UV sterilizer

[jevanroe]

I was just wondering how many of you out there incorporate a UV sterilizer into your reef tank. Are they necessary? If so, what kind are you having luck with?

 

[RUGDOG]

bot no replies I would like to know myself

 

[45commando]

I don't think they are necessary,but I run one on my tank,as I enjoy having the crystal clear water.I run a 25 watt unit on my tank.HTH.

 

[gasman059]

me too/I would not run a setup w/o it theres a thread in the sps forum that u may wanna che4ck out.

 

[scrmbld33]

i have one of the turbo twist ones on mine

 

[RandyStacyE]

I use one too, I forget how many watts though. I think they are a good thing to have, at least worth getting eventually. They are one of the few pieces of equipment that make an obvious difference in clarity in just a matter of hours.

 

[jag1979]

i run a 40 watt on my 180, i don't qt so I just want a little insurance. I have a lot of light (1050 watts total) and I guess it probably helps w/ algea b/c I don't get a lot.

 

[MAKAVELI 77]

can some one tell me how to hook up a coralife uv to a fluval 404 if it is possible without using a pump. Post pics of ur guys setup so i can see, And what is the maintence of the UV.....

Thanks Rick

 

[KozmoTKramer]

I don't have one on my 100. I have read they can do as much harm as good. They kill good stuff as well as bad stuff.

I would like to know more on this topic. I am considering running one from time to time (once a week). But never all the time.

 

[TomDe]

I have one but it was only used when I had a small ich outbreak that I managed.

As far as water clarity, good quality carbon does the same thing and will not kill anything.

 

[45commando]

In my opinion carbon will not come close to providing the water clarity that a UV does.I think that a UV is almost the same as using ozone in terms of crystal clear water.I think a lot of people get the idea that "good" bacteria etc will get killed when using UV,but most of this bacteria is on the LR/sand bed & is not in solution,so never gets affected by the UV.I've never noticed any drop in pods,in either the main tank or fuge,since installing the UV.HTH

 

[RandyStacyE]

I've been told that UV only kills 'single cell organisms' not pods and such. Makes sense, but what about ick? I once had ick on a couple of fish, it jumped on all the others and after I put in the UV, the ich never came back.

I wonder if the UV kills ick.

I've been running UV for years. UV is in a way like using a skimmer. You either use it or you don't. The UV bulk does NOT like to be turned on and off as it will burn up the bulb. Once it's on, leave it on and you will have a longer lamp life.

I have never replaced my bulk since the day I bought it. They suggest changing it (I forget how often), but I never did and it still works great. The bulbs are not cheap, but UV is definitely worth using.

 

[KozmoTKramer]

I wish more people would chime in on this topic. Some links or references would be great...

 

[Billy Rocket]

you can buy a UV with a wiper. VERY easy to clean the bulb. I like Aqua UV's. Look on Marine depot. I run 57w on my 215g, and 2x 57 watt on my 4,000 pond

 

[saveafish]

UV is a great clearfier and great preventive maintance for livestock

 

[KozmoTKramer]

I think I may get one.... but I'm still not 100% convinced. Someone chime in with an argument that will tip me over the top!