UV Sterilizers

[gatorcsm]

What are people's thoughts on the use of UV sterilizers in a mini-reef tank?

 

[grumpyoldman]

I haven't been in the reef hobby very long, but I heard that constant use of one can kill off beneficial bacteria and other things in the water. I was also told that the only time to use them is when you have a disease in the tank. I hope this info helps.

 

[lurch694u]

SAMMY...
I'm running one now and want to take it off would it be ok? Everything has been going great in my reef for about a year and a half now I'm just afraid I might kill something If I take it off...
Just looking for some reasurrance.

 

[lurch694u]

I just want more corraline and benefical bacteria in my tank. I just want to make sure it would be ok to remove the U.V.

 

[goldrush]

Lurch,I packed mine away when I went all reef,it justs kills too many good things that I really want. I assume that you have replaced the bulb(1 1/2 years?). If not it probably isn't doing anything anyway,except moving water.

 

[flamingkingofhe]

i have always been told not to put one on a reef tank because they kill all the micro organizms that you want in a reef tank

 

[aileena]

I have had my tank for a year and have had a 9 watt UV on it since I started...I keep several soft corals and have tons of fanworms, pods and red coraline algea...I do not have any red or green algea at all...I have never had any serious fish diseases at all.,,except once when one of my chromis had a ailment...but I quarintined him and he is healthy now...I don't think its a necassry component but I do think that it makes husbandry a but more managable...