UV & Reef

[RNall]

I'm getting a FOWLR system this weekend. I will be converting this to a mixed reef. It has a big 'ol fancy UV installed.

I understand the benefits of a UV as well as debatable issues when running with a reef. You have to give merit to George Carlin's opinions on immune system development right?

Anyway, I'm looking for firsthand experience. Has anyone used one on a reef for any considerable amount of time?

If I were to keep it in, I would not leave it on 24/7. Cycle it with fuge lights or something.

Personally, I prefer a setup with a minimal amount of hardware (i.e. less work, money, repairs, artificial systems, et cetera).

I'm just looking for a reason to keep it in basically.

Thanks!

[TimFountain]

I have run UV's on everything from 75's to 220's and have never seen any detrimental effects on fauna and flora, and I have also never had serious algea or ick problems.... I err more on the side of helping nature, especially in such an artificial and fragile place as our tanks.

- Tim

[brewercm]

The only thing that I noticed when running mine years ago was the my pod population was really knocked down to nothing. Took it off and they eventually came back with a vengance.

[RNall]

The only thing that I noticed when running mine years ago was the my pod population was really knocked down to nothing. Took it off and they eventually came back with a vengance.

pod = copepod?

Were you adding Phytoplankton prior to the UV addition? Between skimmers, impellers and such - I can't see how that stuff (phytoplankton) survives anyway. I think if I continue with my super secret blender suprise reef food, I'll be ok.

How long did it take for you to see a significant copepod population increase/reduction?

Thanks,

Ron

[RNall]

I have run UV's on everything from 75's to 220's and have never seen any detrimental effects on fauna and flora, and I have also never had serious algea or ick problems.... I err more on the side of helping nature, especially in such an artificial and fragile place as our tanks.

- Tim

How was/is your copepod populations?

Thanks!

[brewercm]

I was running mine 24/7. The only problem is if the copepods/amphipods run through the sterilizer it will kill them. May not be a huge deal on a large system but on my 75 I had at the time it definately did. It probably took several months before the population to come back.

[RNall]

I was running mine 24/7. The only problem is if the copepods/amphipods run through the sterilizer it will kill them. May not be a huge deal on a large system but on my 75 I had at the time it definately did. It probably took several months before the population to come back.

How/where was the UV installed in your system?

Thanks!

[GaryP]

Actually, I don't think it will kill the adult pods, but it will kill the larvae. other beneficial zooplankton such as rotifers will be killed too. To me, running a UV and keeping a lot of pod eaters such as mandarins and most wrasses is going to be very difficult. The planktonic algaes that it kill can also be benefical. Critters such as gorgonians, some other corals, clams, and feather dusters feed on it. One of the largest issues with a UV is maintenance. Unless it is cleaned regularly its just a waste of electricity. The glass sleeve around the bulb quickly becomes coated with "stuff" that cuts down on the transmission of UV light. I doubt that most people clean their UV often enough for it to be beneficial.

[Richard]

I ran one on my old 140. I never noticed any ill effects. Actually I never noticed any effects at all, except a degree extra on my thermometer, so I eventually took it off. I guess I'd say I haven't found them to be necessary at all but not detrimental either.

[mathias]

I added one to kill a green water algea I was getting in my tank... now my tank is crystal clear. Havn't seen my pod population go down my mandarin is fatter than ever... I have had him for 3 years now?

[RNall]

Thanks for all the input guys.

Sounds like it would be a good idea for me to keep the UV installed, install a few valves and only use it if I'm having a problem that the use of it would make sense.

I may experiment with it a bit. If I notice anything interesting, I will post it.

Thanks,

Ron

[TimFountain]

I have run UV's on everything from 75's to 220's and have never seen any detrimental effects on fauna and flora, and I have also never had serious algea or ick problems.... I err more on the side of helping nature, especially in such an artificial and fragile place as our tanks.

- Tim

How was/is your copepod populations?

Thanks!
I have a seperate fuge, and there are tons of pods in there. If they go into the main tank then they go through the UV, but they are eaten straight away.... I also have tons in the overflow tower.

- Tim