uv sterilizer important?

[Juice It]

I have a chiller with a uv sterilizer built in and where the filter is located I will never need the chiller. Now it has sprung a leak and I cant get to it. How important is the uv sterilizer to fish only as I am thinking of just eliminating the chiller all together.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[tmz]

Helpfull for water calrity and some control over bacteria and microalgae but not essential. I use them and like them.

 

[JustinReef]

I am not a fan only because they only take care of what passes through them and then on top of that the exposure time (flow) through the unit will determine whether its taking care of algae, parasites or whatnot. If you are looking for clear water and less algae, ozone is way more efficient. It will take care of all these things and you never need to replace bulbs. You do need to really do some research about ozone though.

 

[tmz]

I don't know that ozone is more efficent. The equipment and controllers are not exactly cheap. In my opinion, it is more dangerous and can easily cause difficulties with overdosing.

 

[JustinReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12652833#post12652833 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tmz
I don't know that ozone is more efficent. The equipment and controllers are not exactly cheap. In my opinion, it is more dangerous and can easily cause difficulties with overdosing.

Hobby units are really not even close to being strong enough to overdose. It would be very hard.

As for ozone being more efficient, the reason is that it does not matter about flow rate and will take care of ammonia removal, algae removal, clears water in general, kills parasites passing through it, ect.

It costs more in initial set up but is well worth it. I would never run a tank without again.

Did you have a bad experience with ozone?

 

[tmz]

No ,I have never used it. After researching it I decided not to at least for now. I have not found any evicence that it kills parasites or even bacteria unless it is at levels much higher than would be used in an aquarium .It does dissolve organics and may help to detoxify certain alleopathic compounds which is why it intrigues me since I keep a mixed cocral system.

Anyway the thread starters question was about uv and he already has a uv so a heavy discussion on ozone should wait for another thread. For those who wan't more information ,there are 3 very good aticles by Randy Homes Farely which can be found in his lisitng of articles in the reef chemistry forum. Here is part 1.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php

 

[JustinReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12656363#post12656363 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tmz
No ,I have never used it. After researching it I decided not to at least for now. I have not found any evicence that it kills parasites or even bacteria unless it is at levels much higher than would be used in an aquarium .It does dissolve organics and may help to detoxify certain alleopathic compounds which is why it intrigues me since I keep a mixed cocral system.

Anyway the thread starters question was about uv and he already has a uv so a heavy discussion on ozone should wait for another thread. For those who wan't more information ,there are 3 very good aticles by Randy Homes Farely which can be found in his lisitng of articles in the reef chemistry forum. Here is part 1.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php

Well this was not meant to be a discussion about ozone just another option that can be used instead of UV. I find people who have not used ozone are way too quick to tell others not to use it.

 

[tmz]

Yes, I agree with that. I don't believe I said people shouldn't use it nor would I say that since it has some benefits and may have more potential for certain things. I do think someone who is considering it should be fully informed. Same goes for uv ,carbon or phosphate remover etc.

 

[JustinReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12656694#post12656694 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tmz
Yes, I agree with that. I don't believe I said people shouldn't use it nor would I say that since it has some benefits and may have more potential for certain things. I do think someone who is considering it should be fully informed. Same goes for uv ,carbon or phosphate remover etc.

Oh sorry I should have worded that better, I didn't mean you had suggested not using it. I meant I find people who have never used it or don't know too much about it are constantly telling others not to use it. You seem to have done your research and know a lot about it.

I agree that its like anything else in this hobby and you need to make an educated decision. Ozone is something you really need ot understand to use properly and effectively.

Anyways, back to UV...