This is a joke( writer is off his rocker)

[fitbmxdude989]

Are You Playing Russian Rulette With Your Aquarium?
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 at 4:39 am
Comments (18)
I am shocked and surprised how often I come across marine aquariums (reef or fish only) that have no U.V. sterilizer filter. These aquarists are playing Russian rulette with their aquariums, running the risk of being vulnerable to a parasite outbreak.
There are many different situations that can cause a disease and/or parasite outbreak in your marine aquarium. It could be adding new fish, or perhaps one of your fish changes --- and throws off the entire pecking order, or a fish dies or is removed and that throws off the pecking order; or say your chiller (if you have one) went on the fritze during a heat wave – and the list goes on.
And given that there are so many situations that could spark a disease or parasite outbreak, wouldn’t you want to protect yourself (and your fish) against this likely possibility? Who wouldn’t? And yet many aquarists don’t have a U.V. sterilizer on their system. It’s like rolling the dice and crossing your fingers, hoping you don’t have a disease outbreak.
So, before I go any further, let me just say that - yes – you deffinitely need a U.V. sterilizer. That is, if you want your fish to live for years rather than months, and if you want to avoid even the possibility of a total system meltdown (scary scientific term). Yes, this is my opinion, but it is also backed up with over 11 years in keeping saltwater fish (primarily reef tanks) with only three disease outbreaks – and two of them were caused by human error. By disease outbreak, I mean multiple fish dying from parasite infestation. This is attributed to aggressive use of U.V. sterilizer filters. And don’t forget, I’m not talking about just one tank. I run a high-end custom aquarium design, installation and maintenance business, where we service many customers with large saltwater aquariums.
So, yes, it’s a bold statement. And it also happens to be true. See – I don’t like problems or surprises when it comes to aquariums. Over the years of running my business, I have had to develop ways of preventing problems from even being able to happen on our customer’s tanks; and then having designed the system to be prepared to accomodate the problem if it ever does happen. This is sort of our company philosophy to aquarium system design and it is a preventative approach designed to prevent problems – so that we put far less energy into reacting to and fixing problems. Any way – enough of that. Back to U.V. sterilization.

 

[fitbmxdude989]

By now, you might be thinking “yeah right – I don’t beleive you”. Well, I’m not saying that we’ve only seen parasites on some of our fish three times in 11 years. NOPE. We see low-levels of parasites on fish fairly often – but those fish are thriving and healthy and live long lives - typically for over five years, and are able to fight off the parasites. AND the parasites are not alloud to bloom to dangerous levels because the U.V. sterilizer kills the parasites when they are water born (verses dormant in the substrate) and looking for a host.
So, what is a U.V. sterilizer filter? The U.V. stands for ultraviolet sterilization. Basically, it contains a special light bulb which emits U.V. “C” light. U.V. “C” is the band of U.V. light that gives us sun burn. So, essentially, a U.V. sterilizer filter is “sun-burning-to-death” (scientific term) or sterilizing your aquarium water as it passes through the filter, and thus killing any water-born parasites. It runs 24/7 and is very cheap to operate and can PREVENT parasite outbreaks. What aquarist wouldn’t want to be able to prevent a parasite outbreak? This is why having a U.V. is a no brainer MUST HAVE filter for your aquarium.
In addition, the U.V. filter will prevent bacteria blooms (caused by water-born bacteria – milky or cloudy water) and phytoplankton blooms (cause of green water). The result here is clear water. Of course, this doesn’t remove the underlying cause of the bacteria bloom (excess organics and insufficient bio-filtration) which must still be dealt with.
Sizing is probably the most important factor when selecting your U.V. sterilizer for your aquarium. My general advice is to slightly oversize your U.V.. Most sizing charts are based on aquarium/system volume. The last thing you want is an undersized U.V., because then it is almost useless (i.e. it is too small to prevent disease outbreaks). Several parameters to consider are system/tank volume, water flow rate through the U.V. filter, and bio-load (how much life is in your tank). So again, when selecting your U.V. sterilizer, choose the next one up in size, as recommended on the sizing chart.
Example: If your aquarium is 100 gallons and the sizing chart recommends a 30watt UV for a 90g and a 40watt UV for a 120g, then go with the 40watt UV.
One of the primary criteria used in sizing a U.V. sterilizer is the water flow rate through the unit. See, if you send too much water (too high of a flow rate) through too small of a unit, then it won’t be effective in killing the parasites. But for me (I’m lazy), that is too much work, calculating flow rates, etc., so what I do is take the manufacturers recommended sizing for my aquarium (gallons) and then choose the next larger size U.V.. This almost ensures that your U.V. will be effective in killing water-born parasites in your aquarium and preventing a disease outbreak. And nine times out of ten, if you do the calculations of water flow rate, UV kill rate, and total system volume, you will end up at the same size U.V. any way. One caviat here – this method is based on average bio-loading (average number of fish/invertebrates etc.) for any given tank volume. So if you are crazy aggressive with your stocking density of fish/corals/invertebrates/etc., then you may even want to choose a U.V. that is two sizes up.
Of course, U.V. is not the only effective way to sterilize against disease and parasites. Ozone is very effective if applied and monitored properly. But Ozone is far less forgiving than U.V., and while you cannot CAUSE any problems by oversizing a U.V. filter, you can cause BIG PROBLEMS by improperly applying and monitoring ozone. But more about ozone in future posts. For now, suffice it to say that U.V. is very safe and simple to apply to your aquarium filtration system, and there is no monitoring (unlike ozone).
You do need to ensure proper upkeep or maintenance of your U.V. sterilizer. Once a year, you must change the bulb and the O-ring and/or gasket, and clean off the quartz sleeve (housing the bulb). This may take 30 minutes to an hour to do, but is necessary because after a year of operation, the bulb has begun to lose its potency and the ozone gas produced by some U.V. bulbs will break down the O-ring and/or gaskets that seal off the quartz sleeve. And in some systems the quartz sleeve can accumulate mineral deposits that may reduce effectiveness of the U.V. bulb. A simple overnight vinegar bath and wipedown with a sponge will do the trick.
Generally, I’m not big on having opinions. I like to be open-minded, and opinions tend to cut us off from being open to learning something new. But when something works as well and as consistently as this does, well, I feel strongly about it. The proof is in the pudding, as they say. I hope this is of help to you.
Warren Gibbons

