The Best UV Sterilizers For Aquariums – That Safe For Fish

Anyone who possesses an aquarium knows how vital a filter system is for clean water and the well-being of your animals and plants.

If not treated properly, both saltwater and freshwater aquariums can encounter bacteria growth and the development of the microorganisms pushed off by free-drifting algae.

Usually, aquarium owners go for an internal filter which utilizes a mechanical cleaning framework and active charcoal. Unfortunately, these can’t evacuate all microalgae and pathogens.

This is why buying the best UV sterilizer can make a great addition to a mechanical filter in your aquariums.

What is a UV Sterilizer for Fish Tank?

The UV Sterilizer for a fish tank is a water filtration gadget that utilizes a UV light bulb to eliminate microscopic organisms that are floating freely in the water.

Bacteria, viruses, algae, and parasites are the kind of things that are eliminated after going through the UV sterilizing unit.

These UV sterilizers can be utilized in liquid manufacturing industries (think brew), on swimming pools as well as in home aquariums.

Some large water cleansing centers utilize some kind of UV disinfection on the outgoing water. These UV sterilizer units are likewise sometimes utilized in outside ponds to help control the growth of green algae and they seem to make a better than average showing in this regard.

Algae growth can be an awful nightmare for experienced and beginner aquarists alike. It is unsightly, persistent, and you most likely won’t see it until it is too late.

An aquarium UV sterilizer is an extraordinary device to control the circulation of parasites, algae, and other kinds of microorganisms.

The 7 Best UV Sterilizers to Use For Your Aquariums

Pictures	Aquarium UV Sterilizer	For Aquariums	Links
	AA GKM9W Internal UV for Aquariums	Up to 50 Gallons
	SunSun JUP-01 9W UV Sterilizer Submersible Filter Pump	Up to 75 Gallons
	AA GKM3W Clip On UV	Up to 20 Gallons
	Coralife Turbo-Twist UV Sterilizers	Up to 125, 250, 500 Gallons
	AquaUltraviolet Advantage 15-Watt Aquarium UV Sterilizer	Up to 75 Gallons
	Aqua Ultraviolet 25W UV Sterilizer for Aquarium	Up to 150 Gallons
	Jebao 36W Aquarium Koi Fish Pond UV Light Sterilizer	Up to 8000 Gallons

Aquarium UV Sterilizer Reviews

1. AA GKM9W Internal UV for Aquariums

The Green Killing Machine UV aquarium sterilizer provides you with the most ideal way to keep up your fish reef tank without using any chemicals.

This UV sterilizer offers disinfecting radiation at a wavelength of about 254 nm, operates with the use of a water pump, and can deal with aquariums up to 50 gallons.

It is a completely submersible UV sterilizer for aquariums with a powerhead in a single unit, making it versatile, easy to use, and efficient. Its great design allows water to flow easily through it in a zigzag path so as to maximize exposure to effective UV light that will eliminate any dangerous microorganisms, for example, such as molds, bacteria, yeast, and so on.

It is exceptionally powerful in clearing algae, killing off microscopic organisms and destructive parasites present in the water.

The whole system operates in aquarium water such as internal filters and is easy to install without external plumbing. Suction containers are likewise included for setting up the UV sterilizer. It also has an LED light that signals whenever there is a need for bulb replacement.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Powerhead included
• Huge amounts of UV-to-water contact.
• No need for extra hardware
• Suction cups for easy mounting

Cons

• Fairly cheap plastic

2. SunSun JUP-01 9W UV Sterilizer Submersible Filter Pump

This is an excellent UV sterilizer that is good for an assortment of smaller fish reef tanks. The SunSun is perfect for tanks up to 75 gallons. It works for freshwater, saltwater, and outside ponds as well, thus making this UV sterilizer quite a versatile option.

What we like best about this sterilizer model is that it doesn’t need any extra hardware or pumps. The unit already incorporates a water pump that transfers around 132 gallons of water for every hour of ultraviolet light. Not requiring additional hardware is likely to help save you some cash.

