UV sterilizer--whether or not?

[Crabraham]

I am fairly new to the hobby, so I am still learning the tricks of the trade. I own a 30/Gallon reef tank, 50 pounds of live rock with significant substrate, a Magnum backpack filter with carbon and bio media, two powerheads, and a rather cheap protein skimmer, this tank is currently stocked with two true percula clowns and a mushroom leather. This tank has been cycled for about 2 1/2 months now. I use regular Kalkwasser, Reef Vital DNA, Strontium supplements, and occasional Iodine supplements.

My question is this: I am going to invest in a good protein skimmer, but I am not sure of which way to go. I have found one that seems to be very efficient, but it also incorporates a 5 watt UV sterilizer in the system. Do I purchase this item? I have heard mixed advice on using a UV sterilizer in a reef system, so any advice and tips on this is greatly appreciated!

 

[liquid]

Hi Crabraham and

What skimmer are you specifically looking at right now? I'm unfamiliar w/ any that incorporate a UV sterilizer.

Shane

 

[mountainbiker619]

I would think the best utilization for a UV for a reef tank would be in conjunction with a RO/DI.

 

[Crabraham]

The skimmer/filter in question is a ViaAqua Multi-Skimmer Deluxe with a 5-watt compact UV sterilizer. The manufacturer claims that this can be used in a Fish-only or reef set-up, but Im a little weary. I have heard a lot of great things about UV sterilizers and their benefits, so this has tweaked my curiosity.

 

[Anonymous]

i would be skeptical of this product on the price alone.

i see it listed ofr $79.99 at Aquatic Technology.

i am all for saving a buck but that is cheap for a skimmer much less this is incorporating a uv too?

i don't know :? sounds like junk.

as for the use of a sterilizer i don't see the benefit.
i hear a tank recieves more UV from a metal halide bulb than would ever be put out by todays aquarium sterilizer.

 

[Crabraham]

Thats what I was thinking from the pricing, etc. What kind of protein skimmer do you recommend for a 30 gal reef setup?

 

[Anonymous]

in sump or hang on the tank?

 

[Crabraham]

For right now, I am going to stick with the hang-on-tank type.

 

[Anonymous]

there are a lot of fans of the PM HOT 1 skimmer. supposedly the best bang for the buck.

the Remora also has good reviews at a slighlty higher price but it's debated as a better choice.

i would do the remora myself.