UV Sterilizer use

[Z06-Hec]

Just wanted to post some feedback on using a UV...
I have been reefing for maybe 5 years in total, 2 upgrades since i started.
As someone fairly new, learn something everyday, I will say that the use of a UV Sterilizer helps!
At first i bought one just cause of the articles and forums etc... after using it and what, from my perspective I really couldn't tell if if was doing anything or not...
So i decided to stop using it for a month or two. (really it was cause the plumbing i set for it was all over the place and bothering me).
Anyway after not using it for about 2 months, Boom... Ick on my tangs... No new additions to tank, no changes, no reason for them to have been "Stressed" or whatever causes it.
Anyway, back to using the UV after that. Set the plumbing back up, tweaked my flow for it and its been running ever since. (about 6-8 months ago).
After using it again, no signs of ick ever again.
To me, ick is not that big a deal as long as everyone in tank is healthy and eating. I've tried the whole treatment thing back in my start up days, when a tank is infected i mean, and lost fish due to stress of treatments and such.. Now if ever an outbreak, i would just do some back to back water changes and keep the UV running.
Have not had any outbreaks since then...
Apparently it helps keep algae down in the water channel as well. I cant attest to that but hey if it helps then thats a plus!

 

[atorres53]

UV sterilizers do WORK!!! I did not have an ick problem but another mr reefer, Joe suggested that I install one. I did and what a difference!!! My water is much clearer, I do not have to clean my glass every other day and my SPSs and fish look much better.
Thanks Joe!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Z06-Hec]

Yeah i was skeptical at first, especially since you sometimes don't notice things, but after i tested and removed it, huge difference.
at that, i went OD with the one i bought. Its rated for a large outdoor pond... LOL, but it works.

 

[brooklynreefers]

do you guys have problems with SPS turning white when you guys ran your UV ?
and do you guys run it 24/7 ?

 

[Z06-Hec]

I dont have much SPS, and from what i am told mine are easy...
But i have a large(Huge) colony of purple/pink birdsnest, Large green Monti Cap, Large purple pocilpora, a green stylo and a few purple stylo, Green and Red Monti Digi and all are growing and colored, never burning tips. The very tip of them sometimes show a little white and count that to growth because they grow and the white does not progress down...
I may have to cut some of these down and sell or trade...