UV sterilizers

FishWife1 · 01/12/2007, 07:00 PM

I already posted this on the equipment forum but there are usually more people here, so...

How many people have a sterilizer on a reef? What are the benefits? Any downsides? I have a 30 gal cube with anemone, some softies and some lps.
Thanks - Laurie

faddn1 · 01/12/2007, 07:03 PM

I dont think there needed. put the money towards a skimmer.

kfowler · 01/12/2007, 07:43 PM

To me, the are just a additional tool that can be used for the right situation. Overall I feel they are unnecessary. They kill indiscriminately. Good and bad organisms. I believe proper QT'ing provides much greater results. The only time I would use one would be to aid in a QT tank.

dodgersfan25 · 01/12/2007, 07:43 PM

for some, they work briliantly (less algae, no ich, etc) and for others it doesnt seem to change much (prob b/c they already have good tanks w/o it). the choice is yours

geno4361 · 01/12/2007, 07:46 PM

I just bought one I will keeep you posted!!

MSAreef · 01/12/2007, 10:07 PM

I have one in my 90 gal sps reef and I'm very happy with it. I have noticed a difference. Fewer algae blooms. My water is crystal clear. I know a number of people who have beautiful reef tanks and use UV lights. I bought one from Drs. Foster and Smith that hangs on my sump.

tktodd · 01/13/2007, 10:07 AM

I just bought the 9 watt coralife turbo twist for my 55 Gallon FOWLR tank. It really keeps the water crystal clear. I also have a small ich problem that I hope it knocks out. It has only been up and running for a few days, and I run it at about 50-60 GPH. Like others said, if your tank is in perfect order, you probably do not need one.

quack · 01/13/2007, 12:15 PM

i would choose ozone over uv, except in small tanks as posted above.

complexbooger · 01/13/2007, 12:25 PM

I got a 18w as a gift i run it real slow, about 40gph, in my sump it keeps my water crystal clear. but honestly if i didnt get it as a gift i wouldnt have bought it on my own. my tank did just fine before. but... i dont think they do any harm. my opinion.

tktodd · 01/13/2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by quack
i would choose ozone over uv, except in small tanks as posted above.

Yes, I here ozone works very well. Nice live reefcam of your tank by the way.

01/12/2007, 07:00 PM	#1
FishWife1 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cameron, NC Posts: 288	UV sterilizers I already posted this on the equipment forum but there are usually more people here, so... How many people have a sterilizer on a reef? What are the benefits? Any downsides? I have a 30 gal cube with anemone, some softies and some lps. Thanks - Laurie __________________ Ummmmmm.... Current Tank Info: 30 gal. cube, 2 large BTAs, pair of pink skunks, 1 seahorse, various softies and lps

01/12/2007, 07:43 PM	#3
kfowler Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,095	To me, the are just a additional tool that can be used for the right situation. Overall I feel they are unnecessary. They kill indiscriminately. Good and bad organisms. I believe proper QT'ing provides much greater results. The only time I would use one would be to aid in a QT tank. __________________ Kevin "You cannot achieve what you are not willing to pursue." Current Tank Info: 20g Mixed Reef

01/12/2007, 07:43 PM	#4
dodgersfan25 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Valencia (So Cal) Posts: 757	for some, they work briliantly (less algae, no ich, etc) and for others it doesnt seem to change much (prob b/c they already have good tanks w/o it). the choice is yours __________________ -rich Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon Mixed Reef

01/12/2007, 10:07 PM	#6
MSAreef Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bay Area Posts: 176	I have one in my 90 gal sps reef and I'm very happy with it. I have noticed a difference. Fewer algae blooms. My water is crystal clear. I know a number of people who have beautiful reef tanks and use UV lights. I bought one from Drs. Foster and Smith that hangs on my sump. __________________ Marcie Current Tank Info: 90 SPS, Tunze 6100 X2 and multi-controller, Euroreef skimmer, 3/4" sea swirl, chiller, knop calcium reactor, Geo Kalkreactor, 2x400W MH Hamilton, autotopoff, 10W UV, TLF phosban reactor, 8 gal fuge, 29 gal sump

01/12/2007, 07:03 PM	#2
faddn1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 33	I dont think there needed. put the money towards a skimmer.

01/12/2007, 07:46 PM	#5
geno4361 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 25	I just bought one I will keeep you posted!!

01/13/2007, 10:07 AM	#7
tktodd Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 216	I just bought the 9 watt coralife turbo twist for my 55 Gallon FOWLR tank. It really keeps the water crystal clear. I also have a small ich problem that I hope it knocks out. It has only been up and running for a few days, and I run it at about 50-60 GPH. Like others said, if your tank is in perfect order, you probably do not need one.

01/13/2007, 12:15 PM	#8
quack Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: pensacola, florida Posts: 217	i would choose ozone over uv, except in small tanks as posted above.

01/13/2007, 12:25 PM	#9
complexbooger Moved On Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: CORE OF NYC-QUEENS~ Posts: 326	I got a 18w as a gift i run it real slow, about 40gph, in my sump it keeps my water crystal clear. but honestly if i didnt get it as a gift i wouldnt have bought it on my own. my tank did just fine before. but... i dont think they do any harm. my opinion.