UV Sterlization

[Domboski]

I have read the entire thread and now I'm gonna add my 2 cents. lol
For those who were using a UV sterilizer and stopped and then caught a cyno breakout, that telling me that there is something else causing the breakout. The UV sterilizer is just masking the problem coming from the source of the breakout. Find the source, correct it and the breakouts will be no more. Therefore the UV will not be needed. One thing I learned from this hobby is that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

We need to start focusing on how to run a reef setup using less energy. I'm tired of plugging stuff. If it ain't really needed then ditch it..

Just my 2 cents...

UVs have more uses than keeping cyano in check. If it is actually true that a UV keeps cyano in check it is a nice side benefit. I use UVs for parasite control. If it helps keep cyano at bay great.

I don't know anyone who has been able to solve the mystery of cyano FOREVER anyway. So what's wrong with exploring different ways to rid of it? In fact, I'm pretty sure it is not 100% scientifically known what kind of nutrients cyano uses to exist. For all we know it could be an essential element for a reef tank.

Keep in mind this hobby is extremely young and that websites like these are to discuss everyone's experiences whether or not the discussion is on-line with popular belief. I'll post pages from my "How to keep Saltwater fish" from the 70's and you'll laugh your butt off on the "facts" of keeping fish. Just like many technologies or skills, they get better with experience and through innovation. Part of that process is sharing information.

I definitely agree it would be better to run energy efficient systems but until we fully understand our reef systems that is going to be a difficult goal to reach. For example, we don't even know the full makeup of the organics removed with our skimmers. How could we know that all of the organics being removed are bad? Shoot, if you listened to Ken Feldman's talk on skimmer efficiency at one of the MR swaps he provided a lot of interesting information that was contradicting to popular belief.

 

[henrystyle]

Well I would be the first one to agree that skimmers take out alot of good from the water. I'm doing a little experiment. I going to only run my skimmer when my light are on. The logic behind that is, corals eat when the lights are out. If the skimmer is running then, that would mean it is taking out all the food the corals could be eating... Gonna try it out and monitor my tank to see if it makes any difference.....

 

[Brian65901]

No Wiper

Remember if you get one look for a model without the wiper feature they are usually made of SS and will rust out in salt water. I know Emperor and Aqua have this problem not sure about the other brands.

 

[Wes]

I don't think they are necessary and I am not convinced they have any benefit to a properly stocked, properly maintained system.

Skimmers remove both good and bad stuff, which is why water changes are still important even when nitrates are "zero"