mechanical filter, and UV sterilizer. It’s compatible with large tanks and up to 100-gallon aquariums.
It has a flow rate of 370 GPH, pumping 1400 liters per hour, keeping your sig well oxygenated. It has a 9-watt UV bulb that helps eliminate bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. This product comes with filter carbon, ceramic rings, filter pads, media baskets, and coarse pads, all to make the product very effective.
The built-in UV lamp enables the product to remove solid waste with the filter while killing algae, bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.
Pros:
- All-in-one filtration system
- Can hold much filter media
- Built-in UV light sterilizer
- Compatible with large aquariums
Cons:
- Sound may be annoying
Product details:
- Type: Hang on
- Wattage: 9 W
- Flow rate: 370 GPH
- Aquarium compatible: 100 gallons
- HW-303B Pro Filtration Kit, Good for up to 100 gallon aquariums
- Flow rate: 370 GPH (1400L/Hr)
- Dimension: 10.5″ L X 10.5″ W X 16″ H
- Pro Kit Includes Canister Filter w/9 Watt UV, 3 White Filter Pads, 1 Blue Coarse Pad, 3 Media Baskets
- Includes 1lb of Premium Filter Carbon, 1lb of Ceramic Rings and 1 Set of Bio Balls
12. GRECH CBG-800 UV sterilizer
This is a hang-on UV sterilizer with an adjustable 211 GPH flow rate with a surface skimmer for removing the unwanted surface film. It has a 5-watt UV sterilizer that kills algae and bacteria and is responsible for keeping your aquarium water crystal clear.
It is compatible with 20 to 50 gallons tanks and uses biological and mechanical filtration. However, using this UV sterilizer can be a little complicated. You would need to remove the whole filter basket to clean the filter, then remove the filter media.
Afterward, you need to realign them perfectly, or it may not run correctly.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Also helps with filtration
- Built-in 5-watt UV lamp
- Adjustable flow rate
- Surface skimmer available
Cons:
- Complicated design, making cleaning and maintenance complex.
Product details:
- Type: Hang on
- Wattage: 5 W
- Flow rate: 211 GPH
- Aquarium compatible: 20 to 50 gallons
- Adjustable 211gph Filter Flow Rate with Surface Skimmer to eliminate undesired surface films
- Features a 5W UV Sterilizer. Helps eliminate algae and bacteria, keeping aquarium water crystal clear
- Suitable Aquarium Tank Size: 20 to 50 Gallons
- Dimension: 9 x 5 x 7in (229 x 127.5 x 179mm)
13. Polar Aurora canister UV sterilizer filter
This canister filter and UV sterilizer are perfect for aquariums with high water pressure. It can circulate water in a 75-gallon tank and has a 265 GPH flow rate.
Asides from eliminating bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms, it removes debris and solid waste from the water surface. You should get your desired results within three days if you run the UV sterilizer for 3 to 4 hours daily.
Pros:
- Compact UV sterilizer
- Has a filter media
- Quiet operation
- 9-watt UV bulb
- Great flow rate
Cons:
- Has flimsy plastic fittings
Product details:
- Type: Hang on
- Wattage: 9 W
- Flow rate: 265 GPH
- Aquarium compatible: 75 gallons
- Canister filters for aquariums use high water pressure, from a properly powered pump, to force water through the dense filter media. A pump can draw water from an under-gravel filter, and run it into a canister for double filtration
- 3 media trays capable of handling your choice of filtration media; Comes with an adjustable spray bar. This is a helpful feature if you want to adjust the output flow from the filter
- Convenient self-priming pump that eliminates the need for manual siphoning; Single valve disconnect & priming pump ease routine maintenance
14. TAISHAN UV Sanitizer Submersible light
This is a submersible mini UV sterilizer. It is very compact and one of the smallest designs you’ll ever see. It is small and compatible with 20 to 30 gallons tanks. It goes in the filter chamber, away from your biofilter, and sterilizes effectively.
It has an inbuilt timer with which you can control how long it stays on. It uses UV-C light, which is more effective at killing microorganisms. In addition, it is easy to install and operate.
However, the light can be bad on the skin; therefore, ensure you prevent direct contact with your fish.
Pros:
- Compact and good for small aquariums
- Easy to use and position
- Inbuilt timer
- Uses UV-C light
Cons:
- Product instructions are not clear
Product details:
- Type: Submersible
- Wattage: 3 W
- Flow rate: NA
- Aquarium compatible: 20 to 30
- 🐟Strong Sterilization：Fish tank disinfection lamp can kill up to 99.99% of bacteria！UV-C disinfection works by breaking down certain chemical bonds and scrambling the structure of DNA, RNA and proteins to effectively destroy all microorganisms.
- 🐟Quick Disinfection：254nm wavelength light help to remove the green in the fish tank, pond, make it clear.Extremely efficient and time-saving in use in in 30 minutes, which can provide a clean living environment for your fish. This will be the best choice for fish lovers.
- 🐟Easy to Operate：Press the button to control the light,updated version with timer(3h,6h,12h,24h) making the whole cleaning process easier than ever. 3 Watt Mini aquarium clean light, suggest that use the light 3-4 hours once in 2-4 days.The power plug and timer should be kept away from water sources to avoid danger.
15. OXYFUL UV Ultraviolet Clarifier lamp filter
The OXYFUL UV clarifier is compatible with any aquarium filtration system. It has many adaptors and can fit in any rubber hose you want to use in connecting or installing it. This sterilizer pumps 792 gallons per hour, making it quite strong.
It has an 18-watt UV light that tackles algae, bacteria, and unwanted microorganisms in the aquarium.
Pros:
- Can work with any filtration system
- Has many adaptors and can fit different hose sizes
- High flow rate
- 18-watt UV bulb
- Improves water clarity and health.
Cons:
- It comes with O-rings that are not flexible and durable
Product details:
- Type: Hang on
- Wattage: 18 W
- Flow rate: 792 GPH
- Aquarium compatible: 6604 gallon
- STABILIZE YOUR ECOSYSTEM – Removes the toughest grime in your Saltwater Reef Tank, Freshwater Aquarium, or Pond. Simple to achieve crystal clear water by keeping Nitrate levels down
- PROTECT YOUR FISH – The High-performance UV bulb ensures professional power to keep your ecosystem clean without additional use of chemicals. Perfect for saltwater corals and invertebrates
- MAX FLOW RATE – 792 GPH 18W UV bulb. Perfect for tank or pond sizes up to 6604 gallons (25000 liters) of water
- LONG LASTING UV BULB – Life of UV bulb effective up to 1 year. UV bulb encased in a hard plastic housing where water is not exposed to any copper
How Long Should UV Sterilizers Run For?
There’s no specific rule about how long you should run your UV sterilizer. However, knowing the purpose you bought it for will help you determine that.
For example, running it for 3 to 4 days will be okay if you only need to clear green water. You can also extend or reduce it depending on the results you get. You can run it for longer days if you want to remove bacteria and pathogens from your aquarium.
How To Maintain UV Sterilizers
You need to maintain your UV sterilizer if you want it to last long. However, it doesn’t require much maintenance. Overall, you can keep it in good condition if you:
- Routinely check the impeller for possible blockage
- Clean the chamber or quartz sleeve regularly to enable maximum light penetration
- Change the UV bulb based on manufacturers’ recommendations
Conclusion
UV sterilizers are suitable for aquariums; you should get one if you can afford it. If you need help getting the best UV sterilizers for aquariums, you can always refer to this article for help.
Ensure you properly install the equipment and carry out routine maintenance so it can last long.
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