Use if UV on reef tank

[patrick.harrison]

I have been using a UV sterilizer on a reef system for a while. A friend at work says he heard it is not to be used on a reef. What do you all say?

 

[Domboski]

Personally I think it is foolish not to have one running.

See here: http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/advanced-reefs/50710-uv-sterlization.html

 

[hijinks]

i use one and the water is crystal clear.

 

[patrick.harrison]

Why is it foolish????????

 

[Domboski]

Did you read the thread? UV lights have no effect on the beneficial bacteria in your established tank. But UVs kill unwanted algae, parasites and bacteria that cause problems with our systems. Because of this the UV is helping prevent illness of our expensive fish and corals.

 

[Domboski]

Another thread: http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/49423-uv-sterilizers.html

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I have never used one, don't plan on using one anytime soon. I see no need for it if you have a good QT practices and do frequent water changes and have good water quality.

 

[ecvernon]

does uv filters kill phytoplankton? i started to dose live phyto plankton and then i forgot to turn the uv off then my nitrates went from .03 to .09

 

[Domboski]

does uv filters kill phytoplankton? i started to dose live phyto plankton and then i forgot to turn the uv off then my nitrates went from .03 to .09

Yes. Live phyto adds nitrates and phosphates to your tank before it is killed. The water phyto is kept in is loaded with NO3 & PO4.

 

[ecvernon]

:smash: i only used 1/2 of the recommended dose of DT's phyto...i need to upgrade from this 40 gallon.

Yes. Live phyto adds nitrates and phosphates to your tank before it is killed. The water phyto is kept in is loaded with NO3 & PO4.

 

[aznt1217]

Oh man I dosed Phyto right after I put in the UV no wonder my nitrates went up when I did a test. Took the UV out... Just to see how it does without it.

 

[Domboski]

Adding live phyto to your tank regardless of whether you have a UV or not can raise your nitrates and phosphates.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Adding live phyto to your tank regardless of whether you have a UV or not can raise your nitrates and phosphates.

Exactly!

 

[Malibu361]

When I set up my first 75 my water turned nuclear green within a few weeks..I mean you couldn't even see 4 inches into the tank and that is no Bull$#!^. .It smelled like Jamaica bay on low tide it was downright nasty so bad I didnt even wanna sleep in my room!! I put an Aqua uv 25 Watt on my return and 3-4 dayd later poof crystal clear water...I am currently rebuilding the same sterilizer to be ran in my new 90....I am a firm believer in using one.... Never had Ich or any other nastys with it ....
:tub: