UV sterilizer for reef tank

ssavader · 10/14/2008, 12:20 PM

Are people using a uv sterilizer (uvs) on reef systems? If yes, is it "on" all the time or on a timer? Can the uvs kill amphipods and single cell agae that microfauna and corals might otherwise consume? Has anyone seen any improvements in their reef after discontinuing their uvs use?

Kieth71 · 10/14/2008, 12:25 PM

I will start this bye saying i have never used one but i have read alot about them and know people that use them.What i can gather is that a uv will kill bad bacteria and good bacteria.It will also help with water clarity.I have heard people say that uv is like snake oil and others that say they would not run a tank without them.I bet if you asked 20 people you would get 10 opinions on if it should be used or not.With such a differing opinions it is tough to get a feel if useing one is good or not or at least good enough to make the power your useing for it worth it.

jlaurence32 · 10/14/2008, 12:38 PM

After all your fish die from Ich a couple times you won't go without one, but it will definately hurt your pod population. Mine broke for a month once and I started seeing alot more pods in my filters when cleaning. But it won't cure Ich, it justs makes an outbreak not as bad and gives the fish more time to fight it off.

10/14/2008, 12:20 PM	#1
ssavader Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Carmel, IN (Indianapolis suburb) Posts: 953	UV sterilizer for reef tank Are people using a uv sterilizer (uvs) on reef systems? If yes, is it "on" all the time or on a timer? Can the uvs kill amphipods and single cell agae that microfauna and corals might otherwise consume? Has anyone seen any improvements in their reef after discontinuing their uvs use? __________________ Scott

10/14/2008, 12:38 PM	#3
jlaurence32 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 116	After all your fish die from Ich a couple times you won't go without one, but it will definately hurt your pod population. Mine broke for a month once and I started seeing alot more pods in my filters when cleaning. But it won't cure Ich, it justs makes an outbreak not as bad and gives the fish more time to fight it off. __________________ - Joe Current Tank Info: 125gal AGA reef ready, T5's, custom 46gal sump, Octo Extreme 200, fuge, 18w sterilizer, 44x turnover, mixed reef.

10/14/2008, 12:25 PM	#2
Kieth71 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: colorado Posts: 1,026	I will start this bye saying i have never used one but i have read alot about them and know people that use them.What i can gather is that a uv will kill bad bacteria and good bacteria.It will also help with water clarity.I have heard people say that uv is like snake oil and others that say they would not run a tank without them.I bet if you asked 20 people you would get 10 opinions on if it should be used or not.With such a differing opinions it is tough to get a feel if useing one is good or not or at least good enough to make the power your useing for it worth it.