UV on larger system?? - Size/brand/posioning, etc.

[jnfallon]

Hi all,

Need some advice.

I picked up a bunch of new corals this week. Didnt QT, and now my hippo tang has ick. Not a lot, but enough to make me ****ed. I have not had any ick since inception on this tank/system.

Anyway, I know the drill about hypo and all that, but frankly I'm not able to get him out anymore. I'd like to try whatever I can to try and control it before even considering breaking down 1000 lbs of live rock and 100 + corals.

I'm feeding garlic and garlic saturated pellets. I run 50mg of ozone 24/7.

My big question is to whether I should grab a UV sterilizer to help. I realize the value is variable, and about the various stages, etc. But even if it helped "a little" it would probably be worth it. I could use the uv on the pond I built outside next summer too, so I wouldnt feel like I'm wasting money.

I have almost 600 g on the system. What size should I get? Brand? Optimum Flow rate? Where in the system (pre-return, pre skimmer, etc)

Thanks so much.

 

[jacob30]

This is what Steve Weast uses on his 850g:
Aqua 200watt single bulb UV sterilizer

The 120 version would be fine:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=AV2393

 

[Fiziksgeek]

I wonder how effective the UV would be since you already run ozone. Most people run one or the other since they have a similar effect. Maybe I am wrong though.

 

[massman]

The UV will be inaffective against crypto.
Cysts fall off the fish and land on the substrate. The eggs then hatch, and reattach to the fish in greater numbers.
For the UV to work, EVERY single free swimming tomont will have to pass through it, and this will NEVER occur.

Have a read through June's reefkeping mag, esp the article by Steven Pro on catching fish out.

 

[jkmargerum]

No, you won't be able to kill all of the free swimmers but you will kill off enough to lower the concentration in the water. This gives the fish less to combat and a better chance to recover naturally.

Have you read this thread?

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=820064

 

[massman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8270658#post8270658 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jkmargerum
No, you won't be able to kill all of the free swimmers but you will kill off enough to lower the concentration in the water. This gives the fish less to combat and a better chance to recover naturally.

Have you read this thread?

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=820064

Whilst some of the free swimming parasites will be killed through the UV, I do not feel it will make a difference.
If the fish can develop immunity, or fight off the parasite, then this is irrespective of the presence of a UV or not.

If, for peace of mind, you feel you need to buy one, then do it.
If the fish live, its not because of the UV.