Is UV worth it?

UV has always been under "the do I really need it" section in my book but the whole algae thing has me considering getting one. One of the touted benefits of UV is killing free floating algae spores. My hair algae sheds so I am guessing it would be helpful to kill off the free floating stuff. Do you think it would be worth it?

 

HI covey, I think uv is definitely worth it. Ive have always had one and never had any algae or ich in my tank. It doesnt hurt anything so if you can afford one I would get one.

 

A good read
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/AqBizSubWebIndex/bizuvs.htm

 

I think a large fuge is worth way more than a UV for algae control. I do think UV has its place but not so much in reef tanks as much as ponds for clarifying (when you get tons of floating algae)...although getting green water is possible in reef tanks (which I would then recommend UV to clear it up quickly).

Ozone IMO would be a better choice if used properly and in small amounts, preferably on an ORP controller.

Just my two cents
billpa

 

I don't think it is very effective against algae but more of free floating parasites