algae control/ UV sterilizors

Question
I have had aquariums all of my life and currently have a 70 gallon saltwater aquarium that I have to redo about once a week due to algae completely covering the live sand and glass. I only run the led light eight hours a day, treat with algaecide once a week and I run the filtration system and aerator continuously. It is very stressful on my fish to be disturbed so often. Will a UV sterilizer cut down on the amount of times a month I need to clean? Specifically I am looking into buying an 18 watt Uv sterilizer, I know this is considerably larger than this aquarium needs but will consider buying a larger tank if it works over a 3 month test period. How well does a Uv sterilizer work and is there anything else you suggest to do along with it to slow algae growth?

Answer
Hi Benjamin,

If you are running a large wet dry sump filter with bio-balls or other bio materials and haven't cleaned them in over a year or so, then give them a good freshwater rinse down, to help dislodge any organic materials that may be trapped in them. These trapped organics will fuel algae.

See the following web pages for reference purposes relating to your question, these links are posted for future readers of this question:

http://www.ocreef.com/aqua_ultraviolet_classic_8_watt_white_34_inch_uv_sterilize

http://www.ocreef.com/how_to_kill_green_hair_algae

Regarding a UV sterilizer, this will definitely help; running a somewhat larger unit than is needed will be fine...

UV sterilization will help kill the free floating alga before it has a chance to attach to substrates and other parts of your aquarium, for stationary growth.

Sincerely,
David All Experts Editor