Week 14: Are UV Sterilizers Worth the Time, Money and Effort? | 52 Weeks of Reefing

It's Week 14 of 52 Weeks of Reefing, and this week we are going to talk UV sterilizers. We will discuss what they do and don’t do, setting realistic expectations of how they function, how to size and properly set up a sterilizer, answer some common questions, and show you the installation for the #BRS160.
UV sterilizers are probably one of the most hotly debated topics in the hobby with reefers firmly divided in their position of UV sterilizer’s effectiveness in closed systems like a reef aquarium. Sterilizers are designed to protect your fish against harmful waterborne pathogens like bacteria, protozoa and viruses. In a closed system like a fish tank these pathogens can spread quickly and easily wipe out the entire tank's population.
So where does all the hotly contested debate come from? It’s mostly from a complete misunderstanding of the expectations of what a sterilizer is going to achieve in a reef tank. The sterilizer is only designed to reduce the chances of or slow the progression of an outbreak so you have time to research and treat your fish before they are all affected.
The sterilizer is in no way even close to complete protection from an outbreak and of almost no value treating an already existing disease, algae or cyan outbreak. Once the bacteria, protozoa or virus has settled on the fish, defeated its immune system or natural resistance the sterilizer is going to do nothing to protect that fish from the progression of the disease. The UV sterilizer is simply there to reduce the chances that you ever have to deal with an issue like this and if you do give you more time to do something about it. Regardless of the side of the debate you find yourself on this is a statement that almost everyone can agree with.
There is an endless amount of zoos, public aquariums, aquaculture facilities and marine wholesalers that are in the business of protecting their fish and they use UV sterilizers precisely for this reason: To protect the fish and keep them healthy. These are industries where losing animals just isn't an option and survivability equals profitability. The Emperor Aquatics brand of sterilizers in particular is popular in these in critical industries.

[@pewheretic7967]

Yet another huge + about this whole series is I'll be able to determine exactly how much the tank will end up costing in the real world. When someone else spends their money to back up their theory, and then we get to witness the results to prove/disprove that theory, then it reduces my monetary guess work. So far, the overall cost is VERY low compared to what I've been spending on initial start-ups. Great job guys. I like the speed you're presenting the build and the options you present. You're not just in it to motivate us to buy more of your stuff, you're honestly educating us on the real-world startup on a great new tank. Awesome.

[@johnkenny2403]

Great series of shows. No excuses for new or novice reefers to make silly mistakes after watching. Keep up the great work.

[@ChrisLocke1969]

another excellent, incredibly informative and honest video... you guys rock, thank you!

[@skzion2]

This video is from long ago, but it leads me to a question: aquariums use UV, but they all use ozone. But your don't think much of it. In an ozone reactor, there can be lots of contact time, and ozone can sterilize pretty effectively. But ozone also clarifies water and breaks apart complex organic molecules into molecules that are easier to filter (or skim) out, regardless of skimmer output volume. Why *not* use ozone?

[@willshunting]

With the utmost respect, the comments made in this post might be correct for tanks measured in increments of 100's of gallons but smaller tanks are entirely different. I have a 50 gallon tank and struggled with algae, cloudy water and the odd parasite problem (flukes) for years. Upon installing a Eheim Reeflex every thing changed for the better and it's never looked back.

[@thepenetrator2006]

Wow the green killing machine is a cheap uv and on start up of a tank after the brown diatoms i got green algae bloom the green killing machine cleared it in 2 days so the cheaper ones do work !

[@DanielFernandes-sy9if]

Great video Ryan can't wait to see that tank finished

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

great video. Now that Neptune is coming out with a water flow metering valve life will be much easier managing those UV sterilizers. .

[@maximuscr1]

Wow excellent tutorial... I've seen all the tutorials and I learned a lot, I hope to visit sometime I see from Costa Rica.

[@dannybski9620]

Thanks for pointing out a proper quarantine cycle. I am of the belief that UV is a nice to have but nothing replaces a proper QT cycle of up to 3 months to rule out any parasites like ICH.

