Uv Filter

[dobz55]

HI GUYS , just reading some threads here what is a UV filter and how does it work and what does it do

[philolsen]

The unit uses UV light to kill parasites and control algae blooms that can not tolerate exposure. I have had one for about a year and would never go without one again. The one thing you need to know is they are rated for freshwater not salt. Salt water ratings are much lower than the fresh ratings, most 15 watt fixtures are rated for 150+ gallons but would only work on about a 90 gallon with salt.

[dobz55]

thank you,
so if I understand correctly I cannot use one on my 55 gall tank, I am new at this hobby and do not have a quarantine tank set up so was hoping I could use UV instead, as matter fact I am not even ready for fish yet tank is set and has been running for 2 weeks with 7 kg live rock am picking up a further 20 kg on sat and will then wait a week or so and risk my first fish

[greenbean36191]

A UV filter is not a replacement for quarantine procedures. They do not eliminate parasites in recirculating systems. The best they can do is lower the parasite population, and even then, that depends on the parasites having a long enough free swimming stage to pass through the filter.