Things can get messy within the aquarium if the right set of accessories is not installed, and this is where a piece of equipment like the UV sterilizer gets to be appreciated.
The sight of a lively fish within the aquarium somewhat calms your mind, isn’t it? We’ve been there and we know how it feels; this is why you’ve got to do everything possible to ensure that you make the (water) environment conducive and save for your aquatic pet to live in. This can begin with you investing in a good UV sterilizer for your aquarium.
The UV sterilizer will keep the fish tank clean with the water being as clear as possible. This will give you peace of mind and even save you some energy and time since you will not have to think about cleaning the tank frequently.
There’s something to be excited about; there are numerous UV sterilizers that can help actualize the dream of having a cleaner, safer and healthy tank. And, in this article, we are going to be discussing 7 of the best UV sterilizers available in the market.
So, we enjoin to read on to find out more and possibly find a UV sterilizer that will be for your tank – and to your budget.
7 Best UV sterilizers for Aquarium 2021
1. AA Aquarium Green Killing Machine UV Sterilizer with Power Head
This small machine is designed so well to remove all the green from the water that it keeps the water as clear as possible. It removes cloudiness, any algae, and bacteria in the water to keep it clean and healthy for the fishes. This is rated number one in the US and has sold over half a million units. That itself talks of the quality of the product. This comes with the patented technology UV bulbs that are sealed.
The UV water sterilizer kit is also tried and tested. Changing the bulbs is also easier with them. It comes with super-quick 10-minute installation steps. It is smart enough to indicate you when to change the bulb so that it does not keep you guessing.
To add to your stress-free experience, it comes with a 3-year warranty on the pump, which is capable of pumping 220L/hour of water. This fits well for a 50-gallon capacity fish tank.
Features and specifications
- Manufacturer: AA Aquarium
- Power consumption: 9 watts
- Weight: 1 pound
- It has a powerhead.
- It features UV radiation filtration with a wavelength of 254nm.
- It is equipped with a filtration pump that is capable of achieving a pump rate of 220L/hour.
- It also has a control box LED indicator and comes with 4 pieces of sponge.
- It is fitting for a 50-gallon tank.
- It is UL tested
User experience
The product has worked well for a 55-gallon size fish tank. A user has commented on the longevity of the UV bulb. The water gets clearer as expected and as described. Users have also experienced the tank getting cleaned in a matter of 48 hours from the time of installation. Product installation also has been easier for the customers. Getting rid of Algae bloom has been the most common advantage of this product. Users have also found out that it prevents various kinds of fish diseases.
The feedback on this UV sterilizer bulb is also very positive. Users have found that using this Fish tank UV light continuously does not impact the bulb. All the descriptions and claims made by the producers are truly satisfying to the users.
Pros:
- Easy to install, no tools required
- Fits any kind of tank due to its compact size
- Cleans water within the first 24 hours of usage,
- It can be used only when needed.
Cons:
- Motor issues found by users within a month.
- Additional UV bulb cost is high.
- The water flow of the pump is lower.
- Difficult to identify if the UV bulb is working fine or not.
This AA Aquarium UV sterilizer is one of the most technologically advanced products in its class. Though the price may be a bit on the high side, it does worth every penny spent on it. And, it is worth recommending for beginner and expert aquarists.
2. SunSun JUP-01 9W UV Sterilizer
As per the product description, this is a submersible UV sterilizer that is simple but yet effective sterilization of the water of any free-floating algae and the harmful microorganisms. The product comes with easy and all ready-to-install mode so that anyone can fix it to the fish tank. It also does not have any additional tubes for the circulation purpose hence make this unit a compact and reliable one for the “Do it yourself” kind. This product can be installed either horizontally or vertically and is useful for freshwater, saltwater aquariums, or garden ponds. It is also equipped with pre-fitted filter sponges and suction cup mounting brackets.
Features and specifications
- Manufacturer: SunSun
- Power consumption: 9 watts
- Weight: 2 pounds
- It has an inbuilt pump that can achieve a flow rate of 210 gallons/hour.
- It features a UV-C lamp, UV ballast, and a pre-filter sponge.
- It comes with suction cups.
