ULTRAVIOLET STERILIZATION

Ultraviolet sterilization can be regarded as another kind of filtration. It is done by pumping water into a cylindrical chamber that contains a high-intensity ultraviolet bulb protected by a glass sleeve. The intense ultraviolet rays shine through the water, and their wavelength actually disrupts the DNA of any microorganism passing through the chamber. The ultraviolet sterilizer does not perform any mechanical or chemical filtration but can be very useful in achieving water clarity by killing suspended bacteria and algae that cloud the water. Ultraviolet sterilizers are available in varying strengths. Stronger ultraviolet sterilizers kill more pathogens, including larger pathogens such as Ichthyophthirius multifilis (“ich,Eor white-spot disease).
For water clarification, including killing suspended green algae, the ultraviolet sterilizer is unsurpassed. Several manufacturers now offer small, aquarium –sized units.
With an ultraviolet sterilizer, you can achieve crystal Eclear water without the use of chemicals. In addition, ultraviolet sterilizers do not harm the green algae attached to the interior of the aquarium, which helps in nitrate control.
Ultraviolet sterilizer are also helpful in caring for sick fish, because they can decrease bacterial population in the aquarium and limit the spread of pathogens from one fish to another. I strongly recommend ultraviolet sterilization for clear, cleaner, healthier water.