UV and reactor time duration?

[tcermd]

I am new and just set up a new 125 gallon mixed reef tank. I have a heavy fish load as well as LPS coral load. I just set up my turbotwist 18v and BRS dual media reactor.my question is how long do I run each of these without hurting the coral? Do I run the skimmer nonstop?

 

[thegrun]

While I'm not a big UV fan, run them both 24/7.

 

[tcermd]

I am new and just set up a new 125 gallon mixed reef tank. I have a heavy fish load as well as LPS coral load. I just set up my turbotwist 18v and BRS dual media reactor.my question is how long do I run each of these without hurting the coral? Do I run the skimmer nonstop?

 

[Sapelo]

I'm interested to see if you can get some long term UV users input on this.
Skimmer is 24/7 forever but I've read some varying responses on UV including the idea of not running it constantly.
I've been running mine 24/7 for about 3 months as I deal with some water quality/algae issues. It seems to have done the trick and I am considering backing off, maybe running like two weeks on and two weeks off? I don't have a very scientific reason for this, thus I'm hoping others will chime in on your question.

One question for you is how strong/what type of UV are you running? We know that UV has to be really over-sized to accomplish much in a reef tank. What's your reasoning for using it?

 

[MrsReefK]

I am also curious to hear from long term UV users on this. We are currently cycling and have a UV that I need to decide how/when it will be running.

 

[Dmorty217]

It really depends on what your using the UV for (blooms,level 1 or level 2 sterilization) and how it's installed on the system (sump,return, stand alone ect) flow rate, and dwell time.

 

[tcermd]

While I'm not a big UV fan, run them both 24/7.

 

[tcermd]

I have it located in my sump on its own pump, Sicce silent 1.5, turbotwist 6x(rated for upto 250gallon)18 watt. I want to sterilize as well as buff the water. Should I run gfo and carbon 24/7?

 

[scuzy]

UV and reactor time duration?

You have to make sure to dial in the flow just right for the uv to get proper sterilization. You want the maximum exposure time possible to kill off anything that you want. I run my uv 24/7 and reactors 24/7 as well.

 

[tcermd]

Sapelo, did your corals do ok when you ran it 24/7? My parameters have been perfect using it continuously. My concern is clearing the good suff out of my water.

 

[BlackTip]

I've been running my UV 24/7 for several months without any negative effect to livestock. UV has no negative effect on coral or fish health. When it is installed properly, it should eliminate or reduce the spread of pathogen and spores.

 

[Sapelo]

So far corals do seem fine (spa dominated but far from heavily stocked) but I am concerned about long term, hence thinking of running it maybe a little bit each month ...I'm still not sure...

 

[DrBoxedWine]

That one you have won't do anything against ich... I have a Uv sterilizer on my 75g, and it's about 3' tall and 3" in diameter. It does work against ich. Won't eliminate it, but does a great job keeping it to barely noticeable.

 

[tcermd]

Thanks all