Do i need educate myself?: what is the difference between uv and ozone?

reg828 · 02/01/2006, 05:43 AM

Do i need educate myself?: what is the difference between uv and ozone? and has anyone experience using uv and does it really work killing parasites?

bertoni · 02/01/2006, 05:35 PM

UV doesn't always kill ich, for example, but might help reduce the numbers. UV works by irradiating the water with a strong light source.

Ozone is O3, a highly oxidizing, unstable gas that is injected into the water. It can kill some organisms, but is likely less effective at that than UV. Ozone will break down some organic compounds, though.

Amphiprion · 02/01/2006, 05:38 PM

As bertoni said. However, UV is also capable inducing oxidizing reactions with some compounds, thus helping to clear the water also. It is the same thing as light fading various colors.

02/01/2006, 05:43 AM	#1
reg828 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 320	Do i need educate myself?: what is the difference between uv and ozone? Do i need educate myself?: what is the difference between uv and ozone? and has anyone experience using uv and does it really work killing parasites?

02/01/2006, 05:35 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	UV doesn't always kill ich, for example, but might help reduce the numbers. UV works by irradiating the water with a strong light source. Ozone is O3, a highly oxidizing, unstable gas that is injected into the water. It can kill some organisms, but is likely less effective at that than UV. Ozone will break down some organic compounds, though. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

02/01/2006, 05:38 PM	#3
Amphiprion Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 6,611	As bertoni said. However, UV is also capable inducing oxidizing reactions with some compounds, thus helping to clear the water also. It is the same thing as light fading various colors. __________________ You've done it now, haven't you? Current Tank Info: 40g breeder patch reef w/ seagrass; 2-250w XM 10K; Vortech MP40wES & MP10wES; BM Curve 7 skimmer; carbon & occasional GFO