UVs of a reef?

[devaji108]

OK I am sure this has been asked before...and I know some ppl don't think that there any good....but I am going to ask anyway...
I have 240 gal reef w/ serval tangs ie hippo,power brown ect. I was thinking about adding a UV unit to the system.
Q?: :thinking:
1) how many watts would I need 240 + 20-30 ish sump?
2) has any one used Jebo UV? any feedback?
3) would this help cantrol ich and algie....my tank is great so far but want to keep it that way.
thanks every one.

 

[devaji108]

oh and how offten to you run them?
24/7?
at night?
2-3X a week.
and any feed back about brands would be nice

 

[fishamajig]

i have one on my 125 gal and i run it 24/7
i would go 36w with the size of your tank
if you have fish that are suceptable (spelling) to ich why not
i only have good things to say

 

[fallnhorse]

never buy self contain units. you want to be able to scrape the algae off the light. Will come with time. If you can't it don't matter how much wattage your effectivness will be lossed.

 

[anonome]

I run a turbo -twist 3x on my 125 and have had great results. It is not a cure all for ick, will only zap the free swimming larvae. As far as an algae controller it is great, it really cleans up the water nicely. I run mine 24/7. I am not a big fan of Jebo products, everything I have gotten (until I learned) has broken. Don't waste your money. The turbo-twist is not self contained. I clean mine every 2-3 months. Very easy to do.

 

[ninjamini]

I was going to post this same question. Then there it was right on top. So If I had a 18w turbo twist given to me I should use it. Its definitely a good thing. That is good to hear.

 

[reefstar22]

I have used a UV on my reef for the last 6 months and have not had a problem. On my last reef I ran it for a year.... so I advise having one...your bacteria that is needed will stay in your display...your free floating parasites/bacteria will get zapped by the UV.

 

[hardcrab67]

I have a Current Gamma 15w on my 55g. I ran it all the time for 3 months, but have cut back to running it a week, every 2 months to see if there's a difference in water quality and I like when I run it all the time better, but because of the debate, I thought I'd try it intermmediately and see the results. I haven't seen any outbreaks of ich either way. A combination of UV and carbon definately has helped the water column's clarity, IME. Maybe once a month for a week would keep things in check alot better. Haven't cleaned the bulb, but flush it between uses and black crude always comes out. Mine is mounted vertically and is supplied from sump w/ a Maxi 1200 and empties into the refuge.