Prodibio and Ultraviolet sterlizers

rob020880 · 07/11/2008, 06:26 PM

When using prodibios bioptim and biodigest can a UV sterilizer still be used?

Tang Salad · 07/11/2008, 06:43 PM

It's better to skip Ozone, UV and refugiums when using probiotic systems.

rob020880 · 07/11/2008, 07:20 PM

Better or not allowed? Will the UV destroy the bacteria in bioptim or biodigest? I am also running a small refugium how would that hurt?

Tang Salad · 07/11/2008, 08:01 PM

To be honest, I'm more familiar with Poly Labs Reefresh System, and to a lesser degree Zeovit. However these two and Prodibio all operate on the same principals. Ozone and UV aren't suggested for the reason you mention, but they aren't "not allowed". If you understand the way these systems work, then you'll come to the conclusion that you don't want to be indiscriminately killing stuff in the water columm. (Yes, most of the bacteria eventually form biofilms on sand and rock surfaces, but they float around in the water until they settle.)

The choice to not have a refugium is more mandatory. The first and most important goal of probiotic systems is to drastically lower NO3 and PO4. Done properly the probiotics will lower these to levels far below what macro algaes can tolerate. The algae will die, all of it, every last stinking scrap of it!! Of course, this is a good thing....unless you have a refugium.

But rest assured, if done properly, you'll have lower nutrient levels with probiotics than with any refugium. This is what you want for better SPS color.

GSMguy · 07/11/2008, 08:27 PM

its counter productive the uv works against the biodigest killing the expensive bacteria.,

Tang Salad · 07/11/2008, 08:29 PM

Um, yeah, what Bubbles said...

07/11/2008, 06:26 PM	#1
rob020880 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,019	Prodibio and Ultraviolet sterlizers When using prodibios bioptim and biodigest can a UV sterilizer still be used?

07/11/2008, 06:43 PM	#2
Tang Salad Algae skeptic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 78702 Posts: 3,098	It's better to skip Ozone, UV and refugiums when using probiotic systems. __________________ Your algae is not special. Current Tank Info: TBD ADA 120-P SPS NLPS

07/11/2008, 08:01 PM	#4
Tang Salad Algae skeptic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 78702 Posts: 3,098	To be honest, I'm more familiar with Poly Labs Reefresh System, and to a lesser degree Zeovit. However these two and Prodibio all operate on the same principals. Ozone and UV aren't suggested for the reason you mention, but they aren't "not allowed". If you understand the way these systems work, then you'll come to the conclusion that you don't want to be indiscriminately killing stuff in the water columm. (Yes, most of the bacteria eventually form biofilms on sand and rock surfaces, but they float around in the water until they settle.) The choice to not have a refugium is more mandatory. The first and most important goal of probiotic systems is to drastically lower NO3 and PO4. Done properly the probiotics will lower these to levels far below what macro algaes can tolerate. The algae will die, all of it, every last stinking scrap of it!! Of course, this is a good thing....unless you have a refugium. But rest assured, if done properly, you'll have lower nutrient levels with probiotics than with any refugium. This is what you want for better SPS color. __________________ Your algae is not special. Current Tank Info: TBD ADA 120-P SPS NLPS

07/11/2008, 08:27 PM	#5
GSMguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Mexico Posts: 17,420	its counter productive the uv works against the biodigest killing the expensive bacteria., __________________ Nick. Conehead. Shallow Reef club. Current Tank Info: 48"x27"x14" Envision Acrylic rimless, 6x39w ATi Sunpower, Custom ATB Deluxe Skimmer, 4x tunze nano stream,ATB flowstar 1500, ACJR, Tunze osmolator.

07/11/2008, 08:29 PM	#6
Tang Salad Algae skeptic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 78702 Posts: 3,098	Um, yeah, what Bubbles said... __________________ Your algae is not special. Current Tank Info: TBD ADA 120-P SPS NLPS

07/11/2008, 07:20 PM	#3
rob020880 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,019	Better or not allowed? Will the UV destroy the bacteria in bioptim or biodigest? I am also running a small refugium how would that hurt?