This model is likewise very simple to mount. It utilizes suction cups to connect to the interior part of the aquarium. In addition, it can be mounted either horizontally or vertically.

The SunSun comes with a filter sponge to wipe off debris quickly before the water moves closer to the UV light, thus wiping out as many destructive microorganisms in the water as possible. This is really a powerful and versatile UV sterilizer.

Pros

• Built-in water pump
• No additional hardware needed
• Simple to mount with the use of suction cups
• Great for small aquariums
• Works with freshwater and saltwater aquariums
• Can be mounted horizontally or vertically

Cons

• Motor tends to wear out after prolonged use
• Won’t work well for large tanks.

3. AA GKM3W Clip On UV

The AA Aquarium UV sterilizer is a totally submersible powerhead and UV sterilizer in one. Ultraviolet radiation is powerful in controlling microorganisms, molds, yeasts, and some other pathogens, thusly controlling the growth of algae.

Water flows in linear contact with the ultraviolet light, increasing its capacity to battle green water. Also, it can be hidden behind trimmings in your aquarium, reducing tubing around the vicinity of your fish tank.

The UV sterilizer unit is created to promote the free flow of water in a zigzag path, boosting the exposure to the ultraviolet light and making it incredibly productive. Pumps are also included in the UV sterilizer. It only involves straightforward 1-2-3 submersible gathering, no need for suction container mounting or external pipes.

This UV sterilizer also has an LED light that signals whenever there is any need for bulb replacement. The zigzag-design flow pattern promotes maximum-time UV sanitizing radiation at about 254nm wavelength, thus making the unit very effective. It also comes with a sponge and filtration pump.

Pros

• Excellent results
• Cleans up the tank in less than 10 hours
• Clips easily onto most waterfall filters
• Limits need for water changes

Cons

• Some units burn out rapidly
• Some reviewers complained that the filter starts making noise after 5–7 days of use

4. Coralife Turbo-Twist UV Sterilizers

This is indeed an incredible aquarium UV sterilizer to consider when looking for the best model. One of the best features of this model is that it can deal with tremendous aquariums of up to 250 gallons. Plus, it can deal with both saltwater and freshwater tanks, an extremely great feature indeed.

In addition, you can mount this UV sterilizer device by simply hanging it on the aquarium’s side, and it also has sections for in-line applications. Along these lines, if you own a pump that has a flow rate that falls between 300 and 900 gallons per hour, you can just attach the Coralife Turbo-Twist to the finishing end of the aquarium’s filtration unit so as to keep your water always clear and clean.

This UV sterilizer does an incredible job of eliminating algae, bacteria, and other organisms through use of the intense 18 watt UV light. The light is secured with a quartz glass sleeve so as to shield water from getting into it, therefore extraordinarily enhancing its durability.

This UV sterilizer device is highly durable, simple to install, and it does a hell of a job when it comes to cleaning your water. An ideal model to get if you are on the hunt for a long-lasting UV sterilizer.

Pros

• Perfect for huge tanks
• Great for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
• Highly powerful bulb
• In-line or hang-on use
• Very durable and long-lasting
• Affordable
• Quartz packaging for strength

Cons

• Needs a water pump which is not included.
• Bulb fits very loosely in the socket.

5. AquaUltraviolet Advantage 15-Watt Aquarium UV Sterilizer

Most people dislike the fact that algae can discolor the water and make it look unsanitary. Sometimes, this happens less than a day after changing the water. In this case, the AquaUltraviolet Advantage 15-Watt Aquarium UV Sterilizer might be ideal for you.

It works well in a variety of small water features, including aquariums and ponds. As such, the sterilizer can work in a 75-gallon reef tank. However, the manufacturer does not recommend using it for anything larger.

If you’d like to remove viruses, protozoa, and bacteria from the water/tank, this is the best method. However, it should be noted that good bacteria might also be killed. This will only happen if the bacteria were recently introduced to the water.

