Reef/UV Question
- Thread starter strinalsh
- Start date
maury
Member
Well, like you said, depends on who you ask. I am running an ozone setup on my 55 gal reef, and have had it going for 2 months now, and all looks great. Have had no illness in any fish and the coral is growing very well. Don't see the drawback to having ozone/UV on a reef at all since most (and I stress most) corals can derive their needed nutrients from the symbiotic algae that live with them. I tend to avoid coaral that must filter feed for all their nutritional needs, as I am cooking everything in teh water with the ozone. To each his own Dad, but a blanket statement that UV/ozone do not belong in a reef tank is just not true. It might not belong in some, but it all depends on how you set it up.
fat_ed
Member
I use a UV sterilizer in my reef to help 1) prevent disease outbreaks in the fish; 2) control unwanted algae; and 3) promote water clarity. Thus far I have had no sick fish, minimal algae, and the water has remained crystal clear w/o the use of carbon. I'd say the UV is doing its job. Moreover, I have had no coral losses or disease since introducing my first corals approx. 2 1/2 months ago. Perhaps this will change over time. I do use DT's phytoplankton and maintain a feeder refugium, so this likely compensates for some losses due to the UV.
Respected aquarists such as Bob Fenner advocate the use of ozone and/or UV in a reef. Other equally respected aquarists view them unfavorably, at least w/ regard to reef application.
IMO, using a UV creates some of the same difficulties as heavy skimming. As there is no established "right way" to maintain a reef, it's really up to you to consider the advice and recs of others, balance that with your own experience, needs and budget, and make your own judgment call.
Again, IMO, in maintaining a reef, 1) top notch lighting; 2) an ample supply of quality LR and LS; 3) a refugium; and 4) a good skimmer are all more important than UV/ozone.
Respected aquarists such as Bob Fenner advocate the use of ozone and/or UV in a reef. Other equally respected aquarists view them unfavorably, at least w/ regard to reef application.
IMO, using a UV creates some of the same difficulties as heavy skimming. As there is no established "right way" to maintain a reef, it's really up to you to consider the advice and recs of others, balance that with your own experience, needs and budget, and make your own judgment call.
Again, IMO, in maintaining a reef, 1) top notch lighting; 2) an ample supply of quality LR and LS; 3) a refugium; and 4) a good skimmer are all more important than UV/ozone.