- It is suitable for a 75-gallon tank.
User Experience
Users have found this UV sterilizer worth their investment. The pump need not be used regularly to keep the tank clean. Some users have used it just for an hour a day and could still keep the fish tank clean. Users have also found it a better method to keep the tank clean than many other methods like commercial and homeopathic. This pump is also silent and visually does not show off its presence. It is compact enough to stay hidden from the vision.
Pros:
- Due to its compact size, it can either be installed vertically or horizontally.
- It is almost invisible to the eyes when installed in the corner of the tank.
- UV Bulb usage can be as high as 1 year.
Cons:
- Noisy unit.
- There is difficulty with changing the bulb.
- The pump is too strong for smaller fishes to swim.
- No instruction manual inside the package.
3. COODIA Internal UV water Sterilizer Light
This pump with UV sterilizer light is submersible and works as a disinfectant for the tank. The pump can work well on a tank with as big as 150-gallon capacity. This has a 5-watt inbuilt water pump and also UV light of the same wattage. The pump creates water bubbles in the tank, thus making it look attractive. The anticorrosive ceramic rotator ensures the life of the rotator in salt or freshwater. The installation is so easy that it is just a press of the unit against the fish tank wall. It has strong suction cups to enable this. The pump also has an adjustable outlet that allows adjusting the water flow from the pump.
Features and specifications
- Manufacturer: COODIA
- Power consumption: 5 watts
- Weight: 1.95 pounds
- It features an energy-efficient bulb that is enclosed in a quartz tube.
- It has an adjustable outlet.
- It comes with a set of strong suction cups for its easy installation.
- It is suitable to use in either freshwater or saltwater aquarium.
User Experience
Users have found this product to their satisfaction. It does take time to clean up, but the outcome is satisfactory. One has the option to start and stop the bubbles. Users have the satisfaction of using this product instead of any chemicals. They have also found it to be silent. Users with fish tanks that have more exposure to the sun have found it very helpful and, therefore, were satisfied. With the listed price of $29.9, it has been a value for money for various users.
Pros:
- Changeable UV bulb.
- Efficient control over harmful microorganisms and algae.
- The ceramic rotator makes it non-corrosive.
- Adjustable output.
Cons:
- The product is half assembled.
- Non-performing filter.
Your aquatic pets deserve to be happy, and this can only happen when they experience a stress-free life by inhabiting a space that is devoid of waste; this is what you get when you eventually install a top-quality UV sterilizer like this one from COODIA – it’s really lovely.
4. Sun 13W UV Sterilizer for Fish Tank
This 13-watt pump is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fish tank and ponds. It can take care of the tank as big as 150 gallons of water capacity. It is also inbuilt with 13-watt UV light and has an optional adjustable water flow nozzle. This Fish tank UV sterilizer does not have any additional tubing for the water circulation and is compact enough and also easy to install. It comes with suction cups to make the installation easier. Just press it against the wall of the fish tank and Voila! Installation is done. Just need to connect the power cable and it is ready to use.
Features and specifications
- Manufacturer: SunSun
- Power consumption: 13 watts
- Weight: 2.69 pounds
- It features an inbuilt pump, UV ballast, and a UV-C lamp.
- It has an adjustable nozzle for regulating water flow.
- It comes with suction cups.
- It is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
User Experience
The user experience with the product has been very positive. Users were able to get rid of the algae problem completely within a few days, even with the outdoor koi ponds. Some users have zip-tied the unit to a brick and submerged it into the pond and found it to work fine. This was in cases where the suction cups could not be used due to uneven surfaces of the pond. A particular user also mentioned that this product was magical as the user had tried different similar products and found this one to be the best.
Pros:
- Adjustable pump.
- Ready to install.
- Have additional mounting cup brackets.
Cons:
- Electricity leakage incidents.
- Easily breaks off – as per reviews from various customers.
- Most of the customers found that the motor stopped working after 4 months.
This is an affordable product that will serve you [and your fish species] considerably well – not a bad choice in any way. You can check it up.
