UV Sterilizers

UV Sterilizers

Clear water isn't just about looks — it's about keeping your reef or fish-only system ahead of algae blooms, parasites, and bacteria before they become a problem. A UV sterilizer runs your water past a germicidal UV lamp, neutralizing free-floating algae spores and pathogens without touching your water chemistry or affecting your corals and fish.

We carry UV sterilizers sized for everything from nano tanks to large display and commercial systems, so whether you're fighting a recurring algae bloom, quarantining new fish, or just want an extra layer of protection as your tank matures, there's a unit built for your flow rate and tank volume.

How to Size Your UV Sterilizer

Sizing comes down to two numbers working together: wattage and flow rate (measured in gallons per hour, or GPH).

• Bigger tank = more watts. As a general rule, plan on roughly 10 watts of UV per 75 gallons of saltwater (or per 150 gallons of freshwater).
• What you're targeting changes your flow rate. Killing algae and bacteria works fine at a faster flow rate. Killing parasites like ich, however, needs much slower flow through the unit to give the UV enough contact time — often 50-75% slower than what you'd run for algae control alone.
• Don't exceed the unit's max flow rating. Every UV sterilizer has a maximum GPH it's rated for. Push more flow through it than that, and water passes through too fast to get a real dose — you'll have a UV running with little to show for it.
• When in doubt, size up. An oversized UV never hurts your tank; an undersized one just won't keep up.

Pair a properly sized UV sterilizer with your existing skimmer and filtration and you'll typically see clearer water, fewer algae outbreaks, and lower disease pressure when introducing new livestock.

Not sure what size you need? Reach out to our team and we'll match your tank volume, target (algae vs. parasites), and pump flow rate to the right unit before you buy.