Who uses UV sterilizers?

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by scottnlisa
http:///forum/post/3245517
I see. Thanks meowzer. But this all started because of somebody replying to my post requarding something else besides UV sterilizers. I hate whem people do that. That is like asking "What kind of car do you drive?" and replying back "I have a Huffy 20 speed bicycle." Stupid response to a question.
Ok so as a point of clarification, in regard to your thread what are you hoping to accomplish with uv sterilization

 

[reefkprz]

Originally Posted by scottnlisa
http:///forum/post/3244858
I am trying to get idea if I should put a UV sterilizer on my tank or not.
No. why would you want one. do you have a use for it or is it prophylactic?
IMO uv are best utilized on a QT system for new inhabitants. on an established system all they do is create waste. dpending on flow rate and wattage (more on flow per watt that actuall wattage alone)

 

[noah's nemo]

Originally Posted by scottnlisa
http:///forum/post/3245343
Okay, not being a jerk or anything, but if you QT your new fish, your saying that there is no chance of getting Ich in your DT? NOT. So QT'ing may help in the beginning but will QT'ing your fish help 6, 8, 12 months down the road. I don't think so. So if your going to answer a post, please make sure you address the question. Thanks you
Hmmm,seems like i did that in post #2,post 4 was in respose to mjm!notice the quote?
Seems like eveyone has got you covered now,but keep looking for that miracle cure for ich,i think everyone has said once or twice before how to deal with it,and a UV is not it!

 

[rcreations]

Originally Posted by reefkprZ
http:///forum/post/3245592
IMO uv are best utilized on a QT system for new inhabitants. on an established system all they do is create waste. dpending on flow rate and wattage (more on flow per watt that actuall wattage alone)
How does it create waste?

 

[reefkprz]

Originally Posted by RCreations
http:///forum/post/3245623
How does it create waste?
live plankton flows in (zoo or phyto) gets killed by UV, dead plankton flows out. then decays, most likely short of its natural life cycle.
hence something that should have lived longer gets killed creating waste.

 

[killer whale]

Originally Posted by scottnlisa
http:///forum/post/3244858
I am trying to get idea if I should put a UV sterilizer on my tank or not.
Wow that really tips off a debate, so here's my two cents. UV sterilizers serve two purposes they will reduce algae growth in your aquarium and they will deprive parasites of essentials needed to spread. (They will not remove them completely.) Also Ick is a disease caused by a parasite known as cryptocaron. These parasites are present on all fish, and can be fought off by a healthy fish. However outbreaks can occur when a fish becomes stressed. Outbreaks can threaten your entire community, even the healthy fish. The best known cure for ick is copper, but this is not an option if keeping a reef tank. Some aquarists use a UV sterilizer to try and prevent and control these types of problems with parasites.

 

[reefkprz]

just for the controlls algae crowd. unless the hair algae on the rocks passes through the UV a UV sterilizer is not going to kill it. all its going to do is kill freefloating planktons and other microfauna and flora and proviode another food source for the algaes. so a UV is actually benificial to most algal types other than freefloating planktons.
the free floating planktons are food for your corals why would you want to kill them? (thought I was in reef section when I wrote that) but still, all killing freefloating planktons is going to do is feed the rockbound algaes that are a nuiscance in a tank.

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by killer whale
http:///forum/post/3245689
Wow that really tips off a debate, so here's my two cents. UV sterilizers serve two purposes they will reduce algae growth in your aquarium and they will deprive parasites of essentials needed to spread. (They will not remove them completely.) Also Ick is a disease caused by a parasite known as cryptocaron. These parasites are present on all fish, and can be fought off by a healthy fish. However outbreaks can occur when a fish becomes stressed. Outbreaks can threaten your entire community, even the healthy fish. The best known cure for ick is copper, but this is not an option if keeping a reef tank. Some aquarists use a UV sterilizer to try and prevent and control these types of problems with parasites.
I believe you has a few basic facts wrong. Ich parasites are not present on all fish. The only thing they need to spread is a fish host. Within the confines of a tank, even healthy fish can be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of parasites in such a small space.

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by scottnlisa
http:///forum/post/3245517
I see. Thanks meowzer. But this all started because of somebody replying to my post requarding something else besides UV sterilizers. I hate whem people do that. That is like asking "What kind of car do you drive?" and replying back "I have a Huffy 20 speed bicycle." Stupid response to a question.
I'm guessing that is because many folks (me included) have seen many, many questions regarding UV. Most of the time, the UV is intended for parasite control.

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by srfisher17
http:///forum/post/3245793
I believe you has a few basic facts wrong. Ich parasites are not present on all fish. The only thing they need to spread is a fish host. Within the confines of a tank, even healthy fish can be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of parasites in such a small space.
Just to add to my friends post.
Ick infected fish in the open ocean are in fact very rare. What kills fish in our aquariums is the opportunistic diseases that infect the fish as a result of its suppress immune system brought on my ick or more likely the number of parasites impacting the gills

 

[skate020]

so in conclusion a UV steriliser is only really worth it if your willing to spend some extra money and willing to keep up on maintainance?