[@dasuw8285]

These videos are the best on the web! Will you guys be doing an episode on lighting for the brs 160??

[@jkvpgmail286]

Great video! I have a 75 gallon saltwater tank. Would you recommend me to use the Coralife Turbo Twist UV sterilizer of 16 watt ("said to treat up to 250 gallons") or should i buy the 36 watt size ("said to treat up tp 500 gallons"). Also what gph rate should i use for the powerhead?

[@samiam9059]

Great video, as always these are indiscriminate killers. Meaning no matter what goes in there the reactions are anything from dna changes to die off of organic life. But the benefit clearly out ways the drawback of not using. Get one! Also watch medications as their directions on some chemicals are dire if they go through the U/V to the tank.

[@shirazsaleem4067]

「明確なメッセージ、明確な構造、理解しやすい、ありがとう」、

[@TheGustaw007]

Amazing video and series. How long should the uv light be on 24/7? Thanks for the videos. :)

[@sugershakify]

UV's with built in wipers have them for a reason. They do not work, but you do need to remove and clean the crystal sleeve every 3-4 months and replace the bulb every 6-12 months.

[@pandabear7894]

Setting up a new tank, 75 gallon display and 55 gallon refugium. When should the UV sterilizer be utilized? I would like to add copepods also but not sure if the pods should be added after the tank cycle, and before the UV sterilizer is turned on or wait till the uv sterilizer has been running for a while after the tank cycle. I've heard that the UV sterilizer can kill the copepod larvae that float in the water column. I'll be using a LifeGard 40 watt UV sterilizer plumb as a recirculating off the return pump back into the sump before the refugium.

[@mypetscatsandfishes4535]

Very Frank information for us! Great!

[@matthewtrumbore2483]

iv had 3 brand new turbo twist rust out big time the reflective stainless steel coating is faulty & when i spoke to customer service of manufacturers they new tryed to say was minerals. but when i seid i worked with stainless & aluminium for 15yrs just seid sorry sent a 2 new units & told me to keep others for parts 1 was a 15watt 1 a 9watt new 1s rusted in under 4 months i say dont blow ur money on a gimmick & take BRS advice & buy a real 1 IMO.

[@alrof33]

Great video as always! Keep up the good work guys! I know it takes to much effort to make those videos and I can tell most of us really appreciate it. One question, How long did you guys wait to install the UV after you cycle the tank? It was only one week or will you turn it on later?

[@chrisnwilm]

Love your videos!

[@Lee-rh8xb]

do u have any videos of the plumbing from tank to the sum and any tips

[@jorgeelizalde78]

my question is because if you open the ball valve on the uv , then there is no water going up into the return? how do you manage the flow ?

[@jandaOOmana]

Can i lay down this UV Sterilizer and will work normally?

[@firebirdude2]

Great video! While we're talking about suspended microfauna etc, what's your guys stance on filter socks? I see you used them on this tank. I'd heard many arguments against this stating they trap the migration of pods, etc. Thoughts?

[@kstailey56]

Would you recommend running this and all other Mechanical and Biological Filtration during the "Set-Up and Maturation" period of a new tank? Uh - Never mind - you answered this later in your Tutorial - Thanks.

[@tentyme1]

is there any problem moving this from tank to tank since it seems pretty easy enough to do. Lets say ex. a 2 month rotation between 3 different tanks as a precautionary then change the bulb every year. I've never owned one and currently don't have any issues with my freshwater tanks. Just would like to have a little extra care. I thought 4 months a year running on each tank would help with quality of water better than none at all. I just didn't know if there was any kind of contamination issue would happen even though it should kill off what ever might have moved over. Thank you for the help with the question.

[@jorgeelizalde78]

Hi Guys. Can you please explain the in and out of the UV ? it looks like it comes from the manifold and goes to the filter sock???

[@kerriehilton7659]

I don’t know if you’ll see this or not? Though what size UV should you use for an 20ft x 10ft shark tank?

[@BRStv]

I would suggest reaching out to Pentair as that size tank is much much larger than we have experience with. Pentair works with public aquariums and will likely be able to help answer that question.

