Ozone Generator & UV Sterilizer* Are They Needed?

[Fishnthecorner]

I was researching some Q&A's and noticed some people with large tanks, use 1 or both of these expensive pieces of equipment.
I'm setting up and designing my 235g FOWLR and wondering if I need these? I plan on having a heavy bio-load... 8-10 fish.
Do I need to invest $500-$700 for this set-up?

 

[bsagecko]

They are completely not needed...

Ozone is better than UV but neither are necessary nor would I recommend unless you are putting like extremely expensive fish in your tank...

Take the money and buy a bigger protein skimmer, ATS, or battery backup if your power isn't stable...ie Florida hurricanes.....


I wouldn't ever get one

 

[MrTuskfish]

Both will do little more than clarify water. Spend your $ on a good skimmer and a QT instead.

 

[Fishnthecorner]

I am putting expensive fish in the tank, and I also Cherish the life of every fish I put in my home, regardless of cost. I want to take every precaution possible. I have a 75g QT. I'm ooking for a good skimmer for my 235g FOWLR. Any suggestions???

 

[viggen]

That's when I think either or both are good... when there is expensive fish & it's a FO or FOWLR. Attitudes happen... thus it's a nice safety net incase one gets sick, I think it gives a little more time before other can catch the ich or whatever it is.

Not really sure which one is better..... I have used a UV on/off for a while & I do see a reduction in algae that needs cleaned & I haven't had any ich issues..... I am still adding stuff to my 475g FOWLR & I plan on adding some UV to that. I have a 80w & a 40w unit I was thinking of adding together but after purchasing a new Aqua UV 40w just a few days ago I am not sure I have room for both units.... ugh. Hasn't seen any water & I might need to sell it

I also plan on adding ozone to this tank & I have the ozone unit picked out, just need to pay some bills and get other more important things done to the tank first. I need to get a controller of some type first then the ozone will be last....

 

[MrTuskfish]

Ich is either in a tank or it isn't. The secret to keeping ich out is to be sure all fish spend at least 4 weeks in a QT. If ich isn't there; no attitude, stress, or anything else can cause a fish to "get ich". There is absolutely no substitution for a QT. Just the basic mechanics of Uv/ozone and a knowledge of the ich life-cycle make the shortcomings of either obvious. Once ich is in a tank; UV and ozone are minor band-aids at best. If UV & ozone would cure or prevent ich, everyone would use it. I'll bet UV units are among the most common items in long-time hobbyists pile of unused equipment. But, UV or ozone do a nice job with algae; that's why pondkeepers love it.

 

[Fishnthecorner]

well, just to be on the safe side, I purchased both! Not to mention, I'll have good control of algae, which I have always struggled with in the past...
I got the Aqua UV Classic 40 watt: http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/products/uvsterilizers/classic/40watt
And the Enaly Aquarium Ozone Generator OZAC-PLUS-100

with the Milwaukee SMS510 ORP Controller.
I should be good. Plus I already had the GFO reactor.!
Algae should be a thing of the past in my new setup!
oh, Here's my stand Build: