Who uses ozone?

victor90 said:
Hi can you guys tell me the dangers of ozone? I was told it can kill everything in my tank. I have a 90 gallon what would be the correct dosage?
Thanks Vic

Yup that the danger, but so can salt, Kalkwasser, Iodine and lots of other things of dosed incorrectly.

FWIW I have read of many more people killing their tank using kalkwasser than ozone.
 
Ozone lovers:
I have an Ozotech 150mg/hr reactor for sale. It is in perfect condition and only used for about six months. I am asking $200 for it, e-mail or PM if you are interested. I love ozone and only selling due to financial reasons.
 
I started dosing ozone a few days ago.. so far im at 15% of 200mg/h for 2 hours a day (12pm-2pm)
My orp has climbed slowly from 250 to 280 in about 3 days.
When i first monitored my orp 6 months or more ago it was around 320 at the time.
Now it seems low. I do have a case of cyano/dinos right now

Should I leave my settings be and hope it slowly comes up?
or up my dosage time (or %) to get in the 350ish range?
 
Excuse my ignorance...but what exactly is the purpose of using Ozone in our tanks.
I checked Dr. Farley's article lists and couldn't find one to read,
Anyone know of a good read?
Thank you,
 
Well,
I just did some research and found out that neither Dr. Shimek nor Dr. Farley recommend its usage.
Some threads:
One.
Two.
The search.

I am not trying to start any arguments but would love to hear some input from the pro-ozone camp.
I am open to trying new things to help improve my tank.
 
Ditto, Kitzo.

I would like for someone to try and sell me ozone :D

At the moment I am border line.

BTW, do you need a controller to dose it?
 
Andy Calfo's book "coral prop" vol 1 has an excellent discussion of the topic. Ozone is not required for a successful reef tank, but, if used properly can enhance protein skimming and increase the clarity of the water. Do some research, those who use ozone dont need to sell you anything.

Also, I dont need Drs shimek and Farley's blessing to use ozone.
 
Ozone has been commonly used in marine aquariums since the 80s. It's lost popularity, mainly due to the fact that it is no longer considered 'necessary equipment' as it once was. I've got Magazines from the period that advocate ozone generators as a "must-have"... Wet-dry filters too, for that matter. :D

As mentioned, ozone will enhance skimming and provide a very stable foam production. It is used mainly to keep the water crystal-clear. A monitor is used to make sure that ozone is not overdosed, which can wreak havok in our systems.

That being said, and as someone else previously cited, it would be useful in SPS aquariums because clear water will allow more light to reach to corals.

To be honest, it's really not for everyone. You'll be hard pressed to spark an arguement. It's just another tool that some of us choose to use. Such is a protein skimmer or an ecosystem filter. Both are not necessary for a healthy aquarium, but they offer distinct advantages. Bottom line.



JMHO.

E.
 
Last edited:
Brad A. Relax Med. man, I did my research. I have read "the reeftank bible" many times. I just wanted to hear the pros from those who use it. Thank you for your responces.
 
Creeper,

Ifyou have access to acopy of The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner you can read what he has to say on pp. 85-88. Here are some highlights:

"Some authors say you must have an ORP monitor and controller attached to each ozonizer. I am not convinced that the average hobbyist needs this level of control. You should never use an ozonizer that can produce dangerous levels of ozone (most hobbyist units won't)"

"Numerous authors cite the need for carbon filtration of water and air exiting an ozone-enhanced skimmer, or even special venting to prevent ozone poisoning of both livestock and hobbyists. These fears are unfounded--provided you are using an ozonizer intended for home aquarium use. Though I would not directly introduce ozone into an aquarium, the little that intended units produce is dissipated quickly when utilized in a skimmer or dispersed in a sump or filter box. The worst consequence of small ozone generators is the increased corrosion of rubber or silicone tubing materials in your system. You, your fishes, and your house will not burn down, I promise.

Ozone's quick chemical degradation of large organic molecules that are responsible for off-color, turbidity, low oxygen, and some toxicities, makes its modest start-up and operational costs pale. If you're even vaguely considering an investment in any sort of meter, doser, denitrator, or ultraviolet sterilizer--stop. First buy and use a small aquarium ozonizer in conjunction with your skimmer. Almost all public aquariums utilize ozone with theirs--you should too"

I'm not sure, but I think he's saying it's a good thing ;) He has lots of experience using ozone in home and commercial systems. Many people who warn against it, have never used it.

