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I'm wondering what Ned or others thoughts are on UV filters for freshwater (planted) tanks? My limited experience with planted tanks has taught me that controlling algae is in general a matter of finding the appropriate amount of light and not neglecting regular maintenance (water changes, etc). It does seem however that a UV light would make a tank more forgiving in terms of controlling algae blooms and controlling the spread of some diseases that might make it into the tank.

I'm planning of getting a new 120 gallon tank for my new place, and given the likely cost of that a UV lights cost is probably relatively insignificant. Still there no point to getting something worthless either, does anyone out there have any strong opinions one way or the other on how well UV lights work?

-Mark

to kill virus and bacteria
you need a very high watt UV

to kill green water phytoplankton
a very small watt ( 5-9 watt ) is sufficient

usually not necesary