u/v sterilizer or not

[johnj]

how many guys run a uv sterilizer on there reef tank and is there much benefits to doing so?

 

[Aardvark1134]

If you run a large one 50-90 watt yes they help. The little tiny ones do almost nothing but clear algae

 

[johnj]

If you run a large one 50-90 watt yes they help. The little tiny ones do almost nothing but clear algae

iv got a ehiem reeflexuv800 uv I was going to use on smaller tank" but sold that and was thinking of using on a 140 gal tank iv just got

will sell if not much good

 

[dantimdad]

I run a 35 watt on my 93 cube. Got rid of dinos in 3 days. The water stays crystal clear with no carbon.

 

[Aardvark1134]

If I am reading their page right that is an 11 watt UV. If it is truly 11 Watts I would not expect it to do much for a 140 gallon tank.

 

[johnj]

I run a 35 watt on my 93 cube. Got rid of dinos in 3 days. The water stays crystal clear with no carbon.

do you swop bulb every year ?

 

[johnj]

If I am reading their page right that is an 11 watt UV. If it is truly 11 Watts I would not expect it to do much for a 140 gallon tank.

I though 11 watt was low but says for tanks upto 800ltr ? does it make difference its not on a heavy fish stock tank?

 

[smartwater101]

Theres really no negative to running a UV sterilizer. (outside of cost of course.)

Smaller ones will help with algea and larger will help with algea and parasites (bare in mind it's only going to affect the free floaters.)

 

[Aardvark1134]

There are 3 possible functional levels of a UV. Clarifier, Sterilization 1 and sterilization 2. At 11 watts it can do 800 ltr at the lowest level which is clarifier only.

 

[dantimdad]

I have only had this one 3 months. But normally every 10 to 12 months

 

[vlangel]

I used to run a 9 watt turbo twist on a 90 gallon tank and it was an excellant clarifier. The water was very crisp. Its important to change the bulbs and also to clean the glass sleeve if it has one. I plan to replace it for my 56 gallon tank.

 

[Don Lidtke]

I am running a Pentair Aquatics Smart High Output UV 50 Watt on a 250 system. The system is currently cycling but the water is crystal clear and there’s been no outbreaks of any of the “uglies.”

 

[jporter17]

I run a 57W on my 135G. I believe my water is clearer and it has helped with algae. I only have to clean the inside glass once a week now. They do generate a little heat and require yearly or so bulb changes. Mine is plumbed in my overflow line into the sump so all DT water goes through it before hitting the sump. JP

 

[Luno]

I though 11 watt was low but says for tanks upto 800ltr ? does it make difference its not on a heavy fish stock tank?

I'm my opinion and it's the same with many other pieces of equipment quality is quality. Now overall power has a lot to do with it but more so important is contact time, I higher power may not need as much contact time as a lower power but each can be leveled out to equal the same result.

Going back to my original statement quality I would 100% take a 25w debary unit over say a 55w or higher Chinese unit like a sun sun. You will pay a lot more for the debary but they are amazing units.
http://www.debary.de/hp/index.php/en/aquaristic

Me and a few other Australian reefers had great success running 25w debary units on average 800L (roughly 220g??) tanks in dealing with a variety of issues from algae to aiding in dealing with white spot.

I'm not going to get into an argument with a brick wall with people over if they can help or not this is just the units used by a few people on certain sized tanks for certain issues and we saw positive results, while others using cheaper and larger branded units did not. it's not definitive but it opened my eyes.

 

[Luno]

To actually answer the title question, I believe they have their place in marine Aquarium keeping. Normally my practice is to mimic nature to achieve a successful and healthy tank. However sometimes when you try to fit the ocean into a small box of water exact replication can't happen and with nature outbreaks of white spot or algae do happen. And we can do extra things in our power to prepare for that and avoid catastrophe. We do it with battery back ups, leak detection and controllers. I feel it is an extra protection for me that I am more than willing to utilize. Many successful reefs have then and many don't. It's not a necessity but it is a viable option if you feel the need.

 

[mtraylor]

I use uv on my 255 gallon reef. Keeps tank crystal clear and fush health yuh. Wouldnt run one without it. I have smart 40w uv. Great piece of equipment.

 

[johnj]

Thanks guys"