UV on a reef?
- Thread starter devaji108
- Start date
jmick
Active Member
I think they are one of biggest wastes of money. First, it will not really prevent or cure ich (I think that your concern the tangs). A QT tank will be of more value in preventing the spread of ich in your new tank.
Second, they generally have a flow rate that’s too high, which further nullifies it’s effect. I believe the bulbs need to be changed periodically and they need to be cleaned out on a regular basis.
I’d probably spend that money on a better skimmer/pumps/lighting.
Second, they generally have a flow rate that’s too high, which further nullifies it’s effect. I believe the bulbs need to be changed periodically and they need to be cleaned out on a regular basis.
I’d probably spend that money on a better skimmer/pumps/lighting.
reefstar22
Member
I've had a UV on my tank for the past 6 months, and the tank before that, which ran for 7 years ...i had a UV on ...I think they are one of the best possible things you can buy for your reef. There is a reason ALL public aquariums use them.
jmick
Active Member
Originally Posted by Reefstar22
I've had a UV on my tank for the past 6 months, and the tank before that, which ran for 7 years ...i had a UV on ...I think they are one of the best possible things you can buy for your reef. There is a reason ALL public aquariums use them.
What benefits did it provide?
I've had a UV on my tank for the past 6 months, and the tank before that, which ran for 7 years ...i had a UV on ...I think they are one of the best possible things you can buy for your reef. There is a reason ALL public aquariums use them.
What benefits did it provide?
reefstar22
Member
They kill free floating forms of alege, they kill unwanted parasites and bacteria. They also help keep diatoms at a lower volume.
Thats just the tip of the ice berg. I wouldn't run a reef without one....
Thats just the tip of the ice berg. I wouldn't run a reef without one....
jmick
Active Member
Originally Posted by Reefstar22
They kill free floating forms of alege, they kill unwanted parasites and bacteria. They also help keep diatoms at a lower volume.
Thats just the tip of the ice berg. I wouldn't run a reef without one....
I've been running my reef for almost 4 years and I haven't had an issue with any of the things you've listed. Lol, to prevent the introduction of parasites a simple QT is all that's needed and to keep diatoms in check all you need to do is keep nutrients low.
They kill free floating forms of alege, they kill unwanted parasites and bacteria. They also help keep diatoms at a lower volume.
Thats just the tip of the ice berg. I wouldn't run a reef without one....
I've been running my reef for almost 4 years and I haven't had an issue with any of the things you've listed. Lol, to prevent the introduction of parasites a simple QT is all that's needed and to keep diatoms in check all you need to do is keep nutrients low.
reefstar22
Member
I used to run a public aquarium. I've done studies on them. I'm not going to go into depth in a forum, I gave you general concepts. Saltwater is a hobby of research and time. Trial and error. I'm not saying you cant run one successfully without one, im saying its better to use one.
Heck you can drive your car with your feet, doesn't mean its a good idea. :hilarious
Heck you can drive your car with your feet, doesn't mean its a good idea. :hilarious
reefreak29
Active Member
Originally Posted by Reefstar22
They kill free floating forms of alege, they kill unwanted parasites and bacteria. They also help keep diatoms at a lower volume.
Thats just the tip of the ice berg. I wouldn't run a reef without one....
just remember it kills all the good bacteria to
They kill free floating forms of alege, they kill unwanted parasites and bacteria. They also help keep diatoms at a lower volume.
Thats just the tip of the ice berg. I wouldn't run a reef without one....
just remember it kills all the good bacteria to
reefstar22
Member
I know, good bateria stays in your sand/rock ..it isn't free floating as a whole. Most people think the water contains the elements that filter their tanks..when its really your sand and rock.
The only reason full water changes damnage your tank is because you expose your rock to air..and that kills bacteria on the rock...its not the water itself.
The only reason full water changes damnage your tank is because you expose your rock to air..and that kills bacteria on the rock...its not the water itself.
richie1742
Member
i use UV its deffinatly benificial
reefstar22
Member
There is another guy in this forum who is posting pictures of his tank with massive problems with alege breaking out all over his sand, if he had a UV ..he wouldn't have the problem...or would have very little of it.
richie1742
Member
right on
reefstar22
Member
I run mine 24/7 if you read my posts it will explain that there is no reason to have it on a timer.
anonome
Active Member
I have to agree with the uv usage.... My tank is in fallow now, because of an ick breakout and the fish are in qt. Since the fish are in qt my sand has become almost unbearable with the amount of algae growing on it. My uv had become accidently unplugged, not knowing this, doing maintainance on the tank I realized this. Cleaned the Uv (turbo twist) and plugged back in. Within 4 days the sand was clean again, now you tell me that they don't do their job. :notsure: I think differently. Since it has been reinstalled everything is crystal clear. My corals are bigger than without it. I did not buy the UV to kill ick...proven to be very little help in this department, I bought it to help control unwanted algae. I wouldn't run it without it. OH, by the way, for years I did run one with out the uv and always had a dirty sand bed, regardless on how many cleaners, sifters I bought. I am definetely sold, just remember its boundries.
bojik
Member
Originally Posted by Jmick
I think they are one of biggest wastes of money. First, it will not really prevent or cure ich (I think that your concern the tangs). A QT tank will be of more value in preventing the spread of ich in your new tank.
Second, they generally have a flow rate that’s too high, which further nullifies it’s effect. I believe the bulbs need to be changed periodically and they need to be cleaned out on a regular basis.
I’d probably spend that money on a better skimmer/pumps/lighting.
Depends many i've seen have to have a Pump/PH to run water though them. Though like you said many types need lots of upkeep cleaning and such.
Devaji108: Depends on the type of unit as to the wattage needed. Look at products they typicaly specify the max tank size on them/the listings for them. Most Uv units specify the max current for parasite/disease and algae. Its typicaly a lot lower flow rate to control aglae.
Hope that helps.
I think they are one of biggest wastes of money. First, it will not really prevent or cure ich (I think that your concern the tangs). A QT tank will be of more value in preventing the spread of ich in your new tank.
Second, they generally have a flow rate that’s too high, which further nullifies it’s effect. I believe the bulbs need to be changed periodically and they need to be cleaned out on a regular basis.
I’d probably spend that money on a better skimmer/pumps/lighting.
Depends many i've seen have to have a Pump/PH to run water though them. Though like you said many types need lots of upkeep cleaning and such.
Devaji108: Depends on the type of unit as to the wattage needed. Look at products they typicaly specify the max tank size on them/the listings for them. Most Uv units specify the max current for parasite/disease and algae. Its typicaly a lot lower flow rate to control aglae.
Hope that helps.