UV Help

[Kustomreefer]

I am considering running a UV on my 225 reef and needed some feedback, Brand recomended , Pro's & Con's, wattage and flow. Trying to control algea. Thanks for the help, Karl-Kustomreefer

 

[Dtip]

It's my understanding that UV devices work primarily on single cell type algaes (that actually spend a lot of time in the water column and can green the water), but not really on larger types like hair (which often don't, at least not when you most want to get them). I may be wrong. But what sort of algae problems are you having?

 

[Kustomreefer]

Dtip, Trying to contorl hair and geen algea. I saw fellow reefers tank (Ben-Fdfiremedic) tank the other day and noticed the absence of any algea. He attributes it to his UV system. By the way, AWESOME tank Ben!! Karl

 

[Fdfiremedic]

Thanks Karl!!!!!! I do swear by them and as you can see no algae and no sick fish!!!!!!! I use Lifegard brand but there might be better and cheaper out there. I really didnt do the research. It does get expensive though replaceing $50 bulbs every 6 months and it never fails a quartz sleeve always breaks on me costing another $50. So look around first and maybe there is a better one on the market now with less maintenance but if not I really do lik my Lifegards. Ben

 

[serpentman]

I have seen dramatic improvements in others tanks with the use of UV. One key factor is to make sure you get one with wipers to keep the bulb clean and its effectiveness high.

Also, although UV will likely help, keep in mind the presence of algae also indicates higher nutrient levels in your tank. If not addressed, I don't think any filtration will completely eliminate it.

A couple things to check:

Overfeeding (either too much at a time or too often...or both)
High bioload
death of fish, etc.