Ultraviolet sterilization (UV) is a process to eliminate
biological contamination, namely parasite fungus and bacteria.
Two types are commercially available, both in tube size.
Generally the one containing a wet bulb -at which the water
passes directly past the UV bulb- is cheaper. The other type
available has a protective quartz tube around the bulb (dry
bulb). The latter has the advantage of easier cleaning, since
debris and slime will eventually settle on the bulb, or quartz
surrounding. Both work on the same principle. UV sterilization
exposes the contaminants with a lethal dose of energy in the
form of light. The UV light will alter the DNA of the pathogens,
by virtually gluing DNA molecules together. The changed cell
structure prevents the organism from reproducing itself
(sterilization), therefore eliminating it. Central multi tank
filtration or expensive reef set-ups should consider a UV
sterilizer. The effectiveness of the UV sterilization depends on
the exposure time and light/energy intensity. Gene