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View Poll Results: UV sterilizer in a reef tank ?
yes !! Why ?? 17 50.00%
no !! Why ??? 17 50.00%
Voters: 34. You may not vote on this poll

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Unread 08/05/2007, 12:25 PM   #1
bigginapk
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UV sterilizers in reef tanks

I have been mixed reviews on the uv sterilizers in reef tanks and wondered what everyone thought on them !? I have one in mine and have been told it is no good it kills all of the benificial elements that the reef feeds off and I have been told no it keeps the water pure and I would leave it in !! Yes for and no for none and Why !? please let me know what you think !!


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Unread 08/05/2007, 01:56 PM   #2
Roy G. Biv
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I have one, I feel that is a worthwhile investment. When I run it, I keep it on for 72hrs. I find it works better this way. When I see things getting out of whack, or if I notice a fish start scratching on rocks, I turn it on immediatly. I use it to give the fish an edge to get rid of its own ich. If left untreated the fish dies. With the UV, it kills enough free floating parasites in the water so the fish can fight off the ich. Also if the tank starts to become cloudy, it clears it right up. If a macro algea goes sexual and releases spores in the water, it clears up.


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Unread 08/05/2007, 02:45 PM   #3
ThePhytoMan
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I use it in the frag tank to avoid nuisance algae from growing.

Have a 90G and don't use it in the reef, just the frag tank, since there is no algae eater in it.


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Unread 08/05/2007, 03:35 PM   #4
sherm71tank
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I guess it depends on why you want to use it. If you're after clearer water then a properly, well maintained unit with the right flow rate will work. Really look into this though because it isn't a set and forget about it piece of equipment. For control of parasites you need a QT tank with nothing in it, lots of flow and large sterilizer. They will also add heat and electrical consumption. I used an oversized unit on my tank for better than a year, took it off line and noticed no difference. Did I clean it regularly? Nope.


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Unread 08/05/2007, 06:07 PM   #5
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Unread 08/05/2007, 06:13 PM   #6
skriz
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too much added maintenance (you'll have to clean it all the time for it to be efficient and you'll have to replace the bulb).

I would do ozone instead-once you buy the unit, there is nothing more to buy. there's nothing to clean, nothing to replace (As long as you get the corona discharge version)


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Unread 08/05/2007, 06:17 PM   #7
Reefbox
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No UV sterilizer for me. I paid good money for those pods and other critters and I want them to reproduce.


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Unread 08/05/2007, 07:13 PM   #8
tperk9784
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I love these threads.

/emote Pops Popcorn

As with most any device you add to your aquarium there is good and bad.

couple good things are Clearer water, improves skimmer efficiency, can reduce the amount of pathogens in the water column.

couple bad things can kill some benificial things if really powerful and also adds heat.

there are many more on each side I am sure others will chime in.


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Unread 08/06/2007, 08:03 AM   #9
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Unread 08/06/2007, 09:03 AM   #10
AZDesertRat
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I am of the opinion the inactivate or kill a necessary part of the food chain. I used one on my heavily stocked fish only system and swear by them for that use as I could visibly see when the bulb needed cleaning or was going bad just by the fishes behaviour. I won't use one on a reef system though.


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Unread 08/06/2007, 03:21 PM   #11
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Unread 08/06/2007, 03:23 PM   #12
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keep the opinions coming !! I am almost decided on putting it on a time control !! What do you think !!


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Unread 08/06/2007, 03:34 PM   #13
MrSpiffy
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Honestly, if you keep your reef tank parameters in check, QT your new additions, and do regular maintenance, it's unlikely that you'll have a need for a sterilizer. I realize that there may be some uses for them, but I see it mostly as something that's unnecessary and adds more maintenance that most people won't even keep up with. Shoot... some people don't even do regular water changes... *looks around innocently* I doubt I'd keep a UV clean. I like to keep things simple and easy. I don't think I'd ever add a UV to any of my systems, present or future, unless someone shows me some necessity for them. Otherwise, they're just more money to spend on an already expensive hobby.

/just my 2 cents


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Unread 08/06/2007, 03:45 PM   #14
GraviT
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I've been running UV 24x7 for a little over a month now as a measure to wipe out dinoflagellates. While not 100% gone, the dinos are much more under control since I started using it. Now I just get a dusting on the sand instead of snot all over everything. I plan to run it (with regular maintenance) until the dinos finally give up the fight (if they ever do).


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