Is it possible???

[crs1945]

Can the addition of a UV sterilizer cause a temporary change in water parameters ( i.e. a spike in Nitrites )?? The sterilizer supposedly kills spores,bacteria,parasites, etc and this would result in a temporary change in the bio-load would it not?? Just a thought.

 

[adeebm]

No, it wouldn't cause a nitrite spike, or anything like that. The nitrifying bacteria we rely upon are mostly on solid surfaces, such as in filter media and gravel. A UV sterilizer would only destroy free floating organisms in the water column. Also, the number of organisms killed would not be significant enough to affect water parameters, unless you have an algae or bacterial bloom. But in that case, your parameters would already be affected.

--Adeeb