Ultraviolet Sterilizers 

UV rays or ultraviolet rays are normally part of the radiation that the earth receives from the sun on a daily basis. UV rays are essential for life. It is the very basic foundation of photosynthesis and other life sustaining processes. Several years back though, scientists not only began to understand the damaging power of the UV rays, but also began to harness the concentrated power of these UV rays: the short ultraviolet wavelengths, in particular.  

Scientists started developing ways in which one can utilize UV rays for such beneficial purposes like air purification, water purification (as an alternative to the rampant use of chlorine based sterilizers), as a tool for laboratory hygiene (particularly in the sterilization of laboratory goggles), for food and beverage preservation (a technique used to eliminate bacterial growth in fresh fruit juices, particularly in apple ciders), and as a means to sterilize aquatic environs.  

UV sterilizers work on the principle of UVGI. UVGI or ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is one of the latest sterilization methods that utilize the concentrated power of the sun. Basically, any micro-organism that is subjected to short but intense UV ray exposures is permanently damaged on its most cellular level – enough so that it ceases to exist. The short duration of the exposure literally destroys the nucleic acids of micro-organisms, thereby destroying either its reproductive capabilities, or its entire DNA sequence. And we all know that without an intact DNA sequence, life cannot continue. This UV exposure is called ionizing radiation.  

UV sterilizers are also used as means to eliminate bacterial growth in both freshwater and marine habitations, often utilizing ionizing radiation as well. This sterilization method, if coupled with other filtration devices can eliminate most, if not all traces of bacteria, molds, pathogens, and viruses in all aquatic environs.  

These days salt water aquarium and fish tank enthusiasts are favoring the use of ultraviolet sterilizers since this process is virtually chemical free, and is apparently more effective when it comes to controlling the build up of harmful micro-organisms in the water.  

The ionizing radiation is not selective you see, and works on almost all micro-organisms in its wake. Chemicals on the other hand, need to be measured out in safe doses - to ensure that the preparations do not harm the fish, or invertebrate or Corals within the enclosure. Unfortunately, some microorganisms develop resistance or tolerance to these chemicals over repetitive exposure. And pretty soon, any chemical added to the water becomes almost useless in controlling micro-organism growth. 

Since ultraviolet sterilizers do not use chemicals or artificial additives, fish keepers can also maintain the balance of water density easier. Recently, it has been discovered that continuous and regular use of the UV sterilization process helps in the elimination of single-celled algae in water tanks.  

All experienced fish keepers know all about the dreaded onset of algae on the glass panes. Not only are they unsightly, (and very difficult to clean) but they also become breeding grounds for bacteria that could be detrimental to the health of the aquarium or fish tank inhabitants. 

Another advantage of the Ultraviolet Sterilizers is that it helps to destroy disease causing pathogens in the water. This cuts down the likelihood that infectious diseases will pass on from one fish to the other. 

We carry several brands of the most sophisticated Ultraviolet Sterilizers in the market. We believe in the excellent quality of our products and we only offer the best to our patrons. Our line of ultraviolet sterilizers include Advantage 2000 UV Sterilizer, Aqua Ultraviolet, Coralide Turbo-Twist UV Sterilizer, Current USA Gamma UV Sterilizer, Pentair Aquatics Aquastep UV Sterilizer, Rainbow Lifegard QL-Series UV Sterilizer, and the Viper SL Series UV Sterilizer. We also sell replacement parts for our UV Sterilizer.