Keeping a fish tank and maintaining the ecosystem is one of the most rewarding experiences.
An essential part of this maintenance requires keeping the growth of algae, parasites, and viruses at bay. Besides, no one would appreciate all your aqua-scaping efforts if they could not see it behind the ugly green tint.
If your tank regularly experiences an algae bloom, you need an aquarium UV sterilizer unit.
We have brought you a list of the best aquarium UV sterilizers to keep your tank healthy and looking good.
How We Chose the Best UV Sterilizers
We started by deciding our overall budget. For UV sterilizers, the lower limit of our budget was 30 dollars, and the upper limit was 100 dollars. Then, we selected all the aquarium UV sterilizers within that budget range.
At the lower end, we were looking for a small tank sterilizer with a low-wattage bulb that does its job perfectly. At the highest budget, we were looking for the best value for money for large tank and pond sterilizers. Finally, at the mid-budget, we were looking for sterilizers that could be used in the mid to large-sized tanks with a decently powered UV light bulb.
We also considered other features, such as water pumps and filters. Finally, we looked at customer reviews and selected 5 of the top aquarium UV sterilizers based on the overall feedback of the users. We ensured that in each category, we picked only the ones that had customers fully satisfied. This also meant we had to drop some well-known names, such as the AA aquarium green killing machine.
5 Best UV Sterilizers
1. Flexzion UV Sterilizer Light
What We Like
- Best premium option for large tanks and small ponds.
- It can be installed vertically and horizontally.
- If installed after the filter, it takes only 3 to 5 days to clear the water.
What You Should Know
- For best results, ensure that you install it after the filter.
- It is a little tricky to install.
At around 55 Watts, the Flexzion UV sterilizer light is the most powerful one we will review. It is ideal for those with large tanks or a small pond looking for a sterilizer on a budget. UV sterilizers for small ponds can easily set you back a couple of hundred dollars, but you can find Felxzion at the top of our price range. At this price, it delivers stellar value.
It is sufficient to clean algae blooms in small ponds and large tanks. However, it is overkill for medium and small tanks as you can get a UV sterilizer for those at less than half its price. You should note that Flexzion also offers less-powered sterilizers in a cheaper range for small and medium aquariums, but those didn't make it through our selection process.
This UV sterilizer is made of plastic, which has helped keep the price down. It is a good quality ABS and UV-resistant plastic, so you do not have to worry about durability. One of the best things about Flexzion is that you can install it vertically and horizontally. So, whether you have a wide or tall aquarium, you will find that the sterilizer will do its job perfectly.
For best results, ensure that you install the sterilizer after the filter. If you have full-blown algae bloom and installed the sterilizer after the filter, it will take 3 to 5 days to clear the water. You can install the sterilizer after the filter. However, it will make it less efficient, and you can expect the water to clear in 7 to 10 days.
2. GRECH CBG-500
What We Like
- Complete sterilization and filtration unit for small and large tanks.
- Offers mechanical as well as biological filtration.
- It is extremely quiet when installed properly.
- Features a controllable surface skimmer.
What You Should Know
- It can make some noise if not installed correctly. Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this.
Grech CBG 500 is a complete sterilization and filtration unit for small and medium tanks and offers biological and mechanical filtration.
It is a 5-watt unit, so it may pack less power than others in this list, but it does the job efficiently. The unit features a 'hang on back' installation style, making it super convenient to use and install. It is so simple to install that most users have it up and running after 5 minutes of unboxing. One of the best things about this UV sterilizer is that it is extremely quiet when set up correctly. With all the background noise in your home, you will not even notice it running.
The Grech CBG 500 lets you control the water flow according to your need. For example, if you want to increase the dwell time, you can decrease the water flow rate and vice versa. We love that you do not have to buy filters separately when you buy this sterilizer. It has active carbon and bio medium to chemically deal with harmful pathogens and bacteria. This is why although it has a 5-watt UV light, it is efficient. As an add-on, this sterilizer also features a controllable surface skimmer which lets you reduce the surface oil from your aquarium tank.
While this UV sterilizer is extremely quiet, it may make some noise if not installed correctly. However, luckily for you, there is a quick fix if your unit makes noises. Start by unplugging the unit, emptying the pump into the tank, and removing the bottom portion to reveal the light and impeller. Now connect the power, and you will notice the impeller bouncing side to side while spinning. All you have to do is to touch your finger on the top of the metal post and try to center the impeller, after which it will stop making any noise.
3. Coralife BioCube
What We Like
- The best option for coral-life aquariums.
- Trusted brand name with easy availability of replacement parts.