[@kerriehilton7659]

@@BRStv thank you so much for your replying, will message them 😊

[@truthdecay8613]

I'm planning on setting up a 70 gal reef tank after watching your videos, unfortunately I had my tank built to fresh water specs so no holes😨...below is a list of what I have, any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. Fluval FX6 Hydra stream 3 Eheim StreamON 3800 Powerhead Eheim 400 air pump x2 Tunze 9904 (on either side) x2 wave makers. thanks again.

[@amin__2014]

great video! I have a bio pellet reactor and zeovit as well should I eliminate them if I run my uv ?

[@brodieward8560]

Just installed an emperor aquatics 40 watt on my tank, and wow. Will never go back

[@sbaldwin1984]

I bought a large frag and it had some bubble algae on it ,didn't want it to spread. any good ideas ?

[@MrOhthatiswhackk]

One topic that I was hoping would be addressed are the UV sterilizers that come built in to canister filters. Are these worth running or just a waste of electricity?

[@MrOhthatiswhackk]

+BulkReefSupplyCom : Thanks for the reply. Its a SunSun HW-304B and its being used with a 75g tank.

[@brandonmeade8999]

Ryan could you put a diagram on here please of where to install a uv within the sump area and where to plumb it from

[@bluecollaraquatics5268]

What’s a good protein skimmer for an aqueon model 3 sump? Center chamber?

[@glendaslinger5386]

We are having problems getting the water to come out of the top tube do you have any suggestions on how to fix this problem with our Green killing machine internal uv sterilizer?

[@cheseenlo]

i got a UV sterilizer recently and my sps started to die, and my skimmer goes crazy when i have it on. i turned off the UV and my Sps stopped STN and making a come back. also noticed that the colors of my sps were turning on the pale side. any idea what the reasoning behind it ? someone told me that UV kills even the good bacteria.

[@mattmelega2074]

Anyone have an idea of a uv sterilizer that will fit in a fluval evo 13.5? Just got a coralife one and even that is too long, so I just have the bulb running in the middle chamber in back with nothing else in that chamber for now, until a better idea comes along.

[@uzioozemasterfresh3931]

How often should you change the uv bulb / uv sterilizer

[@kalesmith4]

I didn't notice in the video anything about how long the bulbs last. any idea?

[@johnbarr8319]

hi Ryan great channel , I was thinking about getting a uv sterlizer in my 140gal cleair tank but the problem I have is that my skimmer is in the same chamber as the return pump ? any suggestions mate !!

[@alijaber8260]

I have a big 80watt emperor aquatic Sterilizer from a tank shut down would I be able to run it on my 4ft tank?

[@meticulousdiva2725]

Good Morning. I have a 55 Gallon Freshwater Aquarium. Attached to my aquarium are: (2) Marineland Emperor 400 Pro Series Bio-wheel Power Filters - Up to 80 gallon (1) Marineland Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter (ML90770) I'm interested in purchasing the Smart UV 40 Watt Sterilizer - Pentair Aquatics. Questions: (1) Can I use and attach this sterilizer to my aquarium without purchasing a canister filter? (2) Is the 40 watt sterilizer the correct wattage for my 55 Gallon Aquarium, or is it too much? (3) What additional equipment do I need to purchase for this sterilizer? (PLEASE LIST ALL) (4) What additional supplies is needed for maintenance? (PLEASE LIST ALL) (5) Is there an option to purchase an extended warranty?

[@saul831]

Are you guys thinking of doing anything with ozone?

[@firebirdude2]

You mentioned they have little/no effect on pods, but what about phytoplankton?

[@rudyb3194]

I have never used a UV. I spoke to a couple of people who use a self contained UV with its own pump. Are they any good for a 150g tank? I am not sure what they are rated for.

[@sbaldwin1984]

I have a 29 gallon bio cube , what kind of sterilizer should I run ?

[@mallo_man95]

is a uv sterilizer good to get rid of a bacteria bloom / cloudy water ?

[@AsrafulIslam-qi3is]

good, but not so good for me. because in our country I never found this kinds of things for aquarium. but good and helpful.... tanks.

