To use a UV or not to??

[cnotes999]

That is the question? I have a reef tank and have been reading about the pros and cons of using one. I currently have all types of corals--sps, lps. zoos, clams and such and I read that the uv kills the good bacteria for the corals to grow. I would like to know peoples experiences with uvs in a reef tank.

Thanks

 

[scumonkey]

I used a UV when my tank came down with ich.
After 3 months I took it off.
The only difference I have noticed is that now I get the occasional bubble algae.
I would not run one unless you had a reason (such as ich), and then not
on a continuous basis.
It just adds more heat, and becomes another piece of equipment that needs to be constantly cleaned!

 

[cnotes999]

Thanks.

I wanna try to run my tank without one to see if I see a difference in coral growth. I did orginally buy it for the threat of ich about 8 months back, but I havent seen a sign since(even though I know the parasite can potentially be floating in the water). also I need to make room for my phosban reactor in my sump and this will be good to remove once I know my tank is ok and there is no ich lol

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Thanks.

I wanna try to run my tank without one to see if I see a difference in coral growth. I did orginally buy it for the threat of ich about 8 months back, but I havent seen a sign since(even though I know the parasite can potentially be floating in the water). also I need to make room for my phosban reactor in my sump and this will be good to remove once I know my tank is ok and there is no ich lol

I don't see a difference in the growth of coral using or not using an UV. The live bacteria beneficial to the coral growth are mostly ones that colonised on the coral surface not floating in the water column as food.

 

[scumonkey]

I haven't noticed any difference in coral growth either.

 

[home wrecker]

yea i used one for about a year .....finally took it off ...an i see no difference plus it saves u a lil electric with out runnin one

 

[drperetz]

...

plus it heats up the water which u are in no need if u have no chiller...