UV's are they needed?

[lcc]

I am thinking of adding an UV to my new 100 gal tank. Do they really help control algea and infections etc.

 

[dseiler]

From my experience. In a word. YES!

 

[dlight692000]

with a sump wet dry they arn'r really needed because the amount of bio filtering already in the tank

 

[jimi]

What does a sump wet/dry have to do with u/v? In my opinion they are not needed especially in a reef tank. In a fo or fowlr they may have their use if good husbandry is not practiced on a tank. Like not quaratining or overcrowding.

 

[03]

i have to dissagree with my man jimi on that one. a uv is good for reduceing algea blooms in any tank it also helps improve water quality by increasing the redox potential of the system also kills bacteria and sterlizes parasites. in my oppinion get one it is better then nothing!!but also they need to be maintained ,bulb changes every six months and cleaning the residue on the bulb every two weeks.

 

[zschicago]

They do a wonderful job of killing bacteria and parasites. My Tangs have never been so happy. HIGHLY recommend getting one..

 

[mr . salty]

The mantinance on these can be cut to a minimal if you get one that has a QUARTZ SLEEVE. This sleeve keeps the bulb out of direct contact with the water and increases it"s performance.The AQUA brand also has a wiper that cleans the sleeve without opening the unit. The one I have has both the sleeve and the wiper.In addition to a bulb that lasts 14months.I also would reccomend one.Although they are not necisary,They do greatly improve overall water quality,and with the proper flow rate,can also help prevent parasite outbreaks. Notice I said HELP,Not totally eliminate parasites. They can only kill what actually goes through the unit.Any parasites that come in on new additions will still be a problem.This is what Jimi was refering to.Quarenteen all new fish for a couple weeks,then put them into the main tank.

 

[jond]

If a person were to have to be choosing between a UV or a protein skimmer, which would you recomend purchasing first?

 

[kdlbem]

Skimmer, definately. I think it is more of a must have item, and the UV is more of an extra option. We just put a skimmer on our 75 FO, and it looks great! Water is VERY clear now. Still gonna get a UV, but skimmer came first. HTH,
B

 

[jacrmill]

i agree. i would get a skimmer over a UV. though neither are really necessary i think a skimmer would be more necessary than a UV. do you have corals? i was told that to even think about corals you would need a skimmer, but that was by a lfs.

 

[goofieones]

Protein skimmer should be a priority, but a UV is nice. We actually installed are UV first because we had both. When put the UV on I noticed that the alge went down, and in general the tank looked cleaner.