UV Sterilizer

[Mark 75g]

Trying to find out who has a uv sterlizer or not and why. I have one that I got with the tank but it needs a new bulb. Not sure if I should hook it up or not.

Had issue with some fish dying about 2 months ago but have not lost any since. I have added a few since the die off and they are still looking healthy.

Any suggestions!!!!!

 

[Avi]

Before you bother with the UV-sterilizer, you should just be aware of its limitations. Only what passes through it will be killed and in a reef with all of the live rock usually associated with one, a very significant proportion of any parasite infestation's spores will not pass through the sterilizer before they become free-swimming and reach a fish host. This would be the case regarding a FOWLR too. In addition, the "dwell time" regarding the "speed" through which the water passes through the sterilizer is critical in order to kill what, in fact, does go through it. So, you have to be certain to use a pump (and take into account the "head room" loss of the rate of the water-flow that the pump would push through it) that has a rate that is strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation. But, for effectiveness, the general rule is the slower the flow-rate the better to take advantage of the sterilizer's killing ability. On the other hand, UV-sterilizers are effective for keeping suspended algae under control and so for water clarity.

So...if you have it already and you don't mind springing for the new bulb, you may as well use it...but don't consider it a total protection from a parasite problem.

 

[PghFishNerd]

+1
I almost got one for my seahorse tank, then did my research and found that same info. But if I had one already, I probably would spend the money on a bulb depending on how much it is. I have heard things about them being damaging to the pod population. However, I don't know how much truth there is to that.

 

[Mark 75g]

Thanks for the info. The bulb is appx $50. I have not had a problem since the fish die off a couple months ago. Everything looks great and all the fish seem healthy. Water quality seems good not sure how much clearer it would get with the UV.

The Aquatics website shows that the 25w can take upto 1200gph. My pump is 950gph. Just not sure if it is worth the $50 or save the money for more coral and other fish down the road.

 

[NaClH2Opgh]

Mark check out the DFS site it has a chart for flow rate based on wattage and it says that for a 25w recommended flow for bacteria and algae control is 475gph and for parasite control 150gph. It says it may vary but may be a good guideline to start with.

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=440

 

[problemfixer]

I have one on a FOWLR and there is a noticeable improvement in water clarity. A couple of times I had removed it for bulb changing/cleaning, and most recently swapping the sump. I had left the UV off until I was satisfied with the new sump set-up and I easily noticed the water clarity getting worse.
I cannot keep cleaner shrimp in the tank do to some of the fish which is why I originally bought the UV.
I had read it may kill off good bacteria for reefs.

 

[brettnleslie]

Uv

Uv

I agree with everything said.

They will kill only bacteria in the water column. They also kill floating algea spores which can be beneficial.

You should try dipping your new fish in a freshwater dip or using something like HydroPlex.

I have a UV integrated with my chiller but I don't use it all of the time. I turn it on in spurts and feel it helps to keep the water clearer.

Since you have it and a new bulb is only $50 you may want to consider it.

As the others have said, do your research and then decide.

Good luck!