To use or not to use: UV Sterilizer

Blake423 · Nov 29, 2021

Hi,

Due to the recent outbreak of ich on my tang, I am seriously considering using UV sterilizer.
This is a very controversy discussion. I saw many good arguments around about using UV sterilizers or not.
How many people actually use it?

Lavey29 · Nov 29, 2021

If you have the space and can easily connect one go for it. I wish I would have pre planned one into my sump set up. They can help with all sorts of algae and dangerous fish bacteria.

Timfish · Nov 29, 2021

Here's some opinions: https://www.reef2reef.com/search/2816662/?q=UV+sterilizer&o=relevance

I've used them with good success on display tanks but I won't runm one continuously and prefer to use them just on quarintine tanks.

polyppal · Nov 29, 2021

It’s not going to miraculously solve disease issues, but they are quite helpful towards algae. I used to swear by them, but now between quarantining fish and AWC, I don’t bother with them anymore

PeterEde · Dec 9, 2021

Having only had my tank 1 month and reading much I come across UV sterilisers.
My question is is it better to run UV and minimise the chance of Ich or rely on chemicals should ICH breakout?
Does UV kill off the good bacteria as well.

Clo · Dec 9, 2021

PeterEde said:
Having only had my tank 1 month and reading much I come across UV sterilisers.
My question is is it better to run UV and minimise the chance of Ich or rely on chemicals should ICH breakout?
Does UV kill off the good bacteria as well.

I think your good bacteria (stuff supporting cycle) is attached to rock & surfaces, not free floating in water.

PeterEde · Dec 9, 2021

Clo said:
I think your good bacteria (stuff supporting cycle) is attached to rock & surfaces, not free floating in water.

This is true but it gets to those surfaces somehow.

scardall · Jan 18, 2022

Blake423 said:
Hi,

Due to the recent outbreak of ich on my tang, I am seriously considering using UV sterilizer.
This is a very controversy discussion. I saw many good arguments around about using UV sterilizers or not.
How many people actually use it?

IMO. Do not waste your money as a UVS, as it will help reduce ich that is in the water column and that passes thru the uvs. PLUS their is a catch to that. It will depend on how the uvs system is setup. IMO uvs cure nothing, but can help depending on proper set up. one type setup does NOT fit all issues. I recommend you go to bulk reef supply videos om the subject. Good luck

Sean Clark · Jan 18, 2022

Sorry, small rant here...

I do not understand the lack of understanding with UV. Find me someone that properly runs UV that ever said "Gosh, I sure wish that I did not set up that UV on my tank". Trying to use UV after you have an issue, like Ich, in the tank and expecting a miracle cure will certainly tant your feelings toward UV. That is not because UV is some kind of snake oil. Business and industries all over the world (like drinking water processing, food processing, pharmaceutical, agriculture, wastewater treatment, etc) that rely on these products to ensure their bottom line and to keep you safe every day do not spend money on UV systems because they do not work. UV has nothing to do with "IMO", it is science. When properly implemented and properly used UV works as advertised. No opinions required. The earth is not flat.

PeterEde · Jan 18, 2022

Sean Clark said:
Sorry, small rant here...

I do not understand the lack of understanding with UV. Find me someone that properly runs UV that ever said "Gosh, I sure wish that I did not set up that UV on my tank". Trying to use UV after you have an issue, like Ich, in the tank and expecting a miracle cure will certainly tant your feelings toward UV. That is not because UV is some kind of snake oil. Business and industries all over the world (like drinking water processing, food processing, pharmaceutical, agriculture, wastewater treatment, etc) that rely on these products to ensure their bottom line and to keep you safe every day do not spend money on UV systems because they do not work. UV has nothing to do with "IMO", it is science. When properly implemented and properly used UV works as advertised. No opinions required. The earth is not flat.

In ye olden times UV sterilizer were in use throughout barbers, hospitals, dentists and every medical center before single use equipment came to exist.

Garia666 · Jan 18, 2022

i bought an uv due to an algae and bacteria bloom on my startup.
and it worked wonders with in just 5 days. sadly the unit is to big to fit in my cabinet so i only use it once in a while.
So sadly no sterilisation of ich in the water column but great against algae.

There is a flow difference for bacteria and ich though.

Saltees · Jan 18, 2022

I will not run a tank with Tang without UV. Other than dosing bacteria which I do often too, UV and skimmer will be offline for 4-6 hours. If not, its pretty much on 24/7 @ Parasite killing flow rate.

unklez · Jan 18, 2022

I run 72w UV and ozone havent seen ich for years. I do think it keeps bacteria reproduction in check causing some of my higher nitrates (30 range) so might be good idea to not have it on 24/7

Saltees · Jan 18, 2022

unklez said:
I run 72w UV and ozone havent seen ich for years. I do think it keeps bacteria reproduction in check causing some of my higher nitrates (30 range) so might be good idea to not have it on 24/7

What’s your ORP readings…if you have one? Cheers!

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 18, 2022

I personally would not want to run one unless I kept fish that were unusually sensitive to infection (perhaps seahorses).

IMO, one of the benefits of organic carbon dosing is the production of bacteria in the water that boosts the growth of filter feeders. I would not prefer to spur their growth just to see them die in a UV.