While it is true that the best UV sterilizer for aquariums may not be perceived as a really necessary item that aquarium keepers have to invest in, it cannot be denied that it can provide ample perks to the overall aquarium environment.
In addition, these items are, in general, operated by a UV bulb that comes with the capability to get rid of and save your aquarium from all sorts of hazardous bacteria and other unsightly microorganisms.
Aquarium owners are insightful of the fact that a filter system is a must-have to sustain clean, safer and fresher water inside the tank. And, this could help your aquarium inhabitants to stay in the best possible condition and become more active.
If potentially harmful bacteria aren’t treated appropriately, then both freshwater and marine tanks can suffer from extreme bacteria buildup and the sprout of microorganisms that typically start from free-lingering algae.
Aside from the important buying guides and other substantial information about UV sterilizers tackled in this article; here are the most highly recommended UV sterilizers for aquariums for you to check out so as to avoid having a stressful time deciding which one possesses the required operational as well as technical features.
Best Overall
SunSun UV Sterilizer Filter Pump
✅ Easier to install |
✅ Designed with built-in pump |
✅ Vigorous ultraviolet sterilization unit |
Premium Choice
Coralife Turbo-Twist UV Sterilizers
✅ Comes with mounting brackets |
✅ Equipped with indicator light |
✅ Enhance exposure to ultraviolet light |
Editor’s Choice
GRECH UV Sterilizer
✅ Aids alleviate bacteria and algae |
✅ Adjustable 211 GPM flow rate |
✅ Includes bio media and active carbon |
Table of Contents
List of Top 4 UV Sterilizers for Aquarium
1. SunSun UV Sterilizer Filter Pump
If you are searching for a top-rated UV sterilizer for freshwater aquariums, outside ponds and marine tanks, then this option won’t fail your expectations. This is built with a dynamic 9-watt ultraviolet bulb that works efficiently in getting rid of all conceivably dangerous pathogens, bacteria and viruses present in the tank water.
This is highly acclaimed for its versatility that it allows users to set it up without any struggle. You can install it either vertically or horizontally without the need to be troubled about the tank’s current water condition. Likewise, there is no need for additional hardware which means you can set aside some pennies.
And it is a piece of cake to mount with the help of top-quality suction cups. This unit already integrates a water pump that is capable of moving roughly a total of 132 gallons of water per hour of UV light.
However, this UV sterilizer is only highly recommendable for larger aquariums. Aside from this, since it is purposely designed for larger tanks, it has the tendency to produce very strong water flow. So, if you own a smaller tank, you should avoid buying this.
- Specifically designed with built-in pump
- Known for being a vigorous ultraviolet sterilization unit
- Highly recommended for tanks that come in smaller sizes
- Can be utilized for both freshwater and marine tanks
- Easier to install either vertically or horizontally
- Not ideal of tanks that come in bigger sizes
- May produce strong flow of water
Overall, this submersible UV sterilizer is a versatile and powerful unit that you can fully trust. It is equipped with a durable filter sponge that is meant to eliminate residues prior to the water shifts closer to the ultraviolet light. This leads to combatting a plenty of harmful microorganisms present in the tank water.
Also, this is user-friendly. It won’t give you a stressful experience when mounting it. You can easily utilize the suction cups that you can link to the internal section of the tank. Whether, you prefer to mount it in a horizontal or vertical mode, you may do so.
But, this is only practical to use for larger tanks, so it is not recommended for small aquarium owners.
2. Coralife Turbo-Twist UV Sterilizers
Shopping for the top-quality UV sterilizer for reef tanks can be a pain in the neck especially for first-timers. By happy chance, this unit will guarantee a very impressive job in terms of warding off bacteria, algae and other hideous microorganisms lurking inside the tank- this is executed with the aid of this unit’s intense 18-watt ultraviolet light.
In line with this, the light is shielded with a premium quality quartz glass sleeve that offers excellent protection from water getting inside it. As you can see, this is a clear indication of its sturdiness and high-quality materials it is made of. It is a certified model to invest in if you are in search of long-standing ultraviolet sterilizer unit.
For all that, this unit especially requires a water pump to ensure its maximum performance, but you need to buy this separately. Indeed, the bulb appears to be not suitably fitted in the socket. These are just two of the minus points that you need to discover about this UV sterilizing unit.
