UV Filter ... To use or not to use...
- Thread starter kingnai
- Start date
nasovlam
Member
Personally, I think UV are hold overs from the days when the "hot" setup for FO tanks was to make the tank as sterile (literally) as possible by using UV and diatom filters. (And the result was generally more problems like LLE and drab fish colors and shortened life -- I think the LR & LS approach are a big improvement.) Some LFS still recommend them as it is another piece of equipment that they can sell you (along with replacement bulbs down the road). I go along with rusting -- UV will kill good microbes along with bad. And killing those microbes might also be depriving some smaller critters in your tank their food. Let your LR and LS do its job and you'll have a happier tank.
squishy
Member
I have seen this question a thousand times and asked the same question a million times. I have a 25 watt uv ster on my 115g reef tank. I weighed the pros like fighting ich and velvet and hair algae spores among god only knows what other kinds of spores. The cons might loose some helpful bacteria. Most of your lr is in the main tank most of the helpful bacteria is in your main tank never makes it to your sump. To me the pros out weigh the cons mostly. But really it is totally up to you. Put it on see if you like it take it off if you don't.
PS it makes a great stand for my kitty too.
goulding.c
Member
I thnk I have the same on as squishy. I was really worried about it at first for reason allready mentioned but after an ich problem I added it and have never regretted it at all. My Ich slowly went away, any sign of hair algea went (Not sure if related to uv though), and my tank is doing great in my opinion. I can't get rid of zenia fast enough, my brain is happy, my clam is fine, all inverts are doing great, and growing, I have not added or changed anything to my setup in a year. All I ever do is flip snails back over, add baking soda every night, feed and do bi weekly water changes, and everyone is happy and the tank looks like a well established thickly growing tank IMO.
CG
CG
miamireefr
Member
holy crap murph....beeen a while since I have seen an update pic of your tank...been busy eh! looking good man!
As for UV's I have one on.... and my corals are thriving along with healthy fish. so it isn't hurting.
As for UV's I have one on.... and my corals are thriving along with healthy fish. so it isn't hurting.
goulding.c
Member
Hey squish, how often do you clean your lights holding tube or replace the buld? Its beena year for mine and I checked the glass tube to see if it needed cleaning but it was spottless, but I am not sure as to when I should replace the bulb.
CG
CG
