UV and Coralline Algae

[Duster]

Will the use of a UV sterilizer stop or limit the growth and spreading of coralline algae?

 

[Tackett]

Not as far as Ive seen. Why would you want to limit it anyway?

 

[Duster]

I definitely would not want to limit the growth of coralline algae, which is why I was concerned that using a UV sterilizer would limit it. I basically wanted to hear from aquarists using UV sterilizers to see if they still see growth and spreading of their coralline algae.

 

[melas]

I've used a UV sterilizer in my tanks for over 3 years. At least once a month I have to scrape coraline algae off of the front pane of glass if that tells you anything! UV sterilizers will kill alage/bacteria that are in suspension in the water column. Coraline algae is an encrusting species, therefore not susceptible to the lethal rays of a uv sterilizer.

 

[Duster]

That's what I was hoping to hear.
How satisfied are you using UV sterilization? I just read something saying that UV sterilizers are only really effective in systems with multiple tanks run off one central filter (i.e. retailers and wholesalers), because a disease/parasite/pathoge that enters from one tank is killed before it reaches other tanks. But it said for home systems with one tank, UV isn't effective. I suppose there are lots of aquarists who use UV and have not had a single outbreak. Is it possible this is the result of good husbandry, water quality, etc. instead of UV? Whaddya think?

 

[melas]

I'd honestly say that you really don't need them. My biggest tank (175 gallon bowfront reef) has no UV filtration and never has. I have a few smaller tanks that are fish only running UV sterilizers as well as my quarantine tank. I have never had ich on more than one fish since I have been doing saltwater. I got the UV systems because I was instructed to do so when I first started and it did seem logical at the time. With my reef tank I am convinced that they are not neseccary for long term health of a reef system. If you haven't bought one yet spend your money on a high quality skimmer and just keep up on regular maintenance. I believe they are only really effective (and even warranted) in densely stocked fish aquariums where even small additions to the community cause stress. I've heard people on both sides, some saying you can't have a tank without them and some even saying they do more harm then good. I'm some where in the middle and have had great success keeping all kinds of marine fish, corals, clams, and inverts. Let me know what you decide!

 

[Duster]

It seems like opinions on UV's are split right down the middle. I don't use one on my nano and so far I haven't had any disease problems. But, if our union contract at work settles out good, I'm going to begin a 55g FOWLR with fish that are more susceptible to ich, velvet, etc. (tang(s), butterfly). My investment will be sizable on this tank, so spending a couple hundred more for a UV unit is no big deal. I realize water quality, tank conditions, and husbandry are much more important to maintaining a healthy population, but I'm thinking a little extra safeguard can't hurt.