- Equipped with indicator light that indicates when the unit is operating
- Ideal for aquariums containing 500 gallons of water
- Works adeptly in exterminating unsightly bacteria, parasites and free-lingering algae
- Can ensure enhanced exposure to ultraviolet light made possible by its twist-flow style
- Comes with mounting brackets meant for in-line or hang on usage
- Bulb seems not appropriately fitted in the socket
- Calls for a water pump yet this is not contained in the package
Over and above, if you opt for a UV sterilizer unit that is long-lasting and built with much needed durability, then you need not further your search. You can get this for a reasonable price tag and it comes with quartz packaging to ensure much-required strength. It is surprising to know that it is furnished with a highly powerful bulb yet it is sold at a cheaper cost.
By the same token, if you own a huge tank, then this is the perfect pick for you. This is also useful for marine and freshwater tank applications. It is not exhausting to set up and it is reliable when it comes to clearing your tank water with various forms of pollutants.
3. GRECH UV Sterilizer
This nano UV sterilizer is a wise purchase for any aquarium owner. It is a hang-on-back that is equipped with an ultraviolet sterilizer that is especially meant for protection against various sorts of bacteria and algae. This is built with adjustable flow and can guarantee a noise-free operation mode.
In terms of setting it up, the installation can be done in minutes. Also, it is made with a practical surface skimmer that considerably aids in getting rid of hideous surface films and in eliminating bacteria and algae that harm the lives of your aquarium occupants.
Over and above, if you have been having a tough time searching for the right solution to clear your tank water with any contaminants, then this is an awesome device that you can depend on. There is no need to waste your time, money and energy hunting down a suitable unit that can take better care of your tank if you consider this brand.
In different circumstances, this best UV sterilizer for aquariums comes with a cheap quality carbon filter. So, this could mean utilizing your own in case this breaks easily. Besides, the media basket design is slightly too tight. If these are not serious defects for you, then this won’t change the fact that it is still an admirable device to invest in.
- Designed with adjustable 211 Gallons Per Hour flow rate and furnished with surface skimmer
- One great solution to keep tank water pristine clear
- Already includes bio media and active carbon in the package
- Equipped with 5-watt ultraviolet sterilizer that aids alleviate bacteria and algae
- Highly recommended for tank size that contains 20 by up to 50 gallons of water
- Low quality carbon filter
- Too tight media basket design
Right-on, this ultraviolet sterilizer’s rate of flow is easy to adjust. Apart from this, it is admired for its compact design that enables effortless and instant setup without the need for tools and additional plumbing. In truth, this filter is highly suggested for aquarium keepers who are having a difficult time managing an aquarium that is quite susceptible to algae buildup since it is very dependable and effective at handling unsightly algae issues.
Moreover, unlike other devices available on the market nowadays, this unit is not complex to install, you can completely depend on its useful surface skimmer and it is specifically built with a multi-stage filtration mechanism that can help make the fish tank clean and free of any harmful pollutants that may harm your aquarium pets.
4. AquaUltraviolet Aquarium UV Sterilizer
This brand is a proud US product that is surely manufactured with strong and vigorous build quality that can ensure many years of reliable service and performance. Once you invest in this unit, all you need to purchase are some hose clamps and tubing in order to make it adaptable with your tank filter. And, with the appropriate ones, setting this unit up is no sweat.
If you’ll explore the aquarium UV sterilizer review, you will discover that this UV sterilizing unit does a magnificent job for reef tanks that contain about 100 gallons of water. Not only that, you could possibly utilize it for ponds as well, even though it may take a while for you to see some noticeable results.
This is well worth the money precisely because aside from its sturdy build and first-rate performance, the customer service is unrivaled. Should there be some defects in the unit you purchased, the manufacturer can offer you some warranties and they usually replace the defective parts. The process in settling matters like this is straightforward, unlike other manufacturers who make the procedure a painful process to deal with.
After all, this UV sterilizing unit is not equipped with an indicator light when it is in work mode. Also, it is slightly tricky to look for the hose size for the pump filter. If these are not major flaws for you, then this is a great device to get for your aquarium.
- Highly recommended for aquariums, water features and ponds that come in small sizes
- Topnotch build quality that makes it long-lasting
- A proud USA product that’s trusted by many aquarists around the world
- Can guarantee friendly and fast customer service experience
- Verified as an effective device to alleviate protozoa, viruses and other types of bacteria
- Doesn’t come with indicator light when operating
- Finding the hose size for the pump filter is challenging
What To Look For When Buying An UV Sterilizer For Aquarium
It is crucial to conduct a bit of informative research when it comes to the vital factors that you need to take into account when shopping for the right UV sterilizer for your aquarium. And, some of these consist of the following:
- Selecting the suitable unit for your application shall rely on the kind of aquarium you’re currently keeping and its size of course. Take note that the size of the tank identifies the amount of water flows the UV sterilizer requires to support.