 

[fishkid13]

I am 50/50 on this. I think it is a helpful addition but not a must have. I have only been able to keep tangs every sense I installed my u.v because they get parasites so much. They also keep water crystal clear, by destorying algae pores in the water, also making growth on glass slower. So, I would say if someone had extra cash and wanted some extra help, then they could consider getting one. JMO

 

[geoj]

There is a lot of talk that comes from the manufactures but not from users. Till users see a definitive benefit I will take a wait and see attitude…
A simple QT and the will to use it voids the need for a UV for Ich reduction.
FACTS ABOUT UV STERILIZATION;
Here are few things UV Sterilization will NOT do:
[1] UV sterilization will not cure infected fish of bacterial or fungal diseases. A UV can aid in cure by killing bacterial pathogens in the water column and fungal spores, also by improvement of the Redox potential and general water quality.
[2] A UV sterilizer will not kill ich trophozoites already on the fish (but then medications don’t either), but UVC can again slow the spread of ich tomites in the water column (but usually not out right kill ich tomites).
[3] A UV sterilizer will not kill beneficial bacteria such aerobic bacteria, as this bacterium is effective when attached to a surface of high water flow such as the sponge of a sponge filter, not when in the water column. In fact relatively new scientific evidence shows nitrifying bacteria to be sticky and adheres to the surfaces like glue this is why the myth of UV Sterilizers killing beneficial bacteria is just that, a myth. It still may be best to turn off a Sterilizer unit when introducing bacteria in liquid form to seed a new aquarium.
[4] UV Sterilization will not remove or destroy algae growing on tank or pond sides, rocks, decorations, ect.
[5] UV Sterilization will NOT kill off copepods and other small life forms in a Reef or Nano Reef Aquarium. These copepods live at or near the bottom of live rock piles (making a pile with small pieces is best for copepods), they are not active in the water column. If properly installed, the UV should have at least a fine pore sponge filter media as a pre-filter, which will further stop the “ingestion” of these and other minute life forms (the UV benefits as well by being more efficient). The bottom line here is that I have maintained MANY Reef aquariums with UVs with growing copepod, anemone and other creature populations.
[6] UV Sterilization NOT remove minerals from aquarium water, however UVC Sterilization will also aid in the removal of oil based (carbon based) pollutants.
[7] UV Sterilization will NOT make up for poor aquarium maintenance practices such as over crowding, over feeding, inadequate filtration, poor cleaning practices, improper water parameters, and more.
By: Carl Strohmeyer
Manufacture of UV sterilizing equipment…

 

[globaldesigns]

Please explain your thoughts on ULNS systems using Zeovit or NP BioPellets.
UV can be detrimental to these systems, so please explain how you would try to implement UV on such a system.
I guess what I am getting at is UV is great but it would depend on what you are doing. I appreciate any thoughts/comments.

