Uv Sterilizer ???

[Galwaydellboy]

Hi guys

Just wondering are these a good investment for a marine aquarium ?

190 ltr vision


Thanks in advance

 

[neilanh]

In general no, they're not needed and have some (minor) negative side effects to them. There are good cases for using them, but they're few and far between IMO.

I've never used one on my SW tank. I did run it on my FW tank for a while due to a specific issue I had, but all in all I've got less than 2 weeks of run time on mine in the 4+ years I've been doing this.

 

[Fishguy2727]

If you really like equipment and already have everything that is more essential for your tank than you can consider a UV. IMO they aren't worth the money in most situations.

 

[Galwaydellboy]

Hi guys

Just wondering what are the minor side affects ??

Have everything I need just heard about these uv filters and was wondering are they any good

Thanks

 

[Ricksreef]

Everyone has an opinion as they say.IMO it is worth having one.The water always seems clearer in reefs that use one compared to reef aquariums that don't.To me for that reason alone they are worth it.Plus I believe they do keep ick in check.
But like I said opinions are like as______,everyone has one.

 

[Wael El-Dasher]

I think they're useful. I run it per my LFS recommendation, 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. I do notice the water is clearer with it. There is often debate whether it kills all bacteria or partially...etc. I know they're used in municipal water systems to kill off bacteria, I suspect they serve a purpose.

Right now I moved the 18 watt unit I have from my DT to the QT because I'm treating some fish that have Ich. I'm using it to supplement the hyposalinity treatment.

I recommend Aqua-Medic brand UV sterilizer, they have a spiral path for the water around the UV lamp to prolong the exposure time. If you decide to get one, be sure to get a very small pump or powerhead because the slower the rate of exposure, the better the UV's performance will be.

cheers

Wael

 

[Fishguy2727]

What they kill is a function of the wattage and quality of the bulb and the flow rate. Higher wattage kills more, slower flow kills more. Most should have a graph showing what that particular model will kill at given flow rates. With higher flow it will only kill greenwater algae (used for ponds), less flow kills bacteria, lowest flow kills parasites.

A spiral or stepped flow through the actual UV doesn't increase exposure time. 100gph through the UV is 100gph through the UV, whether it goes straight through, spirals, or switches back and forth.

 

[Taco]

I have to agree with Ricksreef the water always looks better when you use one.

 

[acolotto]

IMO i think they are great additions to the aquarium the water has always been a little cloudy in my tank and i picked one up from petsmart for like $70 its 24w one for my 55 reef and my water has been crystal clear since. Its just a matter of opinion if you want the extra equipment and what you are going to be stocking it with (mandarins eat pods so might not be good if there is truth UV sterilizer killing them) but it definitely helps with water clarity, algae blooms, and reduces risks of ich and other fish diseases. IMO it does kill pods

 

[reefcowboy]

Before others disagree(especially the ones that quarantine everything and swear haven't had ick for 5,10,20 years..), I will tell you what happened in my tank, and you take your own conclusions. I have a 24W running from the outflow of a small canister filter, that has a bag of chemi-pure in my 20 gal reef. The flow that comes out of the canister and through the uv is less than 90 gal/hour. I had an initial outbreak of ick 2 months ago. Quarantining the fish after its got ick is extremely hard, since the catching some fish in a reef is practically impossible. After I got the UV, I kept the fish in the tank and tried to minimize all stressing factors that could worsen the problem and allow the disease to settle in for good. I tried feeding them live brine shrimp more often, so they would keep their appetite and immune system up. Made sure my water parameters were in check. Ran my uv 24/7. Slowly the fish recovered, and I noticed less and less spots, and today I do not see any signs from it. It has been 1.5 months since. If you understand ick's cycle, you know that there is a swimming stage. At that point you have a chance at killing, in a couple of hours(assuming you can run your water volume through your uv efficiently, at least 2x in an hour) most of the creeps swimming in your tank. I KNOW YOU WILL NOT ERADICATE ICK WITH UV, however you will be able to help your fish bounce the disease on their own while you keep them from completely blooming in your tank.
After I understood that the parasite will be present in your tank sooner or later, you CAN help the system by having a UV. Having the DISEASE is another thing, linked to stress, lack of nutrition, poor water parameters. You can have the parasite in your tank, but not allow the disease to get into your fish.
The issue with so many against Uv's is because they do not have efficient units, that are used properly, and therefore do not do work on preventing or even killing algae. At the same time, we see companies making lots of money making these 8,9Watt versions that do not by any means are strong enough to kill the parasite. If you are serious about helping kill parasites, get at least a 18W, and run it with a 50-100max gal/hr flow. You will see clearer water and find the equipment to work for you.