Having an aquarium or deciding to get one means that you also have or need to get a filtration unit. Whether your fish tank is in your home, office or business, one or several filtration units are required to keep your tank water clean, clear and running. The filtration unit works by removing solids from the aquarium water by passing through its mechanical or canister filter. In this case, a U.V. sterilizer filter becomes necessary.
After the tank water is cleaned and cleared of any solids from the filtration unit, it passes through the U.V. sterilizer filter as the last stage of the filtration process. It is important that clean water passes through the U.V. sterilizer because it is designed to kill water-born parasites. If the tank water that passes through it is dirty or murky, it becomes less effective in doing its function. U.V. sterilizer filter stands for ultraviolet sterilization.
Aside from killing water-born bacteria, it is also designed to prevent bacteria and phytoplankton blooms in an aquarium environment. It contains a special light bulb which emits ultraviolet “C” light, the band of ultraviolet light which gives us sunburn. This ultraviolet “C” light bulb is so strong that it “sunburns” and eventually kills those pesky parasites and bacteria. A low level of bacteria is usually common and enables fish to still thrive in its aquarium environment, but when it reaches dangerously high levels, the life of the fish becomes endangered. Instead of lasting several years, a parasite or bacteria bloom shortens it to several months. This is why a U.V sterilizer filter is important.
A saltwater aquarium in particular finds a ultraviolet sterilizer filter a necessary part of its water system. Since saltwater fish is expensive, a U.V. sterilizer filter is critical in keeping the tank water clean and lengthening the life span of the fish. You wouldn’t want to spend precious dollars in exotic saltwater fish only to see them die after several months or even less because of parasites and bacteria blooms that could have been prevented or controlled. U.V. sterilizer ensures the good health and long life of your fish by keeping a clean, parasite-free tank water.
Maintenance of your U.V. sterilizer filter is a must though to keep it functioning properly. The bulb may lose its potency after a while so it’s important to change it every six months to continue its efficiency in killing those parasites and protecting the safety of your fish. The tip in purchasing a bulb is to go one or two sizes up than the recommended size. A higher wattage means more chances of destroying unwanted parasites and preventing bacteria blooms. U.V. sterilizer is measured according to the flow rate of the water system. A slower flow rate is more effective at killing parasites, bacteria and algae that harm your fish. Though always neglected, it is also important to clean the quartz sleeve. This is the housing of the bulb which tends to accumulate dust or solids. Cleaning it once in a while makes your U.V. filter function at top shape.
U.V. sterilizer is widely available in the market and online nowadays. They may be a little expensive, especially with the constant bulb replacement. The more expensive U.V. sterilizer filters are sometimes designed with a built-in wiper handle that makes cleaning easier and faster without having to take the whole unit apart. But with the benefits it offers, especially to a saltwater aquarium which needs extra care and maintenance, ensuring good health and long life for your precious fish makes U.V. sterilizer a worthy investment.