As such, the product offers a slim profile, which makes it suitable for small areas. You won’t have the light taking up all the space on top of the tank. Plus, it is lightweight, which means it won’t do any damage to the tank or water feature.

The manufacturer promises that the water will be clearer in about five days. However, it can be as fast as overnight, depending on your situation and the amount of algae in the tank.

Pros

• Suitable for smaller aquariums, ponds, water features
• More water clarity
• Little to no algae growth with regular use
• Easy set-up
• Timer included

Cons

• Designed to kill any bacteria (even good stuff)
• Seal issues; test them thoroughly

6. Aqua Ultraviolet 25W UV Sterilizer for Aquarium

If you have a larger tank, you might still want to go with a reputable brand. However, you know that you can’t go with the wrong size or the product won’t work correctly. As such, the Aqua Ultraviolet 25W UV Sterilizer for Aquariums is ideal.

It is designed for any freshwater features and tanks of up to 1,200 gallons, though it can also be used in saltwater tanks of up to 150 gallons.

As such, the product is quite small at only two inches between the outlet and the inlet. Of course, this sterilizer is 6 inches high, 20 inches long, and 3.75 inches wide.

You will also be impressed that this product has the transformer and lamp quartz sleeve already installed. As such, it is plumbed inline, making it easier to install. The design of the product is so robust that it can be used indoors and outside, as well.

This sterilizer has one of the longest lamp lives on the market. You can get up to 14 months before having to replace the bulbs. Of course, the bulbs do come with the product; it’s easy to see which bulbs you need when the time comes.

Pros

• One-year warranty
• Can reduce chlorine amounts used with this product
• Starts working instantly
• Easy installation; instructions included

Cons

• Can take up to a week to notice results
• Might need to uninstall during winter/cold months

7. Jebao 36W Aquarium Koi Fish Pond UV Light Sterilizer

People with ponds or aquariums are likely to notice green algae buildup. Sometimes, fish might also get sick because of the bacteria in the water. With the Jebao 36W Aquarium Pond/Koi UV Light Sterilizer, you no longer have to worry.

This product is designed to destroy all single-cell organisms, including water-borne viruses and bacteria. It also works well to control the algae and kill protozoa and fungi. As such, you can use this sterilizer in either saltwater or freshwater systems, as well as ponds.

Primarily, this sterilizer does work best with systems that have filtered water. As such, you can still use it regardless of the water used.

You’ll find that this ultraviolet lamp emits a ray that kills germs. However, it disrupts or alters the RNA/DNA of targeted organisms and not your prize-winning fish.

The goal of the product is to kill bacteria; it does not remove waste. You should remove any debris in the water for the best results. Therefore, it can take up to five days to notice clearer, cleaner water if the filter is installed at the same time as this product.

Pros

• Long power cord
• Vertical or horizontal mounting options
• Works quickly
• See healthier fish and cleaner water

Cons

• Shouldn’t overtighten the connections to reduce risk of leaking
• Can’t handle significant water pressure
• Slightly flimsy light clips

What is the Best UV Sterilizer Aquarium?

If you are looking for the best aquarium UV sterilizer, then the AA Aquarium Green Killing Machine Internal UV Sterilizer is really one of the best choices.

Benefits of Using a UV Sterilizer in Aquarium

The advantages of using an aquarium UV sterilizer are really clear and concise. A UV sterilizer is good for eliminating an assortment of viruses, bacteria, and other microscopic organisms that can cause water-polluting influences.

Viruses, bacterial outbreaks that can possibly affect your fish, algae blooms, and cloudy water will all be killed with the utilization of just a UV sterilizer. This results in needing to change the water less often, plus it decreases the strain on your filter as well.

You can make use of them in koi lakes to allow you to control free-drifting algae or to manage the adolescent phases of itch in your freshwater aquarium. It works quite simply and easily.

