UV sterilizers Good/Bad?

[krazykrakr2186]

What is everyone's take on uv sterilizers? I've read both good and bad things about them. I'm setting up a 180gal reef. From what I understand they kill off beneficial
organisms that are good for the system.

What do y'all think?

[krazykrakr2186]

Ok... guess ill plumb it up and see what happens. Guess it cant hurt.

[350gt]

Can't believed nobody has responded..



eitherway; I have had one on my tank for a little while with no ill effects.... Recently a bulb went out or something is wrong but it isn't working, and water doesn't sparkle like before....

[Fenker]

It will keep the tank clean and free of alot of parasites, but like u said, it also kills beneficial bacteria and I believe it kills pods to. But im not positive

[lt1z28]

I've always had a uv sterilizer in all of my tanks since I dont quarantine my fish. They help a lot with parasites and they make your water sparkle. I have observed my fish scratching and going to the cleaner shrimp more often when I unplug the uv. I have not seen a decline of pods. They do add heat to your water though. I've seen about a 1 degree increase

[Mr Cob]

I was never a fan of UV. Still not certain it does all it claims to do..but seems to be helping on my current clownfish breeder system. I had a breakout of ich a few weeks ago on one system and it seems to have helped me get things under control again.

I don't think, what little water passes through it that it could actually destroy a pod population and I do think it helps with the bad stuff.

I don't mind the increase in heat.. that is a plus for me on the clownfish systems.

On a reef system I will probably use one in the future...though I have never in 6+ years.

[350gt]

Not true on killing pods....


i have not seen a decline whatsoever.

[Mr Cob]

not sure if you read my post wrong or not, but I said the same thing, I DON'T think that it could kill a pod population

[Gseclipse02]

Loved running my uvs I was running close to 60watts. Worth on my 180 what ever Good things it was killing had no real affect. Imo

[rockmp]

I will never run a tank without one again. Makes water crystal clear and also fights against pests. I also have not seen a decline in pods.


Thanks
Mark
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Scutterborn]

UV sterilizers are not a gimmick. They may not work as well for some folks and then do a great job for others. That just depends on how the system is set up.

UV sterilizers can provide cleaner looking water due to a decrease in free floating algae spores.

UV sterilizers can and will kill some water borne bacteria. However, the amount of bacteria that would be "sterilized" is infinitesimally tiny in regards to your eco balance. Your Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter colonize on the surface area in the tank. rock, substrate and even the glass (to an extent). these are your two main nitrifying bacterias. They are not affected in any measurable way that I've heard of or read.

So, in summation, Hook up your UV to a low flow pump and enjoy!

-Ben

[alton]

I ran uv's in the late 90's, a good friend showed me with my bosses tank they are not required so for the last 11 years I have not used one. If it works for you go for it, just remember lamps only last 6 months and never look at one, it will fry your eyes.

[krazykrakr2186]

Well, looks like ill give it a whirl. Its a 40W Aqua sterilizer, from what i've read it sounds like a decent one.. any reccomendations as to what size pump to put on the end of it?

[reefreak]

Slower the water movement the cleaner the water is.

[350gt]

Please let us know what your thoughts are....


asfar as pump, might want to google that, they all require different flow rates.

[ErikH]

I love mine! Thanks Jeremy!

[ducati996]

okay steven sent me to this discussion ecause im against uv sterilizer on reef tanks well ive had one in storage for about a year i just hooked it up today ill post results acordingly but so far my water is getting crystal clear ill keep an eye on my pod population

[krazykrakr2186]

Looking forward to seeing your results !