- Compact size with a sleek design.
What You Should Know
- The UV bulb dies after three months of use.
Coralife BioCube is another 5-watt UV sterilizer suitable for small and medium tanks. The best thing about coral life is that its products are widely available, and you will have no issues getting replacement parts such as UV lights. In addition, its low voltage ballast that includes a 5-watt bulb aids in eliminating free-flowing algae, harmful bacteria, and harmful parasites.
The Coralife BioCube sterilizer is designed for coral life aquariums. This sterilizer may be best if you already have a Coralife small or medium aquarium. However, you can still install this sterilizer in other aquariums. It comes with adapters that let you connect with most aquariums out there.
One of the best things about this sterilizer is its compact size. It can first perfectly into small and medium aquariums without taking up much space. Its sleek design also looks good in most aquariums. The only drawback with the coral life bio cube aquarium is that its UV bulb dies quickly. User reviews tell us that the average bulb life is three months. It is a good thing, though, that replacement bulbs are readily available.
4. Coralife Turbo-Twist
What We Like
- The best sterilizer for large tanks and ponds.
- Suitable for saltwater and freshwater tanks.
- The turbo twist mechanism means that water clears faster, and the unit is energy efficient.
- Comes with mounting brackets for hanging on or in-line applications.
- Easy to install.
What You Should Know
- You need a hefty pump to pair with this sterilizer.
Corallife Turbo-Twist is the best UV sterilizer for large tanks and ponds. At around 18 watts of maximum power output, why is that so? The answer to this is its unique turbo twist mechanism. It features a unique twist flow mechanism that increases the water's exposure to UV light, which improves the treatment of unwanted algae and microorganisms. This means you save time and energy bills using this sterilizer for large tanks and ponds.
We love that while it has sophisticated mechanisms that save our energy bill and time, it is easy to install. It also comes with mounting brackets for hang-on or as an in-line UV sterilizer. You should not need outside help to install this sterilizer. However, you might have to figure out some bits and pieces before you can successfully install it.
You should note that you need a hefty pump with this sterilizer. Using a weak pump will create bottlenecks, and the sterilizer may need to work to its maximum capabilities.
5. SunSun JUP-01
What We Like
- One of the best budget options for those who have medium to large tanks.
- It has a built-in pump.
- It is effortless to install.
- It can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
What You Should Know
- The pump might exert extra pressure and stress small fish.
Those with a medium to a large aquarium and a tight budget will find this SunSun sterilizer a godsend. This sterilizer is suitable for up to 75 gallons of water, so you can easily use it on some large aquariums. In addition, it features a 9-watt UV light ideal for eliminating bacteria, pathogens, and algae growth.
We love that this sterilizer is compact and extremely easy to install. You do not need any additional tubing to install this sterilizer. The sterilizer has a built-in pump that directs waterborne organisms past the UV clamp. This means that you save up money on the circulation pump as well.
We also love that you can install this sterilizer vertically or horizontally. So, whether you have a tall or wide fish tank, you can easily use this sterilizer. If you think that its built-in pump is weak, you are mistaken. This device expels water with a significant force which could stress small fish in the long run. We recommend this sterilizer if you have some large fish along with the small ones or if you are rocking a dense aquatic jungle.
Why Do You Need an Aquarium UV Sterilizer
With time, parasites, viruses, algae, and other microorganisms start to grow in the tank even though your tank might be fitted with a filtration system. Algae bloom, in particular, destroys the overall look of your aquarium.
However, there are other reasons you need to eliminate Algae bloom. As algae start growing, it starts using up oxygen in your tank, so less and less is available for your fish, which could kill them.
UV sterilizer units kill these pathogens, viruses, and algae. It works by emitting a wavelength that mutates their DNA and makes them unable to reproduce, thereby limiting the growth and spread of these infections.
You should note that while the UV sterilizer will kill any free-floating parasite or bacteria in your home aquarium, it will not affect the pathogens attached to your fish.
How to Buy the Best Aquarium UV Sterilizer
Determine tank capacity:
While this might seem like a no-brainer, many people forget that the aquarium UV sterilizer they will buy depends on their tank's capacity. Some new aquarium owners are unaware of their tank's capacity and hence make up the wrong choices for them.
You would not want to buy a high-power sterilizer for a small tank as it can cause serious problems for your aquatic pets. You also would not want to buy a low-power sterilizer for a large fish tank because it would be inadequate.
All aquarium sterilizers indicate their suitability according to the fish tank size. Refer to these and choose according to the capacity of your aquarium.