Also, these units come in distinct sizes so to match different flow rates as well as the sizes of tanks.
- You can pick from the 3 primary types of UV sterilizers and these include wet bulb (non-quartz line tube), dry bulb (quartz-lined tube) and tray type.
- Some versions come in a hang-on style wherein users only need to hang it inside the tank. There is also an inline design that is meant to be connected to the primary structure of the tank and this can be submersed in water. Note that the classification pertains to the UV sterilizer’s position within the flow of water.
- Budget. It will be hard to decide if you do not have the set amount you’re willing to spend on a UV sterilizer. There are cheaper and a bit pricey ones. Before the final purchase, make sure to weigh the pros and cons first.
- Features. Various UV sterilizer brands come with unique and exclusive features for you to check out. Make certain that you meticulously review all of these and make some product comparisons.
Other Important Factors to Consider
What is an UV sterilizer? How does it work?
The UV sterilizer for aquariums refers to a filtration unit that uses an ultraviolet light bulb when getting rid of very tiny organisms that are freely hovering or lingering in the tank water.
These units are safe to use in home aquariums, swimming pools and liquid manufacturing firms. At times, they are also utilized in outside ponds to remarkably ward off the proliferation of green algae.
Parasites, bacteria, algae and viruses are the forms of microorganisms that are alleviated after undergoing the ultraviolet sterilizing unit. The use of this unit is quite paramount and advantageous in that it can effectively eradicate microorganisms and pathogens that may potentially endanger aquarium dwellers. This is, for a fact, what sets it apart from other common water filtration units.
Microscopic organisms that are known to be water-borne are exterminated by the ultraviolet lamp through modifying their cell framework. To put simply, this method is irradiation that does not have any significant effect on the fish; however, this is very stringent when it comes to unsightly bacteria and other sorts of microorganisms.
What are the different types of UV sterilizers?
There are a total of three kinds of ultraviolet sterilizers and these are:
- Tube type-dry bulb
- Tube type-wet bulb
- Tray type
It matters to note that the main distinction between the latter types is that the wet bulb is not tied up with the quartz. In line with this, if the water system is cold, then this needs to be equipped with an ultraviolet sterilizer that comes with a quartz sleeve as this helps in making a regular cleaning, and in so doing, you won’t have any difficulty replacing the bulb.
Why do you need an aquarium UV sterilizer? (Benefits)
Once you started to keep an aquarium, you have to consider the fact that there are so many tools and equipment that you need to invest in to ensure that the fish tank is properly maintained for your aquatic pets and plants to live longer.
The reason why you need to utilize a UV sterilizer is that this will play a very vital function in managing the infections by ceasing the proliferation of any sort of microorganisms in the tank water.
Not only that, this unit will also help get rid of free-lingering algae that have the potential to emerge in tank water.
Here are the stunning perks of using UV sterilizers for your aquarium:
- Helps keep the tank water pristine clear and clear of any hazardous microorganisms or bacteria.
There are times when the water inside the aquarium becomes greenish and considerably lessens its cleanliness and pristineness. This emerges because of the undesirable sprout of algae inside the aquarium. In this condition, an ultraviolet sterilizer can assist in eradicating this dusky condition and make your tank water become more transparent in a shorter period of time.
- Alleviate toxic microorganism, parasites, pathogens and other sorts of bacteria.
An ultraviolet sterilizer unit comes with the capability to destruct all potential microorganisms and bacteria such as algae buildup in the tank. It is worth noting that mechanical or bio-filtration cannot completely filter your tank from these dangerous pathogens, virus and bacteria.
However, in this condition, an ultraviolet sterilizer unit can effectively annihilate all of those toxic organisms and make your aquarium free of any of them.
- Ends the proliferation of lingering or hovering algae.
In reality, one of the most stressing concerns in terms of owning a fish tank is managing the rapid multiplication of algae. Many a time, after destroying them, they keep proliferating on the water and make it a painful experience for you to get rid of their existence on a regular basis.
This is where the importance of owning a UV sterilizer unit comes in. As you can see, the reason is quite obvious; this unit could basically halt the production of these hideous microorganisms and it can help in making your tank totally free from any possible algae accumulation in the coming days.
- It enables users to regulate free-hovering or lingering algae or to deal with the adolescent stages of impulse in your freshwater tank. A UV sterilizer unit definitely works straightforwardly and it is smooth sailing to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most trusted UV sterilizer brands?