5. Aqua Ultraviolet Aquarium UV Sterilizer
This UV sterilizer unit is lightweight and slim hence making it almost invisible in the tank. It has been proven to clean a tank in just a matter of overnight usage. The manufacturer guarantees its performance owing to the fact that it was installed and operated as per the instruction provided. This product is made in the United States and is ideal for small ponds and aquariums.
Features and specifications
- Manufacturer: Aqua Ultraviolet
- Power consumption: n/a
- Weight: 1 pound
- It features a pump with a flow rate of 233 gallons per hour.
- It features a UV light encased in durable housing.
User Experience
The product has proven to be working satisfactorily in both freshwater and saltwater and found it very easy to install. It has proved to the users to keep the fishes away from diseases. This pump has worked well with users from a small aquarium to 75-gallon capacity ones.
Pros:
- Ideal for small aquariums.
- Slim UV lights.
- Lightweight units.
Cons:
- No mounting hardware in the package.
- The setup process is difficult as per customer reviews.
Though it is not a complete package, the Aqua ultraviolet aquarium UV sterilizer will ultimately function satisfactorily in maintaining a hygienic aquarium. By the way, this may not be a UV sterilizer to recommend for a beginner – this does not take anything away from its quality, regardless.
6. SUN JUP-01 Aquarium UV Sterilizer
SUN JUP aquarium UV sterilizer comes with a lot of instructions just to make sure the user removes all the additional safety sock-proof sponges that are used to deliver it safely. The product is a “4-in-one” as the company claims. It has a water pump with an adjustable flow, an air pump to form bubbles, filters, and UV cleaning. It facilitates the flow of around 210 gallons per hour, which is adjustable and supports 80-gallon water capacity fish tanks.
Each unit comes with a 1-year warranty, which is certainly a value for money, especially when you are paying around $ 36. The product would make some sound when you power it outside the water, but the sound disappears when immersed in water. This product comes with an additional UV bulb, and also customer support is just 24 hours away.
Features and specifications
- Manufacturer: Vinvoli
- Power consumption: 9 watts
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
- It features an adjustable water pump, air pump, UV light, and sponge.
- It can achieve a flow rate of 210 gallons per hour.
- It is fitting for an 80-gallon tank.
- It also has an inbuilt motor for propelling water circulation.
- It comes with 2 additional filters.
User Experience
User experience has been great for this product. A user who used to completely do a deep cleaning of the aquarium frequently has found this product to work perfectly for him. Usages of chemicals have been reduced, and hence the users are happy with its performance. User instructions have also been very good with the product. Users unable to read English also had the aid of images to make the instructions very clear. The product also comes with an extra UV bulb and hence gives real peace of mind.
Pros:
- 2 additional filters with the package.
- 1 additional UV bulb with the package.
- 1-year warranty – product replacement if found defective.
Cons:
- The first lamp has a short life
- Louder motor.
7. Coralife BioCube UV Sterilizer for Aquarium
This product, as the name suggests, is a mini form. This UV sterilizer is used in BioCube, all-inclusive aquarium systems 14, 16, 29, 32, and HQI. It also has a universal adapter that can be used in other small aquariums. This UV sterilizer for aquarium comes with a lifetime warranty, which means if the product is found faulty, the product is repaired free of cost, or a new product is delivered if not repairable. It has a UC-C light installed that keeps the water crystal clear and algae-free.
Features and specifications
- Manufacturer: Coralife
- Power consumption: 5 watts
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- It features a twin UV bulb fitted into a plastic head.
- It has a knob for adjusting the water flow.
- It has a low-voltage ballast.
User Experience
Users are happy with the product and have found it really helpful and worth spending. After using this product for more than 16 months, a user has found no issues with it during this time. The users also found the unit easy to be install. As this is usually part of BioCube, fitting it individually also has been found to be working well and as per the expectation.
Pros:
- This is part of BioCube aquarium systems and fits in all sizes.
- Usable for plant tanks also.
- The product was able to clean the tank within overnight usage.
Cons:
- Bulb life is very small, as per customer reviews.
- Bulb replacement is expensive.
The Coralife UV sterilizer may not contend with some others [like the Coospider SUN JUP-01 UV sterilizer] in terms of sophistication, but it does clear the tank of microorganisms that could create hamper the health of your pets