I think the real reason it's not more widely used in home aquaria is that it's considered "unnatural". Like keeping reef creatures in a box in your living room is "natural".

All I know is, I like the results I see in Brad's aquarium. His water is amazingly clear, and his sps are doing great. Ozone isn't the only factor, of course, but it does contribute significantly.

Tom Berry:fish2:
 
Tom,

Its so true that our aquariums are not real reefs. There is nothing natural about corals in my living room. I feed my fish a lot of food and I believe this benefits the corals as well as the fish. As such, I like being able to "Skim" the excess nutrients out of the water and ozone greatly helps facilitate removal of organic compounds (as indicated by ORP and dissolved organic level assays performed by me). Also, Tom, I'm excited about the grow in my tank..and that purple tort has turned into a baby blue colored tort and is growing very well. I'm sold on ozone and recommend it for acro dominated tanks. Softies and LPS, I've found do much better in my tanks that don't use o3.
Brad
 
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist, a great read. I recommend this book to all newbies that I help out.


Sold, I'll guess I can try it in my solely SPS tank (not even any fish) at a very low dosage, then ramp it up as I see fit. I hope that I can confide in you guys in the future for some more info.

Brad...you know, med student = med man. Busting because you (IMO) thought that asking for a users point of view was not research. Thanks for your input...everyone.
 
I have been using ozone in my salt tanks for over 15 years. I have dosed it directly into the display tank, I have injected it into the skimmer, and also used an expensive and cool looking ozone reaction chamber.

I run a 500 mg/hr ozonizer on each of my systems. They only run at full power and I choose not to use a controller (Both system have Milwaukee ORP controllers, but are used just as monitors)

Ozone is great for water clarity, it's also great for controlling parasites and infections. My outdoor system is currently fighting the winter temperatures to stay warm. Every morning the system is 70deg and every day it rises up to 77deg.

With a daily swing of 7deg both directions I should have ich everywhere. However, I don't. Powder Blue tangs, purple tangs, chevron tangs, flame angels, golden angels, asfur angel, wrasses, gobies, blennies --- not a spot of ich.

If you pump a ton of ozone (100+ mg/hr) of ozone directly into a small tank (40g or less) you could harm the fish (burn the gills).

But back in the day when I had a 40g and a 100g I ran 50mg/hr and 100 mg/hr ozonizers pumping the ozone directly into the tank 24/7 via a wooden air stone without ever having any ill affects.

Not my opinions - Just my experience.

Dave B
 
Creepers,
Don't bust too much, you may not be able to plan anymore projects! But, if you have any more questions about ozone... please ask and I'll tell you what I've observed in my tank.

Consider a small ozonizer..like the 50 mg/hr red sea..maybe 5 mg/hr for the 30 gallon or about 10-15 mg/hr for the future 72 bowfront. I dont run carbon. I haven't been able to detect any ozone by-products in the main tank (via red sea o3 test kit).

Good luck
 
good to know that their is a test kit for O3. I was unaware. My profile is old. I'm up to 300 gallons now, adding a new 150 in the new year. I just can't get away from it. I love reefkeeping. :D
Actually I like the new knowledge that seems to be constantly available.
I'm not busting too hard Brad. I have some Med Man friends (best friends), so please don't take it personally. You seem like a cool guy, good luck with your career. I really appreciate all of your input.
 
300 gallon...get the bigger ozone model!

I'm mildly obsessed with reefkeeping as well! I love seeing the acros grow.
Let us know how your tank looks after a few days of o3.
 
Creeper,

I'd like to hear more about your fishless sps tank. How much difference does not having fish make in terms of nutrient export, maintenance, health of sps etc.? Fish are great, but I think keeping sps without them could be a lot easier.

Tom:fish2:
 
My main reason for wanting to use O3 is this. I do frequent 5 gallon water changes. I use a white bucket. The water always has a slight yellow tint to it. I run carbon and use a lifereef VS2-72 skimmer. I just can't get rid of the yellow. I now think that O3 may be the answer.

I have never had a heavy fish load in an sps tank. At most 3 or four fish in a 150 gallon system stocked with SPS. I have never had luck with fish, but I can't kill SPS!! I must have a coral thumb (and I do a LOT of research before doing anything). IMO, fish are a pain. I like the coral. It is more interesting. From what I read, it may be of some advantage to have some fish to provide a source of nutrients for the coral. Sorry I can't help more.
 
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