How long do you UV?

[Tremelle]

I am curious as to how long you run your uv sterilizers. I recently reinstalled my uv sterilizer. I was wondering if any of you only run your sterilizers when you introduce a new fish, partially each day, or 24/7?

 

[reefland]

I've never run a UV in 10+ years in this marine hobby. Haven't had a need for it.

 

[Anonymous]

Same here, do more harm than good imo

 

[ride928]

I also agree that UV's are not necessary. Unfortunately, when I first started out, I got some bad advice from an LFS that advised me to get an 18 watt for my 55 gallon. Since I have it, I use it 24/7. The one thing that I like about it is the crystal clear water it produces.

 

[brandon4291]

I would likely not use one over the long term, but if someone gave me another one Id keep it on hand for the occasional outbreak of algae or whatnot. I have seen a sterilizer rid a system of hair algae that was slow to recede even after nutrient export was re-designed. The sterilizer was handy in ridding algal spores and remnant hitchhiker cells/strands, and I feel this helped deal with the eutophic state the tank was in before our reconfiguration. There may be some valid use of UV sterilizers when attmepting to regain balance or deal with a nasty crypt outbreak...

 

[Robin Goodfellow]

The one thing that I like about it is the crystal clear water it produces.

hi.
You will have the same crystal clear water if you turn the UV off.

 

[Unarce]

I agree. I avoid equipment that can have a strong effect on a systems natural balance. But don't take my word for it. I haven't used a protein skimmer in years.

Also, crystal clear water isn't always a good sign. A healthy reef system will always have some floating matter.

 

[Robin Goodfellow]

hi.
I believe "crystal clear" is indication of free of bacteria and algea (milky and green tint in water), not necessarily free of particulates, which UV can't do much about.

 

[Unarce]

Right you are. Some of the former UV users I know felt that their water just became too pure. I could only assume what they meant since I've never used one.