There are limitless UV sterilizer brands for you to select from whether you shop in local stores or shop online; however, some of the most favorite brands of wise aquarium hobbyists and pros include the following:
- Aqua Ultraviolet
- AA Aquarium
- SunSun
- GRECH
- Coralife
What is the warranty?
Please be guided that different UV sterilizer brands offer distinct types of warranties. So, the type of warranty you can get will depend on the manufacturer of the brand you chose and this will often times differ with that of other brands.
Nonetheless, nearly all ultraviolet sterilizing units are backed up by warranties that will benefit consumers for a long time. In general, various types of warranties that you can come across include 30-day money back guarantee offer, a certain period of time warranty (1 month, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) and some manufacturers offer replacements in the event that consumers received defective items.
How to install and use?
Setting up the UV sterilizer unit in your aquarium is not complex at all. As a matter of fact, the installation can be a breeze to handle with a little insight into how this unit works. What matters the most is you strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when setting up this unit.
It is fundamental to ensure that you properly set up the necessary fixtures that support each other; this is to sustain a calculated distance from unfortunate incidents.
Not to mention, UV sterilizer units are not made equal. Therefore, it is imperative to check out the installation procedures and make sure that you comply accordingly to avoid malfunction issues.
To guarantee effective performance, a UV sterilizer must be placed after your mechanical or biofiltration. Additionally, the rate of flow through the ultraviolet sterilizer unit must be regulated hinged on the direction of the manufacturer.
This assures that the sterilizer unit is aiming at the microorganisms and not the residues and this must also have the appropriate amount of exposure period to exterminate the pest. Note that your selected sterilizer unit should possess easy-to-understand instructions for both installation and operation.
You can install different UV sterilizer configurations; there are those that are hung on the fish tank walls, housed within a canister filter, tucked within the tank stand or a stand-alone version. These are also ready for use in distinct models; each of them is designed to specifically aim at aquatic pests and not your budget.
Nearly all units utilize hose barb connectors that are connected to the right water pump or some are designed to enable add-on connectors as a hose barb attachment or as a PVC slip fit.
Also, by integrating an ultraviolet sterilizer unit into your amazing aquarium management skills and efficient filtration components, it will be a lot easier for you to enhance the clarity, cleanliness and health of your most precious fish tank.
Where to buy?
Top quality and efficient UV sterilizer units are not really that bothering to find. The truth is, you can consider visiting local fish or pet stores in your hometown to check out if they sell various brands of this unit. By shopping in person, you can take a careful look at the brand you’re eyeing to buy and you can personally or closely inspect it with your own two eyes.
In case you’re not the type who shops personally and you prefer a mouse click when shopping, then you may browse different online shopping sites like Amazon, eBay, Lowes, Walmart, Petco and Petsmart and other renowned shopping official websites that offer myriad of UV sterilizer options for you to check out.
How to care & store?
For most ultraviolet sterilizer units, the UV bulb will require to be replaced after a period of six months of consistent use. Nonetheless, this time may differ so be certain to adhere to the directions of the manufacturer.
Meanwhile, when setting up or replacing a bulb, it is not advised to look directly at the bulb when the UV sterilizer unit is switched on. This is because it could irritate or seriously damage your eyes.
Indeed, the quartz sleeve needs to be inspected on a monthly basis; it should be removed and tidied with the aid of rubbing alcohol. There are bigger ultraviolet sterilizers that are especially designed with wiper mechanism units and these can be set up for plain sailing maintenance.
It is most suitable to disconnect the UV sterilizer from the electricity when administering maintenance; this is to provide much needed shield against potential shock. When switched on, take in mind that the bulb gets really hot when in the air and it is more likely to break when submersed in water.
If not used, you may consider keeping it in a safe and dry storage place to reserve it for future use.
Conclusion
To sum things up, you have learned from this article that utilizing the best UV sterilizer for aquariums is a practical idea. Be that as it may, it is very imperative to take into consideration that these sterilizers also necessitate the attention of an aquarium keeper in order to ensure that they are consistently functioning properly.
See to it that you take the time necessary to mull over the available options and pick the one that best matches your requirements and style so as to come up with the most outstanding results. Otherwise, it will be inconceivable for you to enjoy the perks of a reliable and functional UV sterilizer that aids in alleviating the toxins from tank water. Needless to say, with the right unit, you can save hundreds of dollars, time and energy.
The UV sterilizer brands that are comprehensively reviewed above can help you make a well-informed decision to avoid wasting your money on inappropriate and useless units.