UV or Ozone?
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MrMikeB
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Ozone will infuse active oxygen in the water, which then help break down carbon based items that are found in the water due to feeding, waste, etc. Using ozone will boost your ORP which will make the water 'cleaner' and more capable of dealing with nutrients and waste products in the water stream. UV is more for killing parasitic and other small living organisms (like algae) that are found in the water stream (good and bad). So, my thought is that they are used for two very different purposes.
As for water clarity, I think they both would help, but I think ozone will actually break down the carbon based impurities through a molecular process whereas UV will just kill it and allow it to settle and/or get picked up by the skimmer more readily. You might also want to look into cycling carbon if water clarity is your goal - the tradoff is that it will pick up anything in the water stream that will bond (including your supplements).
As for water clarity, I think they both would help, but I think ozone will actually break down the carbon based impurities through a molecular process whereas UV will just kill it and allow it to settle and/or get picked up by the skimmer more readily. You might also want to look into cycling carbon if water clarity is your goal - the tradoff is that it will pick up anything in the water stream that will bond (including your supplements).
MrMikeB
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Well carbon takes out everything that can be bound to it - good and bad. If you have clarity issues its typically the small stuff released by our corals and other things that the skimmer cannot pick up on its own. Adding carbon will act like a magnet for this stuff, but will also suck up your supplements in the water.
To get the best of both worlds, cycle some carbon for about a awhile and then take it out. I typically run mine for about 2 weeks, go a couple months, and then run it again for another two weeks. It clears up the water and I do not have to worry about losing too much of my supplements like I would if it was left in continuously. Hope this helps!
To get the best of both worlds, cycle some carbon for about a awhile and then take it out. I typically run mine for about 2 weeks, go a couple months, and then run it again for another two weeks. It clears up the water and I do not have to worry about losing too much of my supplements like I would if it was left in continuously. Hope this helps!
dots
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Yes. I have been running carbon 24-7 since day one of the tank and am currently running it in a reactor with ROWAphos.....In fact, I mix both the granuated activated carbon from Justins group buy and some larger stuff in it and replace regularly.
The problem with taking it out is your supplement level will be constantly going up and down......I keep it in there and the levels are hopefully constant, but as the effectiveness of the carbon decreases does rise and fall, but not as greatly as taking it out completly. I use B-ionic and has those in it, and if one does regular WCs that isn't an issue......in fact, your clarity will only suffer by taking it in and out all the time.......
I thought you were eluding to the carbon cycle which is dosing with sugar or vodka.........which I already do on a small basis.......that clears it up WAY good.
My tank is really nutrient poor as is being BB and like I said am trying to take it to the next level........I am trying for the "where is the water" look.
I am considering an Red Sea Ozonizer, but will do some more research, because I have seen some don't recommend it and I want to research all the risks or problems others may have had in using it.
I remember Builderguy praising it when he was showing me his tank and has been sticking in my mind since then.
The problem with taking it out is your supplement level will be constantly going up and down......I keep it in there and the levels are hopefully constant, but as the effectiveness of the carbon decreases does rise and fall, but not as greatly as taking it out completly. I use B-ionic and has those in it, and if one does regular WCs that isn't an issue......in fact, your clarity will only suffer by taking it in and out all the time.......
I thought you were eluding to the carbon cycle which is dosing with sugar or vodka.........which I already do on a small basis.......that clears it up WAY good.
My tank is really nutrient poor as is being BB and like I said am trying to take it to the next level........I am trying for the "where is the water" look.
I am considering an Red Sea Ozonizer, but will do some more research, because I have seen some don't recommend it and I want to research all the risks or problems others may have had in using it.
I remember Builderguy praising it when he was showing me his tank and has been sticking in my mind since then.
You may want to research Randy Farly-Holmes write-up on ozone for aqarium use in the RK Mag link. I've installed ozone systems to remediate groundwater contamination but I doubt the amount of O3 comming from commercial ozonators is enough to actually 'clarify' water. It may however, increase your DO levels.
Let me know if there is some similar write-up on UV treatment for a reef tank. I've heard there are some negative thoughts on sterilizing reef tank water with UV. I understand they are recommended for FOWLR but not necessarily reefs. Let me know what you think.
Let me know if there is some similar write-up on UV treatment for a reef tank. I've heard there are some negative thoughts on sterilizing reef tank water with UV. I understand they are recommended for FOWLR but not necessarily reefs. Let me know what you think.
pepe.king.prawn
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Your DO levels are likely at 100% or darn near already. I never ran carbon on my reef, though it can be beneficial. Keep in mind that ozone will kill bacteria and other things in the water column as well as react with organics. This may produce insoluble material as ozone usually produces hydrophobic carbonyl groups. Chemistry aside, UV and ozone will produce somewhat of the same effect in that reguard, albeit UV may kill parasites a bit more effectively. But if you're not having ich issues, why do you desire sterile water?? I would say ozone may be a better bet in your case, but if you dose trace elements, keep in mind that you may be rendering some of them useless as they get oxided by the ozone.
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