UV or Refugium ????

[SteveMac84]

Before I go down either path down the line. I have a FluvAl Flex 32.5 AIO. Just want some input and your thoughts of UV or Refugium????? Both seem to be effective in their own way.

 

[Miami Reef]

Those are 2 different tools for complete different jobs.

Refugiums:
Lowers nutrients
Copepod haven
Raises PH

UV sterilizer:
Extremely clear water
Kills free floating Bacteria and algae
May help reduce fish parasite population (when tuned properly)

 

[Waboss]

Before I go down either path down the line. I have a FluvAl Flex 32.5 AIO. Just want some input and your thoughts of UV or Refugium????? Both seem to be effective in their own way.

What are you trying to accomplish?

As was previously noted, they're really for 2 different applications. So in order to perhaps provide some kind of guidance or ideas, we need to know what your goal is.

 

[SteveMac84]

Those are 2 different tools for complete different jobs.

Refugiums:
Lowers nutrients
Copepod haven
Raises PH

UV sterilizer:
Extremely clear water
Kills free floating Bacteria and algae
May help reduce fish parasite population (when tuned properly)

Both are combatting algae correct?

 

[Miami Reef]

Both are combatting algae correct?

Yes. But they are doing it in different approaches.

The UV sterilizer is killing any free floating algae that passes through (may not be effective for algae already taking hold without prior rock scraping)

And the refugium works by outcompeting algae for nutrients.

My personal opinion is for a 30 gallon tank, neither of those options will be as effective as a simple and cheap water change. You can directly remove nutrients with a water change and you can scrub/siphon sand during water changes.

But if I had to pick one, I would go with the UV because it makes water extremely crystal clear, limits algae on glass (less manual scrapping), and it’s easier to maintain by cleaning quartz sleeves occasionally and yearly bulb changes.

But I don’t think either option is very necessary for a 30 gallon tank. I believe refugiums and UV’s are meant for larger tanks that can’t afford water changes because of cost, or they may use it for the other reasons mentioned in my initial post.

 

[Waboss]

Both are combatting algae correct?

From a "is this what it's primary function generally is" point of view, not really.

Yes, a UV can clear up a phyto/algae bloom that turns your water green, and maybe help keep your glass a little cleaner. But it's unlikely to help with other algae like GHA. Mainly folks get a UV for crystal clear water or to try and manage free floating bacteria/algae/parasites.

The "other" algae that generally annoys folks is usually due to high nutrients, so a refugium can definitely help with that.

@Miami Reef was on point with their comment explaining the "main" reasons folks add either to their tank.

For what it's worth, I run an ATS on my tank (instead of a refugium) to help manage excess nutrients and a UV to keep the water clear and help with free floating buggers.

 

[SteveMac84]

From a "is this what it's primary function generally is" point of view, not really.

Yes, a UV can clear up a phyto/algae bloom that turns your water green, and maybe help keep your glass a little cleaner. But it's unlikely to help with other algae like GHA. Mainly folks get a UV for crystal clear water or to try and manage free floating bacteria/algae/parasites.

The "other" algae that generally annoys folks is usually due to high nutrients, so a refugium can definitely help with that.

@Miami Reef was on point with their comment explaining the "main" reasons folks add either to their tank.

For what it's worth, I run an ATS on my tank (instead of a refugium) to help manage excess nutrients and a UV to keep the water clear and help with free floating buggers.

Thank you.

 

[SteveMac84]

Yes. But they are doing it in different approaches.

The UV sterilizer is killing any free floating algae that passes through (may not be effective for algae already taking hold without prior rock scraping)

And the refugium works by outcompeting algae for nutrients.

My personal opinion is for a 30 gallon tank, neither of those options will be as effective as a simple and cheap water change. You can directly remove nutrients with a water change and you can scrub/siphon sand during water changes.

But if I had to pick one, I would go with the UV because it makes water extremely crystal clear, limits algae on glass (less manual scrapping), and it’s easier to maintain by cleaning quartz sleeves occasionally and yearly bulb changes.

But I don’t think either option is very necessary for a 30 gallon tank. I believe refugiums and UV’s are meant for larger tanks that can’t afford water changes because of cost, or they may use it for the other reasons mentioned in my initial post.

Thank you. I’m a weekly water changer. No issues there at all.

 

[Miami Reef]

@SteveMac84

Since you mentioned that you wanted something to target algae, are you battling algae in your tank? Pictures would help a lot.

 

[SteveMac84]

@SteveMac84

Since you mentioned that you wanted something to target algae, are you battling algae in your tank? Pictures would help a lot.

I am not. I’m only 6 weeks in. Just put clowns in last week. Cycle finishing. Numbers are great. I’m just mapping out a plan with the limitations of an AIO. i was leaning towards a small UV to drop in the back eventually. Christmas is coming and family wants gift ideas. Hence the planning.

 

[SteveMac84]

 

[Miami Reef]

Excellent. I do believe a UV will prevent A LOT of problems new reefers go through as it kills algae cells before it has time to settle on rocks. I think a UV sterilizer is a great idea for a gift.

You did an excellent job with the rockscape. Definitely enjoying the way this build has come together. Well done.

 

[SteveMac84]

Excellent. I do believe a UV will prevent A LOT of problems new reefers go through as it kills algae cells before it has time to settle on rocks. I think a UV sterilizer is a great idea for a gift.

You did an excellent job with the rockscape. Definitely enjoying the way this build has come together. Well done.

Thank you very much I did my homework first. LOL. Clowns seem to love it. Water flow is good. Wanted to leave plenty of space For corals and fish. I’m totally nerding on this whole adventure. Keeps me busy while having to be patient. Not my Best quality. We are excited.

 

[Miami Reef]

Thank you very much I did my homework first. LOL. Clowns seem to love it. Water flow is good. Wanted to leave plenty of space For corals and fish. I’m totally nerding on this whole adventure. Keeps me busy while having to be patient. Not my Best quality. We are excited.

If any questions ever come up this is the forum!

 

[SteveMac84]

It has been amazing for sure. incredibly helpful.

If any questions ever come up this is the forum!