Uv Light Question
- Thread starter itzyroe
- Start date
jeffbrig
Premium Member
The idea behind it is that ultraviolet radiation kills/sterilizers anything in the water that flows through this. There's some debate as to whether they're truly effective, or just a good idea on paper.
After a recent ich outbreak, I added a 38w UV sterilizer. I can't say that I've seen much difference personally. Water clarity looks to be the same, but it was good to begin with. The UV did not prevent recurring outbreaks of ich, but it may have limited their numbers, I'll never know.
Right now I'm running it while the tank is fallow (fish in QT). Not sure if I will keep it on the tank long term. If it's not accomplishing anything, the UV (and pump) is just a 100w heater stuck in the ON position.
After a recent ich outbreak, I added a 38w UV sterilizer. I can't say that I've seen much difference personally. Water clarity looks to be the same, but it was good to begin with. The UV did not prevent recurring outbreaks of ich, but it may have limited their numbers, I'll never know.
Right now I'm running it while the tank is fallow (fish in QT). Not sure if I will keep it on the tank long term. If it's not accomplishing anything, the UV (and pump) is just a 100w heater stuck in the ON position.
lpsluver
New member
They do help with red slime algae (a bacteria) and water clarity. As a microbiologist (yes,I am a science geek). They are not of sufficient intensity, if you go with the recommended size, to be a good sanitizer. Just part of a good overall system. Lower water flow through them is better. More contact time. The "experts" say that if it a choice between a UV unit and a piece of equipment such as a skimmer go with the skimmer. FWIIW
it is a hotly debated subject. I am running a 9w on my 37 gallon, and my fish are happy and have been for about a month. That's not saying much, however, my friend who I consider a master reefer, does not run a skimmer and runs the same 9 watt uv. I think it is important to mention he has tons of macro in his tank. He has never had an ich outbreak, has not had any fish deaths except 1 due to stress, and he does a water change about once a month. His tank is 72 gallon and his fish are healthy and his corals grow erradically. For 89 bucks or whatever for the turbo twist and 25 bucks for a pump, I feel like it couldnt hurt.
gasman059
The OG mad scientist
I did stay at a holiday inn.!
Four major factors affect the percent kill of free-floating micro-organisms by UV radiation:
1. Size of organisms.
2. Radiation level.
3. The extent to which UV rays penetrate the water.
4. Contact time in which the micro-organism is exposed to the UV radiation.
In my opinion there is no right or wrong answer here.
The UV unit also helps control algae blooms by killing waterborne algae.
I use one in my pond and never ever looked back.
Sterilizers are a case where bigger is better. PERIOD
And IMO I will never ever setup another tank w/o a UV. Just because I don't QT(no patience ) and w/o one my tanks will only have corals and shrimps LOL:lol:
db_triggerfish
Premium Member
I don't currently own one but do plan on getting it. I think going with a pump with a really slow flow rate makes sense, to increase the contact time. I haven't made up my mind on which brand of UV but it has to work with an adjustable pump and set at the slowest rate. I like this pump because the rate is 18-106gph. I plan on running it at 18gph super slow.
Here is a link that i first saw this little pump being recommended.
http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/sterilizers_currentusa.html
Here is a link that i first saw this little pump being recommended.
http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/sterilizers_currentusa.html
gasman059
The OG mad scientist
LIFEGUARD HAS BEEN GOOD FOR ME FOR MANY YEARS- THEY ARE TOP OF THE LINE WHEN IT COMES TO U/V PRODUCTS.<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9814149#post9814149 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by db_triggerfish
I don't currently own one but do plan on getting it. I think going with a pump with a really slow flow rate makes sense, to increase the contact time. I haven't made up my mind on which brand of UV but it has to work with an adjustable pump and set at the slowest rate. I like this pump because the rate is 18-106gph. I plan on running it at 18gph super slow.
Here is a link that i first saw this little pump being recommended.
http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/sterilizers_currentusa.html
Bullredchaser
New member
We believe besides Uv reducing the number of the ick parasite it also helps prevent the spread of bacterial and protozoan infection in corals especially with LPS corals.But we do find most people run the sterilizer wrong.The flow should be slow and T'ing off the main line with the ball valve cracked open is a good way to operate them.
