UV Sterilizer

[oceanicblue]

How many currently use a UV Sterilizer? Pro's, Con's to using one?

 

[fishdoc11]

I used a 25 watt Aqua UV on a 90 gallon tank for about a year and besides a slight increase in water clairity(not visible to the naked eye but noticed because of a slight spike in coral lightening) and added heat I really didn't notice the difference.
Chris

 

[Fishboy42]

I use UV sterilizers on heavily-stocked fish systems. I do see benefits there of reduced microbial activity in the water, such as reduction of bacterial blooms and free-floating algae (=clear, clean-looking water). They also aid in keeping diseases from spreading from tank-to-tank if something were to be inadvertently introduced (all feed-water goes through the UV units). Maintenance and bulb changes are important to realize these benefits (cost of this is a "con" perhaps..).

I wouldn't say they are necessary for a moderately sized and lightly-stocked reeftank, and as Chris says, they will use power and introduce some heat. UV units can be helpful depending upon the setup and your goals for it. I'm sure others can chime in with their experiences and opinions too; I'd love to hear it as well If you post your tank setup/equipment and ideas, I'm sure you could get some help in making the decision.

Matt

 

[EvilMel]

I used one when I had my one and only ich outbreak. It helped clear up the ich, but I left it running a good while after that. It really seemed like the corals started to suffer. My tank was fairly lightly stocked at the time too (pre-Prisiclla...so basically only gobies and blennies in my 135g).

 

[phudeb]

Same here. I have a 36W on a 75G tank. I only run it when I introduce a new fish and I run it for about a month. It wil take care of ich. Can tell on the water clarity though.

 

[oceanicblue]

Currently have a 110 Oceanic. FOWLR. As far a livestock goes we just have 5 fish and a Cleaner Shrimp, and some Hermit crabs.
Coralife compact lights.
Now that I have more time to attend to the tank I was thinking of some upgrades UV Sterilizer and maybe a new tank.

I would also like to change the substrate. Maybe to the Fiji pink sand.