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by scottnlisa
http:///forum/post/3245495
True you can't get HIV without being exposed ot it. But you can get psoriasis, tachycardia, myocardial infarctions, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, parkinson disease,aplastic anemia, cardiomyopathy, crohn's disease, cushing's syndrome, etc.....
.
Apples & oranges. A virus spreads HIV, ich is a parasite. Without looking them up, I don't think any of the human conditions you've listed are spread by a "third party". Most may be environmentaly or genetically caused.
I hate nit-pick this to death; but I think a good understanding of the ich (and other parasites) life cycle is vital for long-term success in this hobby/addiction. I am by no means an expert; but I know that not being ready when /if ich appears has lead to countless fish deaths. There are a few sure things I'm sure of: ich is only caught from being exposed to a live ich parasite and the only "sure' cures are hypo or copper. There are anecdotal reports of "reef safe' cures; but until some of our hobby's real authorities say otherwise, I'll stick to the hypo or copper. I kept a lot of fish for a lot of years (not that my experiences are gospel) and have used copper and a de-wormer on my fish in QT for years. I can't remember the last time I even suspected a copper/QT preventable parasite in any of my DTs.

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by skate020
http:///forum/post/3245817
so in conclusion a UV steriliser is only really worth it if your willing to spend some extra money and willing to keep up on maintainance?
At the risk of being stoned; what do you expect the UV to do for you? IMO, its impossible to offer an opinion without knowing this. (But the money and maintenance points are true).

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/3245813
Just to add to my friends post.
Ick infected fish in the open ocean are in fact very rare. What kills fish in our aquariums is the opportunistic diseases that infect the fish as a result of its suppress immune system brought on my ick or more likely the number of parasites impacting the gills
My friend Joe is right. I know there are plenty of folks, who are smarter than me, that disagree; but I don't believe that just being in great health is much of a guarantee against ich. IMO&IME, even the healthiest fish can be destroyed by the sheer number of ich parasites in an infested tank. Joe's point concerning the ich in the gills is right on point. Ich love the gills and a fish can be badly infested with this parasite before it is even seen. Very close observation in QT, for at least 4 weeks, is the answer. IMO, inverts should also be QTd for at least 4 weeks--they can carry various forms of parasites, even though they aren't attacked by them. BTW, LR that hasn't been in a fishless environment for that same time, can also carry ich into your DT.

 

[noah's nemo]

Originally Posted by srfisher17
http:///forum/post/3245890
Apples & oranges. A virus spreads HIV, ich is a parasite. Without looking them up, I don't think any of the human conditions you've listed are spread by a "third party". Most may be environmentaly or genetically caused.
I hate nit-pick this to death; but I think a good understanding of the ich (and other parasites) life cycle is vital for long-term success in this hobby/addiction. I am by no means an expert; but I know that not being ready when /if ich appears has lead to countless fish deaths. There are a few sure things I'm sure of: ich is only caught from being exposed to a live ich parasite and the only "sure' cures are hypo or copper. There are anecdotal reports of "reef safe' cures; but until some of our hobby's real authorities say otherwise, I'll stick to the hypo or copper. I kept a lot of fish for a lot of years (not that my experiences are gospel) and have used copper and a de-wormer on my fish in QT for years. I can't remember the last time I even suspected a copper/QT preventable parasite in any of my DTs.
I think this is something we all come to realize sooner or later,for me it was sooner,others....well, we shall wait and see...........

The only things i don't QT, are dry(base rock for example)

 

[scottnlisa]

Thanks everybody. I value everybodies opinion. But like a couple people said if my DT tank doesn't have ich and I use a QT tank then my DT tank will never get ich so I won't need a UV on my DT. Again thanks everybody.

 

[florida joe]

Thanks everybody. I value everybodies opinion. But like a couple people said if my DT tank doesn't have ich and I use a QT tank then my DT tank will never get ich
Most important QT, look for disease, identify if present and treat EXACTLY AS RECOMMENDED (i can not stress the exactly part enough) and you will not introduce ick into a ick free tank

 

[scottnlisa]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/3245921
Most important QT, look for disease, identify if present and treat EXACTLY AS RECOMMENDED (i can not stress the exactly part enough) and you will not introduce ick into a ick free tank
Thanks FJ. I am currenting looking into buying a 30g for my QT.

 

[fishkid13]

Use it to help control outbreaks not prevent or stop them. Haven't had any so must be working. I don't run mine 24/7, only once in a while. It was made for ponds and rated up to 8000gal, my tank is 135, do the math. It helps make the water more clear, and don't have to clean glass as much when its running. Worth the cost? If you have extra money to spend for it, it is your choice. I have it because I got it for a steal, and think its a helpful tool, but the best bet to keep water clear, algae down, and parasites (

) away, is through basic water changes. Just my $.02

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by scottnlisa
http:///forum/post/3245947
Thanks FJ. I am currenting looking into buying a 30g for my QT.
IMO that is a great size for a QT