The 7 Best Aquarium Uv Sterilizers

Reviews

AA Aquarium Green Killing Machine UV Sterilizer – Best Overall

 

 

• Maximum capacity of 120 gallons
• Style: Separate
• Compatible with freshwater or marine aquariums

If you currently have a solid setup and only need to add UV, the AA Aquarium Green Killing Machine is your best overall option.

This sterilizer system is simple to set up and requires no extra equipment; simply connect the suction cup and plug it in. It is safe for freshwater and saltwater tanks, runs smoothly and quietly, and efficiently eliminates algae and hazardous germs.

Within days, you will notice a significant improvement in your tank’s algae problem. Utilizing a zigzag path in front of the UV light, this sterilizer maximizes the amount of time the water spends being sterilized.

Despite having a water pump, this sterilizer is not a filtering system. It is a simple addition if you already have a UV-free system, but it requires its own plug-in.

If you are building up a whole tank system, it may be preferable to get a sterilizer filtering system that is integrated.

The opaque casing of this sterilizer makes it hard to observe the UV light while it is operating. This is beneficial in some respects, but it does require periodic checks to ensure that the lightbulb has not burned out.

Pros

• Simple to install
• Up to 120 gallons of storage
• Zig-zag flow maximizes sterilization
• Quiet
• Enhances algae within days

Cons

• Not a comprehensive filtering system
• When running, no light is seen
• Requires a unique plug-in

 

SunSun Hang-On UV Sterilizer for Aquariums – Best Value

 

 

• Size: 10 to 50 gallons
• Style: Hang-on
• Compatible with freshwater or marine aquariums

SunSun’s Hang-ON Aquarium UV sterilizer is an excellent option for owners of small fish tanks. It is ideal for tanks up to 50 gallons, with two selectable filter sizes, and includes a filtration system with a UV sterilizer.

Adjustable water flow and a built-in skimmer assist its three-stage filtration system in keeping your aquarium clean. Two adjustable filter media baskets allow for the customization of the filter media, which is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

It operates quietly and efficiently in comparison to many others. However, one disadvantage of this tank design is that it might be difficult to locate a replacement UV bulb.

Pros

• UV disinfectant and filter
• Tri-level filtering
• Flow of water and skimmers that are adjustable
• Quiet and efficient with energy

Cons

• No more than 50 gallons
• Replacement bulbs might be difficult to locate

 

SunSun HW-304B Aquarium UV Sterilizer – High Quality

 

 

• Size: 10 to 50 gallons
• Style: Canister filter
• Compatible with freshwater or marine aquariums

If you want an upgrade from a simple filtration system, the SunSun HW-304B Aquarium UV Sterilizer is the best option. Due to its strong performance and great level of customization, this highly configurable system is well worth the cost.

It is designed for 150-gallon fish tanks and has four filter media trays that may be modified with a variety of media to offer the filtration your fish require.

There are numerous sizes of hoses and connections that allow you to personalize and fine-tune the configuration of your tank to your specifications.

The built-in UV sterilizer is equipped with a strong bulb and a separate on/off button, allowing you to chose whether to leave it on continuously or use it just when necessary.

The canister-style filter is more difficult to set up than other types and requires a large amount of space, thus it is best suited for fish keepers with experience.

Pros

• Up to 150 gallons capacity
• Bespoke filtration media trays
• Diverse sizes of hoses and connections are provided.
• Integrated oxygenation sprayer
• Independent UV on/off switch

Cons

• Larger size
• More complicated to set up
• Higher cost

 

BioCube Mini Ultraviolet Sterilizer by Coralife

 

 

• Tank Size: Varies
• Style: In-line
• Compatible with freshwater or marine aquariums

The Coralife BioCube Mini Ultraviolet Sterilizer is yet another excellent sterilizer option. It is intended for use with BioCube tiny fish tanks and connects to the current filtration system, but it also contains a universal adaptor for small fish tanks.

This product does not have a suggested tank size because it does not have a pump, however it is meant for smaller tanks. Although some reviewers found the universal adaptor to be perplexing, installation in BioCube tanks is rather simple.

As your aquarium filter operates, the adapter’s 5-watt light bulb sterilizes the water, removing unwanted algae and germs. If you have a small fish tank or a BioCube tank that is compatible with the sterilizer, it may be the best solution for you.

Pros

• Includes adapter for small aquariums
• 5-watt bulb effectively eliminates algae and bacteria
• Connects to the present filter system

Cons

• Not compatible with all filter systems
• The universal adapter is challenging to use

 

Aquatop Hang-On-Back UV Sterilizer for Aquariums

 

 

• Maximum capacity of 40 gallons.
• Style: sloping back
• Compatible with freshwater or marine aquariums

The Aquatop Hang-On Back Aquarium UV Sterilizer is a good choice for a filter/sterilizer combination system. This system includes an easy-to-install filter/sterilizer that requires minimum installation assistance.