 

[t316]

"...Of course, U.V. is not the only effective way to sterilize against disease and parasites."
Of course not, water changes, proper quarantine, and good husbandry will do the trick just fine as well...

 

[jrod4u]

if someone wants to buy me a UV sterilizer, then I shall use one ;-)
buying everything you want/need for this hobby is hard to do on a budget. With that being said, why not suggest alternatives that everyone can use, as opposed to buying a machine that is half a grand Just my two cents

 

[fitbmxdude989]

i know what you mean, the way this guy talks, he acts as if it is almost a necessity, i wounder how much he is getting paid to write that.

 

[cranberry]

I have a couple in my closet.

 

[fitbmxdude989]

are they any good?

 

[tonysi]

I like russian rulette!!!

Na ,but seriously I have one of those submariner uv thingies in my 65 and I noticed that my tanks' water doesn't get any algae bloom.It used to before, cause its by a window.
P.S. on a side note just doing water changes helped stop the blooms too.

 

[geoj]

Originally Posted by TonySi
http:///forum/post/3220241
I like russian rulette!!!

Na ,but seriously I have one of those submariner uv thingies in my 65 and I noticed that my tanks' water doesn't get any algae bloom.It used to before, cause its by a window.
P.S. on a side note just doing water changes helped stop the blooms too.

This is my point, are you doing water changes and how are you so certain that it is the UV and not your experience paying dividends when it comes to keeping the water quality good. I have not heard any one touting how their UV makes such a big difference in their tank, you?

Nothing like the use of a skimmer. I see people recommend skimmers all the time UV not many…

 

[t316]

Originally Posted by GeoJ
http:///forum/post/3220247
This is my point, are you doing water changes and how are you so certain that it is the UV and not your experience paying dividends when it comes to keeping the water quality good. I have not heard any one touting how their UV makes such a big difference in their tank, you?

Nothing like the use of a skimmer. I see people recommend skimmers all the time UV not many…
It's kind of like the fuel you put in your car. When you pull up to the pump, 99% of motorist go for the standard, regular (cheapest) fuel, although the "plus" is offered at the handle right next to it. Take it a step further, you even have the choice to walk inside the store each fill-up and grab a quart of the "high performance" additive for 5 bucks. Fact is, none of us can see a noticable difference/benefit from these extra costs measures, so we don't buy into it. We all probably believe that the higher dollar fuel is a "little" better for our engines, but so is buying the "high-dollar" dog food for our pets (they crap less vs. the cheapo brand). But this does not mean that our engines are going break down if we go with the "regular", so long as you are performing normal routine maintenance and proper care.
***Disclaimer....Don't go out and switch you dog's food. If you are feeding the good stuff, keep at it...they deserve it

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by jrod4u
http:///forum/post/3219936
if someone wants to buy me a UV sterilizer, then I shall use one ;-)
buying everything you want/need for this hobby is hard to do on a budget. With that being said, why not suggest alternatives that everyone can use, as opposed to buying a machine that is half a grand Just my two cents

Half a grand????
The ones I see in the stores run about $100.00

Still his has been the most informative post on UVs. I asked this question a few months ago and didn't get half the information I did here.

 

[fitbmxdude989]

well at least you got some info, just know that they arent necessary if you take care of your tank

 

[aquaknight]

Originally Posted by T316
http:///forum/post/3220258
It's kind of like the fuel you put in your car. When you pull up to the pump, 99% of motorist go for the standard, regular (cheapest) fuel, although the "plus" is offered at the handle right next to it. Take it a step further, you even have the choice to walk inside the store each fill-up and grab a quart of the "high performance" additive for 5 bucks. Fact is, none of us can see a noticable difference/benefit from these extra costs measures, so we don't buy into it. We all probably believe that the higher dollar fuel is a "little" better for our engines, but so is buying the "high-dollar" dog food for our pets (they crap less vs. the cheapo brand). But this does not mean that our engines are going break down if we go with the "regular", so long as you are performing normal routine maintenance and proper care.
***Disclaimer....Don't go out and switch you dog's food. If you are feeding the good stuff, keep at it...they deserve it

