UV Sterilizers...

[Pinkheine]

How many of you use them? Are you using them for disease/parasites for fish or more for algae control?

We were thinking about adding one for disease/parasite prevention because the algae is pretty much in control with the RO/DI water and the phosban reactor.

Though I don't know if it would be not so beneficial to the reef tank. We did have one on our fish only for all the years we kept one...

 

[Bob 1000]

I use one, but I thought it was more for ich control being that I have always been a big fan of the ich magnets...
I didn't know it could do anything for algae... Where did you get this info from I would like to read more on it.. My UV ha sbeen in use for over 2 years now and I didn't change the bulb yet... Guess it's time to do so..

 

[Scion_TC2005]

You have to follow the directions of flow rate to Size of tank and watts on the UV bulb on UV product you buy. General rule is the faster the flow rate it only good for Algae control. The slower it would only kill parasites that is flowing thru the water at that time. It doesn't get rid of the parasite that are on the fish, unless it drops off and starts flowing thru the water into the UV.

 

[Pinkheine]

You have to follow the directions of flow rate to Size of tank and watts on the UV bulb on UV product you buy. General rule is the faster the flow rate it only good for Algae control. The slower it would only kill parasites that is flowing thru the water at that time. It doesn't get rid of the parasite that are on the fish, unless it drops off and starts flowing thru the water into the UV.

I know how they work. We used one in the past on our 170g. I wondered if reef hobbiests used them also. If there was a benefit or lack of.

 

[Bob 1000]

Well I don't have ich problems, and I have taken peoples ichy fish and put them right into my system(my patented slam method) and never had a problem... But then again I have kept my nitrates @ 0 for a little over 2 years now also...

 

[pecan2phat]

Your UV bulb probably losses 50% intensity within the first 6 months but manufacturers rate their T5 style bulbs for 14 months.
Oversize and you'll probably get the 14 months out of a bulb.

 

[KathyC]

I don't use a UV on my reefs tanks Sybil, but have used them in the past for algea control in my Koi pond.

Tobin..The most important part of maintaining one is cleaning the glass sleeve the bulb is in, as once it's coated with any kind of film, the benefit of the light is about zero.

 

[Pinkheine]

I don't use a UV on my reefs tanks Sybil, but have used them in the past for algea control in my Koi pond.

Tobin..The most important part of maintaining one is cleaning the glass sleeve the bulb is in, as once it's coated with any kind of film, the benefit of the light is about zero.

I was not sure if the use of a UV in a reef tank would be more problematic considering how the coralline grows so rapidly on everything. I know that cleaning the bulb sleeve is uber important to actually have the UV working like it should rather than just waste electricity lol.

Basically I was hoping to use it for the parasites/protozoas that are free floating. But if in peoples experiences it is more of a headache than a benefit I won't bother. I wasn't sure if a UV in a marine aquarium also would control algae, I know freshwater it does, anyone have any information on that? hmmm.

 

[Awibrandy]

My UV sits in the closet after it served no purpose in my fowlr in the past. Maybe I'll use it in the pond next year.LOL

 

[jhale]

I just got a 25 watt for my tank, I'll probably get a larger one in the near future.
It's my first one, I wanted it to help in controlling parasites and disease for the fish.
I don't think it hurts to run one on a reef tank. There is little beneficial life in our water columns you need to worry about nuking.

 

[Salty Dog]

57w on a seperate little giant, I heard once your tank is close to being established to run it 24-7

 

[pecan2phat]

It's worth the money to use the wiper version. Though they will all leak at the o-ring at some point, still worth it unless you have the discipline to take apart your unit every 6 months to clean the quartz sleeve. (good chance that you will break the sleeve at least once :lol: )

I mount my units vertically with the wiper on the top side to avoid the annoying leak.

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Have one hooked up as a last stage on the chiller,keeps the water sparkling and the fish healthy.

 

[Pinkheine]

Thanks for the input guys! I guess we'll give one a whirl. We got rid of our other one when we sold the 170g thinking we'd have no need for it... :banghead:
Looks like just another thing to add to the ever growing list.

 

[Domboski]

I have always believed UVs helped keep ich in check. I never had scientific proof until recently when I had a discussion with a rep from Emperor Aquatics. They actually have done research to show what ratios can be used to kill different pathogens. See this thread: MR Thread or click the following link and see page 5 for a detailed description based upon their products: Emperor Aquatics Pathogen Kill Ratio.

After reviewing this information I decided to set my UV back up to resolve a bacterial infection I was struggling with. The treatments I was using were not being tolerated well by my fish. I stopped treatments and ran my UV at the recommended rates seen within the second link. Since then I have not had a single problem and the two fish that I had showing signs of infection cleared up within a few days. This is certainly anecdotal but I feel strongly it was too coincidental not to be attributed in some way to the UV.

Even more evidence IMO is all fish that were treated were not treated in my display tank so not all fish were exposed to medication. The two fish that were showing signs mentioned previously never were treated with any medication. It is possible they fought off the infection on their own but to me, at the very least, the UV helped limit the bacteria load in the tank which made it easier to fend of the offending bacteria.

JMO though based on my experience and discussions with Emperor Aquatics. One of the key factors to keep in mind is that your tank needs to be turned over at least once an hour for the UV to be effective. Total system volume plays a big role in what UV wattage you will need to consider.

 

[pecan2phat]

I agree with the minimum turnover rates. Too many people make a blank statement that an extremely low flow is better but when you start running 40w or 57w units, there is no need to attempt an 80 gph flow through with a MJ600. Your probably causing inefficiency vs efficiency plus your unit will actually feel warm too the touch due to the low flow rate.

 

[Domboski]

If you are worried about killing good bacteria in the water column, I was told that an effecient skimmer actually removes much more good bacteria from the water column than a UV. Some food for thought :scratch:

 

[lunner]

I also use UV in a SPS reef setup but not 24/7. The reason I don't run it 24/7 is because I just want enough of bacterial population control. That way I won't impair my fishes' immune system because of the risk of UV dependence. I also use a team of cleaner shrimps and cleaner wrasse to finish the job.

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

I have a couple concerns. I am in the process of picking one out. I have been looking at the Aqua Uv units. Can anyone chime in with there personal experience with them. I am looking at the 114 watt unit. Secondly, do you really need the wiper option ? i have not heard one person say they dont leak !!!! Any other companies I should be looking into to.

Thanks,
Thane

 

[pecan2phat]

I have a couple of the Aqua UVs w/wiper option and IMO, if you run a reef tank, then yes the wiper option is essential due to the higher levels of calcium kept vs a fowlr or fish only tank. Without the wiper option, the quartz sleeve will have an opaque build up in a short amount of time and I doubt that most people will pull the unit apart every 2 months to clean the quartz sleeve. You also chance breaking the sleeve every time you do take it apart.
On that note, YES, the wiper option also is a KNOWN leaker so be advised.
I mount my units vertically so when the wiper nut washer does give, I wrap a towel around the knob before I give it it's weekly couple of wipes. This works as long as the washer nut is still water tight when the wiper is in the rest/down position.