Aquarium UV Sterilisers Benefits: Why You Need a UV Steriliser for your Fish Tank

At Pond Planet, we understand the importance of keeping your fish healthy and thriving – which is why we offer our customers an impressive range of high-quality UV sterilisers. However, not everyone is fully aware of what a UV steriliser does, or the positive impact it can have on your aquarium.

With this in mind, we’ve put together an informative guide on UV sterilisers. From what a UV steriliser does to the benefits of adding one to your fish tank, read on for everything you need to know.

What does a UV steriliser do in a fish tank?

UV Sterilisers are used to control infections in your fish tank by stopping the spread of microorganisms through the water from one fish to another.

They prevent an overgrowth of bacteria, algae, and other unwanted tank pests, such as parasites.

Although a quality filtration system can help improve water quality, only a UV steriliser can work to get rid of aggressive organisms infecting your tank. Plus, it can also be used to control free-floating algae.

At Pond Planet, we have Aquarium UV Sterilisers in a range of strengths to suit all fish tanks. High-quality and highly effective, they will ensure that your fish tank’s environment is kept clean, bacteria-free, and safe for your fish!

Is a UV steriliser enough on its own?

Although highly effective at maintaining a bacteria-free environment, a UV steriliser should be used in conjunction with a proper filtration system – not in replacement of one.

For a healthy, thriving fish tank, you will need a high-quality air pump to work alongside your UV steriliser. You’ll also need a filter, whether that be an internal or external filter. You can shop both in our collection!

Are UV sterilisers good for fish?

Due to their naturally protective benefits, UV sterilisers are highly beneficial to your fish. They promote a cleaner, healthier environment and allow your fish to thrive!

Though UV sterilisers aim to rid your tank of bacteria, they will leave beneficial bacteria intact, such as bacteria that tend to reside on the gravel, stones and bottom of the tank. However, harmful bacteria that float in the open water will be eradicated. With this in mind, you needn’t worry about sterilisation removing every form of bacteria!

However, it should be noted that a UV steriliser will not be able to help fish that are already sick or infected by harmful bacteria. This is because the microorganisms are already attached to the fish and are not freely floating in the water as they were previously. Due to this, we advise that you implement a UV steriliser into your tank as a preventive measure to ensure your fish can thrive in their habitat, as opposed to trying to use it as a form of treatment.

It’s also important to manually clean your fish tank to promote the best environment possible for your fish. Thankfully, our aquarium cleaning range has everything you need, from fish nets and waste removers to cleaning pads and brushes!

How Does a UV Steriliser Work?

UV sterilisers sit outside of the tank and require a constant flow of water passing through them. They utilise a germicidal fluorescent lamp that produces light at a wavelength of approximately 254 nanometers (2537 Angstroms).

In simpler terms, the steriliser is a tube of ultraviolet light that kills single-cell organisms that pass through it. This works by altering and damaging the cell’s DNA and thereby killing it. As the light only reflects through the water, it won’t damage the healthy bacteria which we mentioned earlier sitting at the bottom of the tank.

As water passes around the UV bulb, harmful bacteria being carried by the water are eradicated.

If you fear you may have bacterial infections in your tank that a UV steriliser could not fix, fear not! We have treatments to cure the most common problems in your tank, including algae overgrowth and parasite problems. We also stock a fantastic selection of aquarium test kits which are perfect for keeping an eye on the quality of your aquarium water.

How Effective is a UV Steriliser?

There are a few factors which could affect how effective a UV light is in eliminating bacteria.

The most obvious factor is the water itself. It must be clean and not too turbulent surrounding the UV steriliser, in order to ensure that the UV can penetrate through the water to target the bacteria. To prevent these factors, the steriliser should be placed after the biological and mechanical filters, so that the water is as clear as possible when it enters the steriliser.

It is also beneficial to keep the UV light exposed to the water for as long as possible in order to extend the amount of time the UV has in contact with the bacteria. This is known as the ‘dwell time’. Extending the contact time can also be achieved by using a UV steriliser with a longer bulb, as this will further extend the length of contact the rays have with the bacteria.

What Size Steriliser Do I Need?

It may seem obvious, but for a UV steriliser to perform well in your tank, it must be the right size. At Pond Planet, we have a range of wattages available for UV sterilisers to ensure that customers with tanks of all sizes are covered.

If you choose a wattage that matches the size of your aquarium, then you can expect the steriliser to clear your tank’s water in around 4 days. Choosing a stronger UV lamp will achieve faster results, but the difference will be reflected in the price you pay, and it isn’t always necessary to get the largest wattage.

Do You Need a UV Steriliser? 

Now that you have read through our guide to all things UV sterilisers, we hope that you have all the information you need to decide on whether you need to invest in the equipment. The benefits are proven, and there is a wide variety on the market, so explore our range of UV sterilisers today and make the decision to improve your fish tank!

Looking to add the final finishing touches to your aquarium? Our aquarium decor range has something for every tank, including artificial plants, ornaments, and backgrounds, so you can keep your tank looking as bright and healthy as it feels!