[@truthdecay8613]

What are your views on the Ocean Free Hydra Stream 3 Inline Filter ?

[@mikeotren6741]

guys - what is your view of the Hyrda Stream? Would love a review.

[@stonedmegatron3459]

Awesome information seems to be a trend with this company and community. Ryan when will we see a new video on the evil twin DRAMATIC PAUSE... Ozone, being that most hobbyists will confuse the the two? You have all that new state of the art testing equpment (^_^) Side note: I find myself waiting to see new BRS video as if it was Game of thrones. lol Keep it up.

[@samiam9059]

Reef octopus has a really nice ozone reactor to keep residual ozone from entering back into the tank(also use charcoal) . BUT it is so expensive and with all the other needed parts you makes it not even economical unless you have a really big fish only tank.

[@robertskanchy5556]

Stoned Megatron b

[@briancormier6144]

If I use the 5 in on my 500 gallon will it be effective?

[@serenabowman2214]

hi I have a 40 gallon marine tank and just bought a new uv sterilizer it does 4500 l/h and does up to 500 litres is that to much for a 40 gallon?

[@twinturbo111]

can you use a UV with a system using biopellets?

[@johanngarcia7290]

thanksssss for sharing !!!!!!

[@truthbtold5690]

are there any reef stores online that ship live fish/coral internationally? would appreciate if you could point me in the right direction.

[@MoneyMarcMes]

How come Bulk Reef Supply doesn't carry Aqua Ultraviolet where Aqua UV are designed for higher flow rates than Emporer Aquatics UV's??? What makes Emporer Aquatics UV's better than Aqua UV? What is build quality of the Emporer Aquatics???

[@redking1831]

does that chart include sump and tank? or just tank?

[@BRStv]

This includes total water volume (sump + tank)

[@drew1841]

at 10:30, what type of light is on that tank? Thank you.

[@shivakumar-uh3kr]

I have 30 gallon tank,and i have a less space to fit a big uv sterilizer.can i use 11w uv sterilizer for it?

[@shivakumar-uh3kr]

@@BRStv thanks for info and support

[@stxe34]

do you still use this on the 160?

[@cheekeongng4608]

Newbie Question: Just curious are there any downside for using an Uv. Will it kill off or reduce the amount of good bacteria in the tank since the water borne bacteria will pass through the uv too. I am also concerned will it kill off copepods amphipods if it get through it?

[@cheekeongng4608]

BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks for the advice!

[@DJAYCAVENAYOFFICIAL]

can you use uv all the time 24/7 or is it a once a week for an hour kinda thing

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

You could probably just run it during the day (or night) to save on power and bulbs. The harmful bacteria/viruses won't multiply quick enough during one day to be an issue

[@epicnas12342]

tanks looking cleaannn 👌

[@stateniland]

Hello.. question about my UV Sterilizer (SmartUV 18Watt) How to hook it up? I have a 75G freshwater..Its a new tank with new Aquaclear 110 filter.. Can you suggest the best instal procedure? Thanks Joe

[@stateniland]

+BulkReefSupplyCom No I have a Aquaclear 110

[@Jeff-ik9zj]

Can you use one that's made for ponds?

[@BRStv]

We'd suggest making sure that you use a sterilizer that is designed to hold up against saltwater. Given that it's so corrosive, rust can become an issue in some budget UV sterilizers.

[@ParsonsPre]

what about UV bulbs mixed in with cool/warm leds in the overhead light display?

[@ParsonsPre]

+BulkReefSupplyCom either one..seems like if you had uv leds or fluorescent going at night as moonlight it would be effective? but uv equals algae growth i bet

[@ParsonsPre]

+BulkReefSupplyCom hey thanks I look forward to each new video of you guys keep them coming..

[@82hypnotoad]

Will it affect macro algae in my fuge?

[@82hypnotoad]

+BulkReefSupplyCom thanks man you're the best 🍻

[@painfulpee5789]

Why are protein skimmers so expensive?