Set your budget:
After you are sure about the tank capacity of your aquarium, decide on the amount of money you are willing to spend on aquarium UV sterilizers. Although spending more does not always mean getting a better deal, it does make a difference in most cases.
You should expect to spend at least 30 dollars if you have a small or medium aquarium. You should expect to spend more than 60 dollars, for large aquariums, with some going as high as 100 dollars. However, you should avoid breaking the bank and going overboard by buying an aquarium UV sterilizer that costs several hundred bucks.
Consider UV light wattage:
One of the most important considerations is UV light wattage. This depends on the size of your aquarium and its algae bloom. Suppose your aquarium is medium-sized but experiences algae bloom regularly. In that case, you are better off buying a sterilizer with at least 9 watts of UV light.
You should note that a UV sterilizer with lesser wattage will still do its job but will take longer.
Similarly, suppose you do not experience a lot of algae bloom, and the water only has the slightest tint of green. In that case, there is no need to go overboard. On the other hand, if you have a large fish tank or a pond, you should check out sterilizers with high-wattage bulbs, such as the Flexzion, which features a 55 watts aquarium UV light.
Conder UV sterilizer's material:
It would help if you gave special consideration to the overall material of UV sterilizers. Most UV sterilizers available within the 100-dollar range have a plastic casing.
However, UV light disintegrates plastic over time. So you need to ensure that the material has UV protection. Ensure that the plastic used in the aquarium is ABS plastic and resistant to UV light. Otherwise, it will break down and pose a health hazard to your pets.
Consider the UV sterilizer's dwell time and flow rate:
Dwell time and flow rates are two important factors before buying aquarium sterilizers. However, sometimes these are given—more importance than they merit.
Dwell time is the time water molecules spend inside the sterilizer chamber, and flow rate is the rate at which water flows in and out of the chamber. So, dwell time and flow rates are inversely proportional to each other.
You should ensure that the sterilizer has a dwell time of at least two seconds. Suppose additional dwell time comes at the cost of UV bulb wattage. In that case, we recommend prioritizing UV light power over dwell time.
Consider UV sterilizer installation:
UV sterilizers vary when it comes to their installation. Some are very easy to install, while others might require proper plumbing tools. If you are buying a small or medium tank sterilizer, consider the ease of installation. However, large tank and pond sterilizers will always be challenging to install.
Check if it comes with additional features:
Check if the UV sterilizer comes with additional features and try to get the best value for your money. Considering all the factors above, look for features such as a water pump and filter.
A canister filter system typically comes as a complete package, and if you are a beginner and have a small to medium size tank, you would be better off buying those sterilizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have many questions about aquarium UV sterilizers but don't know who to ask.
We've answered the most frequently asked questions about aquarium UV sterilizers below. This will help you decide if a sterilizer is right for your tank.
What is the best UV sterilizer for a fish tank?
A good UV sterilizer for a fish tank is one with a high wattage and flow rate to effectively kill harmful bacteria and algae. Look for a sterilizer that can treat the full volume of your tank's water in 1-2 passes for the best results.
Are aquarium UV sterilizers worth it?
Aquarium UV sterilizers can be worth it for managing algae growth and harmful bacteria in fish tanks. Still, regular water changes and filtration may be sufficient for smaller aquariums or those with limited budgets.
Which is better, an aquarium UV clarifier or a sterilizer?
A UV clarifier is better at removing algae and keeping water clear. In contrast, a UV sterilizer kills harmful bacteria and pathogens. For most aquariums, a UV clarifier is sufficient. Still, a sterilizer may be needed if fish have weakened immune systems or are in a reef tank.
What size UV sterilizer do I need for my aquarium?
For an aquarium, you will want a UV sterilizer with a wattage of at least 5 watts per 10 gallons of tank volume. So, for example, a 50-gallon tank would require a minimum of a 25-watt UV sterilizer.
Is there a downside to UV sterilizers?
Yes, there are downsides to aquarium UV sterilizers. While they help control algae growth and kill harmful bacteria, UV sterilizers can be expensive, require replacement bulbs, and do not filter out larger particles that can damage the sterilizer.
What Option of Aquarium UV Sterilizer is Best for You?
To sum it up, picking the best aquarium UV sterilizer for your home will depend on various factors. You'll want to take into consideration the size of your tank, the fish you keep, and any other features that are important to you. You may also want to read reviews before making your final decision. And once you find the right product, always use it as directed by the manufacturer to get optimal results.
With so many great options, finding an aquarium UV sterilizer perfect for your home doesn't have to be overwhelming. Doing some research beforehand can help ensure your fishes remain healthy and happy.
Thanks for reading!
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