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I ran UV on most of my older fish-only systems, I even ran UV on my most recent acro dominated 180 gallon a few years ago. It was a great idea for fish health, and at the time theoretical to prevent or mitigate coral-related bacterial issues.
After running UV for the first 8-10 months of my current CDA system to keep Dino’s and other bad guys away, I took it offline and have not looked back. I haven’t had it running for over a year now.
This was for several reasons, but driven by a goal to change my water column-based bacteria composition to more replicate a natural reef composition. This was based on aquabiomics data and UV bacterial impact findings.
I actually am not running UV as well on that same 180g today that is now an angelfish tank, which I am surprised I have been able to. 4 large angelfish species, a powder blue hybrid and a few other fish. I never see ich.
As for fish parasites, everyone has their experiences and approaches, but I am 100% confident in my approach to have a successful system fish-wise.
I don’t worry about ich, but I freak out about anything else: flukes, oodinum, brook, and ESPECIALLY velvet.
Ich is manageable, so long as you follow these principles:
1. QT. QT is 100% a must to prevent as many pathogens as possible. Every fish needs to be QT’d. Inverts on a fishless system for at least 4 days to prevent velvet eggs. I don’t QT coral frags.
2. Healthy food and a variety of food. Frequent (4-8) daily feedings.
3. Minimize stress. Any bullying or prolonged stress will lead to an ich flare up.
Do you run UV?
It is an absolute great tool to use when needed.
I would run one during the first year of every new tank. Then I would only use when needed to solve a problem.
Are you looking to use UV for parasite control or to fight uglies / Dino’s?

