Best Value UV?

Question

Under 250 dollars. For my 55gal reef tank

I know that they are not required. I've done research, I'm just looking for someone who can recommend one based on observation or personal experience.

Answer 1

I agree with copperhead. They aren't necessary at all and I wish I did more research before I bought mine.

What they do is kill the microscopic free-floating organisms in your tank that your filter doesn't clean out. You would need a large UV to make sure all the tanks water get enough exposure time to the UV light. The one I have setup would need the water to pass through 3-4 times to kill everything, which is impossible to do. Bad research on my part.

Copperhead gave you some good links if you feel the need to buy one. I bought mine from Doctors Foster and Smith. After I purchased it, I contacted the manufacturer directly (AquaMedic) and even they said they're not really necessary.

Answer 2

Actually, these aren't 100% necessary to use. I run three marine tanks at present and don't use UV on any of them. Stores will tell you all about the "advantages" of using them in your system, but half the folks are just trying to make a sale and don't understand how these work or what they can and can't do. I answered a question about UV in saltwater tanks just a few days ago, so I'll post a link to my answer there, if you'd care to read that: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ahjq16NEtOSAW1NoZo4BRDTty6IX?qid=20070624143106AAFl8BE&show=7#profile-info-IotCDnCiaa

If you do want to use one on your system, the main things to look for are length, wattage, and flow rate for the tank size. Here are two websites that show you how to choose one that's properly sized: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1789&articleid=2855
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/AqBizSubWebIndex/bizuvs.htm If cost is a real issue for you, the second link above also has instructions for a do-it-yourself model. Just use the info on proper sizing to make one the correct size for your 55.