When shouldn't I use UV?
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wattsupdoc
Active Member
This is much of a debate. The thing with a reef and UV is supposedly running it kills of the naturally occurring fauna in the water column. Which corals take up and aid in their growth. So in that essence if it could kill the population off, then it wouldn't be helping the corals any. However, the corals can take up many things that are in the column, like detritus. Additionally, having a large enough refugium and plenty of rock, IMO negates this point.As there will be a large population and the UV wont see all the flora/fauna. Of course UV kills everything that passes through it if it passes through slow enough. However, it can also be beneficial from time to time. It will kill any algae that it sees as well as any cyano bacteria. SPS's in particular don't like algae growing on their skeletons as they grow. Also, of course it can help ward off parasites for your fish etc. I would say if you feel the need to use one, use it for specific purposes, on a case by case basis.
I chose to remove my UV but because it was chincy and I had flow issues with it mostly. I am happier now without it.
My .02
I chose to remove my UV but because it was chincy and I had flow issues with it mostly. I am happier now without it.
My .02
sly
Active Member
If you run UV, run it 24/7. It needs to be on its own separate pump and needs to be flow controlled. You don't list your tank size in your profile and so I can't recommend a flow rating or wattage that will fit your system...
Many people make the mistake of hooking the UV up inline with their system pump. This puts a huge restriction on your tank's water flow and does nothing to sterilize the water. Most UV applications for home tanks only need about 100-300 gph max.
I have not seen any detrimental effects to UV. I do know that I have never had a disease outbreak in my tank... ever. Maybe it's the UV, maybe it's other things. I just like the peace of mind knowing that it's there cleaning 90% of my water column from free floating protozoa.
Many people make the mistake of hooking the UV up inline with their system pump. This puts a huge restriction on your tank's water flow and does nothing to sterilize the water. Most UV applications for home tanks only need about 100-300 gph max.
I have not seen any detrimental effects to UV. I do know that I have never had a disease outbreak in my tank... ever. Maybe it's the UV, maybe it's other things. I just like the peace of mind knowing that it's there cleaning 90% of my water column from free floating protozoa.