UV Blew Is it needed?

[Dr RBG]

First Setup details Red Sea Reefer 450 with standard sump. When I bought it the LFS said I should also get an Eheim 4+ canister filter which then returns water through a Coralife 35-watt UV sterilizer. Been running for a year now. Also, I have 2 Maxspect 230 gyre wave pumps.

So it seems the sterilizer cracked inside, Probably because it stayed on even when the Eheim shuts during the feeding cycle.

Questions: 1 Do I still need the sterilizer?
2 Do I need to run the Eheim canister

Thanks for your take on this,

 

[Reef noob_]

Both a UV sterilizer and the canister are pieces of equipment that are unnecessary. Personally I'd just get rid of them both.


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[mitch91175]

You do not need any equipment, but some equipment does have its purpose. For instance, UV sterilizers do help on algae outbreaks and some disease control if you have a properly sized UV for your system and the correct flow rate through the UV sterilizer. I currently run a Aqua Ultraviolet 57W on my 240 and my water is crystal clear. You can tell the water clarity difference when you aren't running one versus when you are running one (specially when you have a heavy stock a feed a lot without doing weekly water changes). Usually water has a yellowish tint to it. Activated carbon helps as well for clarity.

I run my UV simply because of water clarity which will allow my light to penetrate the water better.

Canister filter on saltwater are notorious for nitrate build-up.

 

[mitch91175]

Here is a good article by MarineDepot that will help you decide what you want to do: https://blog.marinedepot.com/2017/03/the-truth-about-uv-sterilizers-and-reef-aquariums.html

If you decide not to run it 24/7, you could always have it plumbed into your system for those instances you do need to run it. I personally am going to modify my schedule to not run mine 24/7 and run it maybe 2-3 days a week.

 

[Bent]

Needed no.

A great tool for a specific job? Absolutely.

 

[lapin]

+1 to a lot of the above answers. Answer is wait and see. If your tank looks great in a month then no. If things change and you dont like it then yes.

 

[rjjr1963]

UV Sterilizer wiped out my dino's and cleared the water dramatically. Everyone notices how much clearer the tank is. I won't be without one on my DT.