UV Sterlizer

swivel · 05/10/2009, 12:04 AM

in my 90 gallon tank there are alot of white specs in the water? is it bacteria? should i get a uv sterlizer bulb to kill it? im not too sure why my water is not clear.

Andrew · 05/10/2009, 12:39 AM

I think U.V.s are a waste in my opinion. I know others will disagree but find out what is causing the "specs." How long has the tank been set-up? Give some background info and we can start there. (Equipment)

swivel · 05/10/2009, 12:51 AM

i have a 90 gallon glass tank. its been running for about 3 months. only equipment i have all a return pump a heater and koralia 4. they are runnin in my sump. i bought the tank drilled and it came with a sump

aquamanSD · 05/10/2009, 12:59 AM

If they look like little tiny snowflakes then they are just hydroid jellyfish and are harmless... I have two uv's and i agree with Andrew, they are worthless. Good for algae blooms tho if you have high nitrates and phosphates but thats about it.

swivel · 05/10/2009, 01:47 AM

hydroid jellyfish? in my new tank? how do they appear and how do i make my water clear? is it bacteria?

IxLr8 · 05/10/2009, 04:29 AM

My opinion is different. It has added to the stability and pathogen control of my tank. Although unecessary, there is no downside and properly setup, will control water born pathogens that could potential cause undesired growth and retard unwanted bacteria in the water. Improper installation of the UV sterilizer though will signficantly reduce it's effectiveness in addition to not cleaning the unit on a regular basis. IF you can afford to plumb one of the proper size and with the proper flow into your system, then do it. There is no downside and in my personal experience, it's yielded significant stability to my tank. After all, anything that makes the quality of life for your livestock is a definate bonus. I will never put a tank together again without one.

greenbean36191 · 05/10/2009, 06:31 AM

Regardless of how they're setup UV sterilizers are ineffective for pathogen control on recirculating systems- even in theory. This has been borne out by testing multiple times. It's not a matter of improper installation, sizing, or flow. It's a fundamental limitation of the method.

Davidl919 · 05/10/2009, 06:42 AM

Uv sterilizers are a hit and miss in my infinite research of the device there are so many factors as to it's effectiveness that a novice should probably do better without one (not calling anyone here a novice) but if you do your research and use the right one you will find that they are a good addition (notice how I did'nt say great) A uv sterilizer kills all types of bacteria, good and bad, a Uv serilizer that is too small for your tank does more damage than good, a Uv with a bad manufacturer design or bad bulb does nothing. In my research I have found that one of the best brands and most highly mentioned is Emporer Aquatics. I don't think a Uv sterilizer will help with your current problem small white specks can be any number of things. You should probably try to catch one see if it is a live organism, are you using a calc reactor, it can be your salt mix, too many things.

05/10/2009, 12:04 AM	#1
swivel Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: san francisco Posts: 268	UV Sterlizer in my 90 gallon tank there are alot of white specs in the water? is it bacteria? should i get a uv sterlizer bulb to kill it? im not too sure why my water is not clear.

05/10/2009, 12:59 AM	#4
aquamanSD Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: South Dakota Posts: 168	If they look like little tiny snowflakes then they are just hydroid jellyfish and are harmless... I have two uv's and i agree with Andrew, they are worthless. Good for algae blooms tho if you have high nitrates and phosphates but thats about it. __________________ Kevin Current Tank Info: 380 Gallon, 240 sump, 4x400 MH, vho actinics, MRC Skimmer, 1/2hp chiller, Tunze's

05/10/2009, 06:31 AM	#7
greenbean36191 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Posts: 10,598	Regardless of how they're setup UV sterilizers are ineffective for pathogen control on recirculating systems- even in theory. This has been borne out by testing multiple times. It's not a matter of improper installation, sizing, or flow. It's a fundamental limitation of the method. __________________ Some say the sun rises in the East. Some say it rises in the West. The truth must be somewhere in the middle. Current Tank Info: tore them down to move and haven't had the time or money to set them back up

05/10/2009, 12:39 AM	#2
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	I think U.V.s are a waste in my opinion. I know others will disagree but find out what is causing the "specs." How long has the tank been set-up? Give some background info and we can start there. (Equipment)

05/10/2009, 12:51 AM	#3
swivel Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: san francisco Posts: 268	i have a 90 gallon glass tank. its been running for about 3 months. only equipment i have all a return pump a heater and koralia 4. they are runnin in my sump. i bought the tank drilled and it came with a sump

05/10/2009, 01:47 AM	#5
swivel Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: san francisco Posts: 268	hydroid jellyfish? in my new tank? how do they appear and how do i make my water clear? is it bacteria?

05/10/2009, 04:29 AM	#6
IxLr8 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Posts: 15	My opinion is different. It has added to the stability and pathogen control of my tank. Although unecessary, there is no downside and properly setup, will control water born pathogens that could potential cause undesired growth and retard unwanted bacteria in the water. Improper installation of the UV sterilizer though will signficantly reduce it's effectiveness in addition to not cleaning the unit on a regular basis. IF you can afford to plumb one of the proper size and with the proper flow into your system, then do it. There is no downside and in my personal experience, it's yielded significant stability to my tank. After all, anything that makes the quality of life for your livestock is a definate bonus. I will never put a tank together again without one.

05/10/2009, 06:42 AM	#8
Davidl919 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New York City Posts: 60	Uv sterilizers are a hit and miss in my infinite research of the device there are so many factors as to it's effectiveness that a novice should probably do better without one (not calling anyone here a novice) but if you do your research and use the right one you will find that they are a good addition (notice how I did'nt say great) A uv sterilizer kills all types of bacteria, good and bad, a Uv serilizer that is too small for your tank does more damage than good, a Uv with a bad manufacturer design or bad bulb does nothing. In my research I have found that one of the best brands and most highly mentioned is Emporer Aquatics. I don't think a Uv sterilizer will help with your current problem small white specks can be any number of things. You should probably try to catch one see if it is a live organism, are you using a calc reactor, it can be your salt mix, too many things.