I can answer the fuel part...
It depends on the engine of the car. Some cars have higher compression ratios (check your owners manual). Those are usually around 10:1, that start requirng premium fuel. (I've never seen a car say to use at least mid-grade, it's always either standard or premium) Your engine advances and retards the spark timing electronically to prevent detonation (in combination with other things, like ambient air temp).
To see if your car retards the timing because of lower grade fuel, you'll have to hook it up to a computer (Tech2 for GM, unsure of other makes) and drive the car. So bottomline if your car says put premium in, put the good stuff in, at least during the warm times of the year. If your car doesn't, your wasting a few cents at the pump. Or there's a debate about say "premium" gas at a crappy no-name station, vs. regular at a large-clean nation brand station, but that's a debate for another time.....
About UV, it sounds like an article put out by a UV company. *hint*hint*
My personal opinion is that UV's, other then cost, only do good. They can't/don't kill anything beneficial to the tank (or at least in quantities that can be noticed), good bacteria, pods, etc. That said the only benefit to a UV is to control algae outbreaks. Their prevent of diseases is pretty slim. You'd need a massive UV even a medium sized tank. For a QT, I think it's one of the worst possible ideas. The chance that one of your fish in QT's has a disease, you don't want a UV to mask it. You want the fish to outbreak so you can see it and diagnose.

 

[kjr_trig]

Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/3220324
My personal opinion is that UV's, other then cost, only do good. They can't/don't kill anything beneficial to the tank (or at least in quantities that can be noticed), good bacteria, pods, etc. That said the only benefit to a UV is to control algae outbreaks. Their prevent of diseases is pretty slim. You'd need a massive UV even a medium sized tank. For a QT, I think it's one of the worst possible ideas. The chance that one of your fish in QT's has a disease, you don't want a UV to mask it. You want the fish to outbreak so you can see it and diagnose.
Pretty much agree with this...I had a 40 watt UV on my 240 for quite some time, I just pulled it off last month (save a degree or 2 on the tank temp) and haven't noticed a difference. I fully agree there is no negative to them, I got one because I was originally using tap water, now that I'm using RODI (Arizona tap is realllllly high in TDS), I don't see the need.

 

[stanlalee]

the curiosity of opening this thread has finally overwhelmed me so here I am (kind of want my click back lol )
guess I'll just continue to walk on the wild side

I've ran UV sterilizers before and I like them but they are hardly neccessary, hardly ever used in this hobby at flow rates and wattages that will kill parasites and all these problems they are suppose to prevent hardly ever occur in properly maintained and stocked aquarium (in 15yrs I've never had a cloudy bacteria bloom or green water due to algae outbreaks.
they are nice water clarifiers (even though I never saw any visable difference) and sure they zap free floating bacteria and algae spores, they may help with controlling algae spread by zapping free floating spores that pass thru it and may even indirectly promote livestock health with their simple cell life zapping but vodka dosing other bacterial driven systems must really be puttin a hurten on the aquarium sterilizer market (although this should probably only apply to zeolite stone based systems where the mulm would be shaked and released to its death on its way to the tank since large doses of UV isn't neccessary to kill bacteria).

 

[jackri]

I like how parasites just come out of nowhere because your chiller failed... how would a UV sterilizer save you then??
If you want clearer water run carbon for goodness sakes. I believe in QT'ing fish and doing water changes. I also run a carbon/GFO reactor which I love.
Personally I wouldn't hook up a UV sterilizer if it was free. MAYBEon a QT but thats it.

 

[fishkid13]

Originally Posted by GeoJ
http:///forum/post/3220247
This is my point, are you doing water changes and how are you so certain that it is the UV and not your experience paying dividends when it comes to keeping the water quality good. I have not heard any one touting how their UV makes such a big difference in their tank, you? %%
Nothing like the use of a skimmer. I see people recommend skimmers all the time UV not many…
Until last week I didn't do a water change on my tank (for reasons other than lazness) for about 3-31/2 weeks and running my u.v. No algae bloom, of course their is still a little algae that grows but not as much as it would have been.