Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there does anyone use a uv sterilizer to help keep the tank clean are they safe with turtles?
Andy

The typical purpose of using a UV sterilizer in an aquarium is to keep the water clear. Water clarity can be affected by microscopic organisms, mainly aglae, which are a natural part of an aquatic ecosystem. While UV can also kill harmful organisms, my humble opinion is that it upsets a natural balance that develops in ponds and large aquaria. If people are maintaining a pond or aquarium only for looks, if they don't plan to use a lot of live plants, or if they are trying to overload a system with fish or other animals then a UV sterilizer can be a great tool for controlling algal blooms.

In addition to algae, UV sterilizers can kill some viruses, bacteria, and molds that are living freely in the water. If the organism is composed of a slime or "plant" growing on the substrate or walls, the UV sterilizer can't kill it. For this reason, some people think that UV's don't disrupt the natural balance. It's a matter of opinion.

Most importantly for the aquarium turtle keeper...UV sterilizers don't have any appreciable effect on the biggest dangers in the water; ammonia and nitrite.

Basically, if you're water is murky or if you're concerned about viruses, fungi, or bacteria a UV sterilizer should help. They should always be considered as a supplement to an adequate filtration system.

Sorry for the long reply to a rather direct question.

Hi thanks for the reply but i want to know if anyone actually uses them not just copy and pastes of a Google search. It was helpful.
Thank you
Andy

Andy,
Not a bit of that was copied and pasted. Your question about their safety with turtles suggested to me that you didn't understand how they work. I spent a summer installing ponds and landscaping during college. I've installed hundreds of UV sterilizers, and they're completely safe for turtles. Many of our customers used them in ponds housing basking turtles.

Glad you still found it helpful. Maybe someone will tell you what you wanted to hear.