Water goes through the in-line cleaning unit, and the ultraviolet light transforms the various kind of microscopic organisms present in the water, too little to be seen. These bacteria, viruses, algae, and even parasites are rendered unfit to develop and increase further.

These UV sterilizers can be utilized as an alternative to a medication when there is a sick goldfish in your aquarium that you need to care for. It cannot really be used along with medication, as the ultraviolet light can transform medications—for example, turning chelated copper into deadly ionic copper.

Likewise, it would be preferable not to utilize this when you are initially cycling a planted freshwater aquarium, since you are making use of valuable bacteria to connect to your bio-media or gravel. The ultraviolet does not differentiate at all between good and terrible microbes.

These UV sterilizers are likewise very useful when you have corals in a reef tank which can make it difficult for you to catch and segregate ailing fish. You can utilize this kind of sterilizer to treat these reasons for shady water, secure the wellbeing of your aquarium-living pets, and enjoy clean water in your favorite aquarium over the long haul.

Furthermore, the advantages of UV sterilizer can vary depending upon the requirements of the surroundings itself. By adjusting the strength and flow rate of the UV light, you can meet various needs. For general maintenance on an already clean aquarium, you can make use of a slower rate.

If signs of microbial spread or disease appear in the reef tank, the rate and the light can be increased. This can be compared to a booster shot for counteracting ailment.

UV Sterilizer FAQs

How to choose a UV sterilizer?

As any serious fish owner would prefer to do, you need to first carry out a bit of research on what sort of UV sterilizer model would be a perfect match for your freshwater aquarium. These units come in various sizes to match distinctive tank sizes and flow rates. There are three major kinds of UV sterilizers: the tray type, the quartz-lined tube type (dry bulb), and the non-quartz line tube type (wet bulb).

You should also consider both the physical elements of your tank and the kind of fish you raising when picking the UV sterilizer style you would like to get. There is the hang-on unit which you can easily hang over the tank’s back; and likewise the inline unit which you can easily submerge and link to your main filtration framework. Both the hang-on and inline units can be gotten in most stores where pet supplies are sold.

How does a UV sterilizer work?

The cleaning procedure utilizing a high-intensity UV lamp is unquestionably far superior and considerably more effective than the typical water filtration since it eliminates pathogens or micro-organisms that may possibly harm your fish.

Water-borne microorganisms are killed by the UV lamp by altering their DNA or cell structure. In simple terms, this procedure is irradiation that doesn’t have any impact on the fish but can be rather awful to bacteria and other microorganisms.

How to install a UV sterilizer?

With a little understanding of UV sterilizers for aquariums, the installation can be very straightforward. It is always good to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the UV sterilizer. Ensure you install fixtures that supplement each other, so as to maintain a strategic distance from disasters.

How to use a UV sterilizer in a fish tank?

When you want to use a UV sterilizer in a fish tank, you need to place the UV unit last in the filtration line. You need to first filter the water in the aquarium through your mechanical filter system and after that, run the water along with the UV gadget before restoring the water back to your fish reef tank.

By first removing the solids from the aquarium water using your mechanical filter system (canister filter, and so on), you are assisting your UV unit in achieving maximum operational proficiency. The effectiveness of any aquarium UV sterilizer is ascertained by the UV light wattage, the UV bulb’s age, the flow rate, and how clean the aquarium quartz sleeve is.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using a UV sterilizer for an aquarium is an incredible idea. However, it is quite essential to keep in mind that these sterilizers require the aquarium owner’s attention so as to guarantee that they are continually working well.

Ensure that you take the time needed to inquire about your options and buy the best UV sterilizer for the fish tank if you want to get the best possible outcomes. If you do not, you might possibly end up getting a low-quality UV sterilizer model that simply doesn’t eliminate the toxins from the water. In addition, you will be saving cash in the long run by buying the appropriate unit the first time.

Ensure you do your research well on the web, check each customer’s review, and make an informed purchasing decision. You can make use of the UV sterilizers discussed above, to begin with, just be sure to get your work done to determine if it would meet your aquarium setup requirement.