School me on UV's

[Krazy]

OK...

I want to know about UV Sterilizer's as I know NOTHING on them...

Will I have any added benefit to my tank by adding one of these?

If so why and how?

Also what wattage would be acceptable for about 100gallons ?

Thanks

 

[xmystified]

I have a 150 gallon and use a 25 watt uv. te down side of them it thay don't discriminate what they kill off. depending on what u want it to do you adjust the flow rate going through them,a slow rate will kill off parasites ( eg-ick) higher flow rates will control micro algea. I don'd run mine 24-7 usually about 1 week a month

 

[Krazy]

Harry,

Thanks for replying. That is where I am confused, if it were to be run for 24/7 or with an ON/OFF type of way, such as you are doing...

I figured it couldnt hurt if I added one at some point, if I could find a good deal on it, I figured it would add to the process of keeping the water crystal clear.

Some people rave about them, others rave against them.

As you know this is a very touchy subject, now throw me in on it with knowing nothing anouit them, at it gets even better

 

[Krazy]

I might be purchasing an older coralife 25watt... will need a new bulb shortly but I guess they are about $25-30bucks (seems reasonable)

$50 shipped..

Is that a fair price for a 25watt unit ??

 

[xmystified]

real good price

 

[Krazy]

I backed off for now with the U/V....

I want to learn more about it before I use one on my tank.. I dont wanna kill beneficial critters...

Harry,

Is this why you only run it for about 1 week out of the month?

 

[xmystified]

yes, just to kinda clean things up a lil bit

 

[Rainer Feyer]

KrazyK,

I am not very knowledgable on UV as the reef is concerned, but have read repeated articles fomr the gurus that they are not necessary and many do not like them.

As mentioned about, it really kills everything alive which is kinda counterproductive for your coral, no? My real reason for not getting one: Why would one need one?

 

[S Bottom]

Great for fish olny.

 

[S Bottom]

Great for fish olny tanks.

 

[Tomzpc]

Keith...

Look into ozone. I researched the heck out of UV a few years back only to later realize that ozone gives the same benefit only better. I don't swing by here much so if you want more info pop in on the hvreef boards my friend.

Later..Tom

 

[Rainer Feyer]

I agree with the ozone wholeheartedly!

 

[ChrisBuono]

I use both UV and ozone. Each has it's protracters and detracters (sp?). I do know that together they went a long way toward solving my ich problem.