It comes in three sizes ranging from 15 to 40 gallons and is ideal for saltwater or freshwater aquariums. The filtration system has a self-adjusting skimmer and a flow range of 64-128 gallons per hour.

The sterilizer is built into the plumbing system, so no additional installation is required, but it has a separate wire, requiring two outlets for optimum operation.

Pros

• Filter/sterilizer combo
• Three available sizes
• Self-adjusting skimmer with variable intake/outflow
• Simple setup

Cons

• No more than forty gallons
• More costly option
• Dual power cables

 

Clip-On UV Filter for AA Aquarium Green Killing Machine

 

 

• Maximum capacity of 20 gallons.
• Style: distinct clip-on
• Compatible with freshwater or marine aquariums

The AA Aquarium Green Killing Machine Clip-On Filter is a design-alternative option to Green Killing Machine’s bigger sterilizer for smaller tanks.

This clip-on filter sterilizes water with a 3-watt lamp that may be used continuously for up to 9 months, destroying algae and germs continuously.

It features a low-flow technology that makes it quieter and more energy-efficient than many integrated filter systems, and it can clean the tank in a matter of hours or days.

It installs in minutes and requires no specific installation configuration. Since this UV filter is independent from the filtration system, some customers may want to purchase an integrated system as opposed to a UV filter plus a normal filtration system.

Pros

• Reduced price
• Installs rapidly and effortlessly
• Peaceful and energy-efficient

Cons

• Only for tiny tanks
• Not included with filtering system

 

Submersible Coospider Sun JUP-01 Aquariums in Tank Machine

 

 

• Tank Size: 80 gallon
• Style: Submersible
• Compatible with freshwater or marine aquariums

The Coospider Sun JUP-01 is a totally submersible aquarium filter that is ideal for removing algae from the water and giving your filtration system a boost.

The JUP-01 has additional filtration and oxygenation filters, however due to its entirely submerged construction, it is unsuitable for use as the primary filter in your aquarium.

This filter must be completely submerged at all times while in operation; using the unit outside of the water will cause engine damage.

With a casing that is simple to open, the interior of this machine is simple to clean and maintain. It comes with a spare UV bulb to extend the life of the filter before it has to be replaced.

Pros

• Additional filtration and oxidation
• Used in tanks as large as 80 gallons
• Contains replacement bulb

Cons

• Solitary size available
• Not suitable for primary filter
• Must be buried entirely

How to Find the Most Effective Aquarium UV Sterilizers

There are several aspects to consider while purchasing a sterilizer. There are several types of sterilizer configurations, including in-line, integrated, and separate systems.

In-Line

Installing in-line systems into an existing filter. If you currently have a filter system in place and are prepared to add a sterilizer filter, they are ideal.

Because they are often built to interact with external filters, they tend to perform better in bigger aquariums. In addition, they are among the most potent systems available, so if your aquarium already has a parasite or algae problem, they are effective.

The greatest disadvantage is that they are more difficult to install and are not compatible with all filtration systems. In addition, they frequently require a separate power supply.

Bottom Line: In-line filters are the most powerful choice, but they work best with external filters and need some effort to configure.

Built-In

Some filtering systems have an integrated UV sterilizer. This is an excellent alternative if you are choosing a tank and setting it up but do not have a filter.

These are often user-friendly and may include a separate on/off switch. It is essential to select an effective filter, and UV lamps are a pleasant addition. Also, they often do not require a separate outlet.

Bottom Line: If you’re putting up a new tank, consider choosing a filter with a built-in UV light for convenience and the elimination of the need for an extra outlet.

Separate

You may also purchase a UV sterilizer with its own pump if your setup includes a HOB filter or another system that is incompatible with an in-line filter, or if you would prefer not install one.

These are slightly less effective since they cannot leverage your filter’s current pumps, but they are simple to install and remove as necessary.

Bottom Line: Separate filters require their own built-in pump and take up some space, but they are simple to use if you don’t want to tamper with your present filter system.

Conclusion

No configuration works better than any other; however, this does not imply that there aren’t any excellent filters. Overall, we determined that the AA Aquarium Green Killing Machine was the best because of its large capacity and user friendliness.

The SunSun Hang-On Aquarium UV Sterilizer is our preferred economical solution for aquariums up to 50 gallons in capacity. And if you need something a bit more potent, the SunSun HW-304B Aquarium UV Sterilizer is our preferred premium model, putting a lot of value into a box-style sterilizer.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) would like to thank our visitors for visiting our website to learn about and research the best aquarium UV sterilizers. We hope you choose the appropriate UV sterilizer for your aquarium.