[@BRStv]

Acrylic isn't cheap and molding acrylic to the unique shapes that skimmers have is time consuming as well. Not to mention the higher quality DC pump that most "brand name" skimmer companies use.

[@painfulpee5789]

@@BRStv thanks for explaining! I want a protein skimmer so water changes are done less often or even none, but when I saw the prices I was kind of scared to buy them.

[@edwin527]

Is it sad that i know Ryan’s 160 introduction by heart?

[@reeree7425]

do I HAVE to have a UV steriliser, if I don't is it bad?

[@merrittmcdowell2460]

so my 18w turbo twist is no good for my 180?

[@samiam9059]

It is but slow the rate of flow to 150. Not a lot of water per hour but still better than no sterilizer. They don't work no matter how large they are if the flow is too high. Your small unit is undersized for that aquarium but will still work on a lower , slower lever.

[@merrittmcdowell2460]

It says its rated for 250g

[@samiam9059]

It does work with a slow flow. The augment is does it keep up with a large tank. I use a 25 watt unit on my 180 reef and of course most would say not large enough. For me it is a compromise because it takes out some good as well as bad. I don't want to go overboard for that reason.

[@merrittmcdowell2460]

Its all good thanks for the info

[@NYCityCichlids]

I like

[@Nathan-wn5mc]

So we can achieve the same results and then some with a carbon reactor.

[@sbaldwin1984]

I kinda freaked out , I bought a crab over the weekend ....little cheaper ☺

[@NMW80]

wouldn't it kill the good bacteria too?it would kill the bio filter yeah?be good for a hossy tank I guess

[@NMW80]

ok thanks :)

[@theavreefguy3777]

I inherited a tank just to find that the uv srerilizers psu literally exploded😂

[@davidmorris6439]

2:51 Who's the boss now?

[@davidmorris6439]

lol The guy was sitting in the office working and then after he gets sick, she takes over his office. Sorry it was funny to me.

[@Krispykashew]

Go Hawks! lol

[@youngjaeji]

Excellent video. I love this. BTW what is the name of parasite around 11:25 play time? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3jRlIejj9aCf7c I think I found some in my fish tank. I don't know how to treat them. Please advise.

[@youngjaeji]

Thank you! I appreciated for clarification.

[@cjschmitt4882]

I'm not sure why you have to pose an argument for duh!?!?!?

[@bane1607]

when i came here it had 666 views. what is this a sign of?

[@bahtishenbektesh872]

Neeeerd aleeeeert

[@squalllaw8830]

Very useful video as always! I have been reserching about the UV thing recently and I find it really a deep knowledge since there are so many factors affecting the effectiveness. I found some UV products in the market which have no housing and just a UV pipe that can be put into the sump directly. Would it be a better option instead of the one you suggested? The reason is that when I put the UV pipe in the last chamber of the sump, all the water have to pass through it and it makes a full circulation. Also, if this idea works, is it safe when I look at the UV pipe through the glass or should I put some cover on it(UVC doesn't pass through general glass)? PRODUCT LIKE THIS - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZm4mqKCjtBrZs0

[@squalllaw8830]

thanks for reply and really looking forward for it XD

[@chrisphillips380]

I'm sorry but the science in this video is totally inaccurate. As a reefer and an outdoor koi hobiest,. The amount of water vs flow is wrong. Low flow to a 14" long and 2" wide koi uv staralizer has the same effect as these units. You can use a $100 unit for ponds and has the same effect for much less money. I love BRS and this video is awesome but, there is a more economical method with the same results.

[@ldballoon4]

Nope, I will not use one. Maybe, in a hospital tank( with a confirmed disease present)- if that. "you mean 2 or three foot pipe" not inches. These bad boys are better left off for available sump space- which most reefer do not have. To summarize: U.V. sterilizers are proactive OVERKILL for the Saltwater aquarist, leave the sterilizer for the big boy tanks, > 500 gallons with rare specimens.( source needed).

[@raeesusman2026]

If you're running your UV off your return and you have a refugium, won't copepods and amphipods have a good chance to go through the UV and kill them?