Opinions on UV Sterilizers

[ChaoticReefer]

I was wondering whats everyone's opinion about UV sterilizer on a reef tank. I guess my question is directed to the people that actually have used one on a reef tank. I know that some people feel that it takes out the good stuff along the bad stuff, so that makes it unacceptable. But I want the opinions of people that actually have tried one on a reef tank.

 

[ZigZagZombie]

I tried one on mine when I had an ich problem. Did not do anything at all. Now it's just collecting dust. If you want it, I'll give it to you for a good price.... :wink:

 

[lawndoctor]

A UV sterilizer will eradicate protozoa in an aquarium if installed correctly. However, the unit size and flow rate must be matched correctly to the organism you want to kill. If the flow is too slow for your tank volume, you will not get enough turnover to outpace the organism's growth; if the flow is too fast for the target organism, it will not spend enough time in the unit to get a lethal dose of UV radiation. There have been a number of detailed posts on this subject on reefcentral in the last few months. If you want to learn how to install one correctly, read "Aquatic Systems Engineering" by P.R. Escobal. The subject is a bit complicated, but the results of a properly installed UV sterilizer are well worth it. Good luck.

 

[danmhippo]

Like the above post, many many people failed to realize you need proper flow rate for the UV to work properly. Most simply opens up the packaging and connects it to a big'ol pump.

I've used UV in phyto culture where I use the DNA alteration ability to sterilize incoming water. When I starting to realize the UV is really working is when one day I noticed all culture crashed. The green tubes has turned clear overnight! I traced the problem up and found the culprit, UV. UV sterilizer ballast has shorted out.

So, does UV work by zapping all living organism in the water (sterilizing)? Yes it does, but only under proper flow rate.

 

[piscies75]

I like them , you can use them for fresh water too, like a pond in the spring. The bulbs are expensive and they are only good for six months from the first time you use it versus 6 months of use (however mine is a few years old and still works well.) When introducing a new fish or anything new I run it a few days before and a week after and no problems. I first bought it when I had ich (really bad)(in my 40 gallon) and it cured it fast. You just pinch the intake hose to control the flow , like a cheap skimmer sometimes it drives you nuts with adjustments. A trickle is great , longest contact with the light. Some argument you kill the good bacteria with the bad, but this is true in most treatments and my water looked great after treatment. When I set up my 20 gallon upstairs a year ago, I just jammed on the hose to fit. It popped off when I went out and spilled 10 gallons on the floor. OOops sorry dear. Do you still love me? Answer : yes but not as much as yesterday and my daughter in the basement is wet...........lol............she has now moved out to university, so happy ending.....can't wait for my 500 gallon to set up in the basement, working on the dough. That will give me three tanks. Trying a fish tank in every room. Whoever has the most toys before they die wins.