Ozone, UV and Saltwater question

[ElectricMusic]

Can anyone explain how UV and/or ozone changes elements in our saltwater? I am preparing my sump/filtration prior to beginning the Triton Method and the use of their Elementz / Trace Base products and I seem to recall that the recommendation is to get rid of Ozone and UV. Why is this a recommendation? How does it impact 3 part dosing?

Todd

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Do you currently use either of these methods?

I'm not sure why they make that recommendation (I see no reason for it from a chemical perspective; maybe it is just that they do not consider them useful or desirable), but neither method will impact the need for dosing of calcium, alkalinity, or magnesium.

I describe the chemistry taking place when using ozone is great detail in these articles, especially the first one:

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 1: Chemistry and Biochemistry by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 2: Equipment and Safety by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 3: Changes in a Reef Aquarium upon Initiating Ozone by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

The effect of UV can be similar in some cases, but its impact is much less extensive since it is not adding nearly as much oxidizing capacity into the water.

 

[ElectricMusic]

Randy -

Thank you for your very detailed reply. I have used a UV sterilizer with my filtration setup for several years I was in the middle of adding a small ozone generator (uses a high powered UV lamp to add ozone to the air intake of my skimmer). I temporarilystopped the ozone generator project for two reasons - #1 the chlorine-type odor was very noticeable and I was not sure how to physically reroute or filter the excess ozone from the collection cup of my skimmer so I wouldn't have to breath it; #2 The Triton Method was being brought to the U.S. and the recommendation according to Triton was to eliminate the Ozone Generator when using the Elementz / Trace Base chemicals, etc...

I have not fully digested your writings on "Ozone and the Reef Aquarium". It will take me a while to understand all of it. But based on what I can glean from the information you have so graciously provided, I am leaning towards keeping the UV sterilizer and scrapping the Ozone generator install. I am very much looking forward to incorporating Triton into my system and don't want to make any conflicting moves.

Thank you again Randy!

Todd

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

That sounds like a good plan and thanks.

If you hear of a clear reason from Triton on the rationale for their recommendation, let us know!