5 Day Livestock Guarantee

90 Day Returns on Aquarium Supplies

UV Sterilizers

(28 items)
Looking for a simpler way to keep your tank clean? Browse our selection of UV Sterilizers! Aquarium water is gently passed through an ultraviolet (UV) bulb inside UV sterilizers, which irradiates and kills off bacteria, algae, and protozoa.

Top UV Sterilizer Picks

A table comparing the facets of 4 items
Facet
Auqa Shield UV Sterilizer - Innovative Marine
Auqa Shield UV Sterilizer - Innovative Marine
View details
UV-C Clarifier - SICCE
UV-C Clarifier - SICCE
View details
25 Watt Classic UV Sterilizer - Aqua Ultraviolet
25 Watt Classic UV Sterilizer - Aqua Ultraviolet
View details
57 Watt Classic UV Sterilizer - Aqua Ultraviolet
57 Watt Classic UV Sterilizer - Aqua Ultraviolet
View details
By
ByInnovative MarineSicceAqua UltravioletAqua Ultraviolet
Price
Price
From $6599
From $14999
From $43971
From $68598
Description
Description
- 9W high-intensity UV-C for desktop aquariums

- Drop-in overflow install; no pump needed

- Disposable UV cartridge + mechanical sponge

- Quick-disconnect; fits NUVO Fusion & Concept tanks

- Size: 3.6" x 2.2" x 11.1"
- IP68-rated, fully submersible UV-C clarifier

- Kills algae, bacteria, germs, and pathogens

- Safety switch auto-deactivates during maintenance

- Compact design; fits aquariums, ponds, sumps

- Includes barb fittings; connects inline to pumps
- 25W UV sterilizer for aquariums (500–1200 gal)

- Clears algae + bacteria in ponds up to 4000 gal

- No chemical residual; clears water in 1–5 days

- Durable build, easy maintenance, USA-made

- Proven performance; long lamp life (14 months)
- 57W UV sterilizer for reef tanks up to 355 gal

- Suggested saltwater flow: 1066–3200 GPH

- Clear-blue cap shows lamp status; EZ-twist cap

- Quick-release unions for easy maintenance

- Includes transformer, lamp, and ¾" barb fittings

Dive Deeper: Info & Tips for UV Sterilizers

A UV sterilizer is a solid addition to just about any saltwater aquarium. It works by exposing water to ultraviolet light, helping to neutralize free-floating algae, bacteria, and parasites before they become a problem. This process doesn’t alter your water chemistry, making it a safe and effective way to support a cleaner, healthier system.

Whether you’re keeping a mixed reef, a fish-only tank, or something in between, UV sterilizers can help maintain water clarity, reduce the risk of disease, and ease some of the load on your filtration system. It’s one of those pieces of equipment that often gets overlooked — until you run into a problem and realize how much it helps.

Choosing the Right UV Sterilizer

We carry UV sterilizers from AquaUV, Sicce, and IceCap — each offering something a little different depending on your system size and setup preferences.

  • AquaUV Sterilizers
    Known for their high-quality construction and long-lasting performance, AquaUV sterilizers are a go-to for hobbyists looking for reliability. They feature quartz sleeves and replaceable bulbs, and many models can be plumbed inline with your return pump or manifold.
  • Sicce UV Sterilizers
    Sicce models combine solid performance with a compact footprint, making them a great fit for tight cabinet spaces or smaller setups. They’re easy to integrate and feature a twist-lock system for quick maintenance.
  • IceCap UV Sterilizers
    IceCap offers an affordable and user-friendly solution for reef keepers looking to add UV protection without overcomplicating their system. These units are well-suited for smaller to mid-sized tanks and include flexible installation options.

Each brand provides clear guidance on flow rates and dwell time to help you choose the right model based on whether you're targeting algae control, bacterial suppression, or parasite management.

Optimization Tips

  • Target the Right Flow Rate: For best results, match your flow rate to the issue you’re targeting. Algae control can handle higher flow, but parasite and bacteria reduction require slower flow for better contact time.
  • Post-Filtration Placement: Always place the UV sterilizer after mechanical filtration. This keeps debris from blocking the UV light and reduces buildup inside the housing.
  • Use a Dedicated Feed Line (If Possible): A separate pump or manifold line gives you more control over flow and ensures consistent exposure, especially when flow through your main return varies.
  • Monitor with a Flow Meter: Using a flow meter can help you stay within optimal flow ranges, especially when flow rates are critical for parasite management.
  • Change the Bulb Annually: Even if the bulb is still glowing, its UV output drops over time. Replace it every 9–12 months to maintain effectiveness.

Expert Tips

  • Size Up for Better Coverage: When in doubt, go one size up. A higher wattage UV sterilizer offers more flexibility with flow rates and broader effectiveness for both algae and parasite control.
  • Pair with a Controller: If you’re running a UV sterilizer on a dedicated pump, consider pairing it with a timer or aquarium controller. This gives you the ability to cycle it on and off or run it during specific times of day.
  • Don’t Rely on It Alone: UV is a helpful tool, but it’s not a replacement for good tank husbandry. Make sure your filtration, water parameters, and maintenance routines are dialed in to keep your tank healthy overall.
  • Check Orientation for Air Bubbles: If your UV sterilizer is installed vertically, trapped air can reduce effectiveness. Always bleed out air when starting the system and make sure the bulb is fully submerged.
  • Monitor for Heat: Larger sterilizers can add a bit of heat to your system. If you're running other equipment like a chiller or heater, monitor temperature after installation to make adjustments as needed.

Installation & Maintenance

  • Installation Location: Most UV sterilizers can be installed inline with your return pump or on a separate loop using a utility pump. Position the unit horizontally or vertically based on manufacturer specs and your available space.
  • Plumbing Considerations: Use quality fittings and ensure no leaks. If using flexible tubing, avoid sharp bends that could restrict flow. Hard plumbing provides a cleaner and more permanent setup but takes more planning.
  • Routine Bulb Replacement: UV bulbs should be replaced every 9–12 months to maintain full sterilization power. Even if the bulb still lights up, its ability to neutralize microorganisms diminishes with time.
  • Sleeve Cleaning: The quartz sleeve surrounding the bulb should be inspected and cleaned every 3–6 months. Accumulated film or salt creep can block UV exposure and reduce efficiency.
  • Flow Checks: Periodically verify that your pump is maintaining proper flow through the sterilizer. Obstructions, dirty pre-filters, or pump wear can reduce performance over time.

Top UV Sterilizer Picks

Do I need a UV sterilizer for my saltwater aquarium?

No, but it's a great preventative tool. While not essential, UV sterilizers can improve water clarity, reduce nuisance algae, and help control the spread of parasites and bacteria — all without adding chemicals to your tank.

Will a UV sterilizer kill beneficial bacteria?

Not the ones that matter. UV sterilizers only affect free-floating microorganisms in the water column. The beneficial bacteria that handle biological filtration live on surfaces in your tank and are unaffected.

How often should I replace the UV bulb?

UV bulbs should be replaced every 9–12 months, depending on usage and brand. Even if the bulb still lights up, its effectiveness at sterilizing water drops over time.

Can a UV sterilizer kill ich?

Yes — but only in its free-swimming stage. UV sterilizers can reduce the number of ich parasites in the water column, which can help lower the chances of reinfection. It won’t treat ich that’s already embedded in the fish or in the substrate.

What does a UV sterilizer actually do?

A UV sterilizer uses ultraviolet light to neutralize free-floating organisms like algae, bacteria, and parasites. As water passes through the unit, the light damages the DNA of these organisms, preventing them from multiplying.