I personally use one, but are they necessary, NO.
The UV will clean the water column, but probably won't do anything for algae that forms on the glass, rock, etc. Also something to consider is that it kills everything that passes through it, so that also means, pods and other critters.
I myself don't have it hooked up to the return, I run a seperate pump and cycle it in the refuge, this way not everything passes through it, but it still serves a purpose.
I hope this helps,
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Setup: 180G DT, 105G Refuge (approx. 300lbs LR, 150lbs Aragonite)
Hardware: Super Reef Octopus SSS-3000, Tunze ATO, Mag 18 return, 2x MP40W, 2X Koralia 4's Wavemaker
Lighting: 5ft Hamilton Belize Sun (2x250W MH, 2X80W T5HO)
Type of Aquarium: mixed reef (SPS & LPS) with fish
Dosing: Mg, Ca, Alk
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