UV sterilization

Burrito · Sep 13, 2018

Could I add a second small dc return pump to my sump and use it to pull water from my sump, go through the sterilizer and back to my return area? Or must they be plumbed to the main return?

Jordan Prather · Sep 13, 2018

I believe it can be either or I'm going to plumb mine into my main return since the flow rate is a safe level. This will ensure 100% of my water is sterilized going to my main system also it's one less pump so less electricity

Burrito said:
Could I add a second small dc return pump to my sump and use it to pull water from my sump, go through the sterilizer and back to my return area? Or must they be plumbed to the main return?

wesman42 · Sep 19, 2018

Mebbid said:
I would honestly think a UV sterilizer would be detrimental to a reef tank if used for anything other than acute issues.

The reason I say this is that phytoplankton is a big food source for the copepod food chain in your tank.

So I'll raise you with this: what, exactly, produces UV in the wild? The sun right? Coral reefs get UV sterilization in some parts and it's a very viable method of killing off things that don't belong.

I had the same question, but I spoke with a marine biologist out of Florida.

jokerman826 · Sep 24, 2018

Burrito said:
Could I add a second small dc return pump to my sump and use it to pull water from my sump, go through the sterilizer and back to my return area? Or must they be plumbed to the main return?

I branched off the return line to go to various accessories. one of which is a UV sterilizer. I regulate the flow using a simple ball valve. the outlet of the iv goes right back to the sump. Since i started using uv 3 about 3 years ago. i have not had a algae or disease outbreak.

Tony Thompson · Sep 25, 2018

Personally, I am no the wiser as to how efficient these device are.

I understand how UV light at certain intensities over a certain period of time may effectively neutralize a given percentage of unwanted pathogens or at least stop them multiplying. However most hobby grade UV units are very crude pieces of equipment used in turbid environment. In my opinion and with limited knowledge the science and the maths just don`t` add up. As I understand, for the pathogens in an aquarium to be directly exposed to the UV without shielding by other particles they would need to be in finely pre filtered water, as in drinking water sterilization units.

That said I suppose they is no harm in trying, surely it can only help matters, just a matter of doing some research before you buy and temper one's expectations.

I would also be interested if any microbiologists on the forum may be able to explain to me if all common aquarium pathogens spend their lifetime suspended in the water column. Or do some observe a more benthic existence. In which case, their exposure to the UV clarifier could be very limited.

To UV or not to UV, that is the question
"Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous" pathogens,
"Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing, end them. "

Our dear, Will Shakespeare, RIP

Very interesting write up @vetteguy53081 , well detailed, thanks for sharing.
Best wishes from across the pond.

Kimberely · Oct 2, 2018

I added an in tank UV sterilizer when I had a minor case of dinoflagellates. They cleared up within a week and I haven't seen any in the last 3 months. It is however an eye sore as you mentioned. Would you say it was safe to remove it at this point?

vetteguy53081 · Oct 3, 2018

Kimberely said:
I added an in tank UV sterilizer when I had a minor case of dinoflagellates. They cleared up within a week and I haven't seen any in the last 3 months. It is however an eye sore as you mentioned. Would you say it was safe to remove it at this point?

I would consider relocation behind stand below tank but leave it connected unless you have a method of Quick reconnection.

dwest · Oct 3, 2018

Kimberely said:
I added an in tank UV sterilizer when I had a minor case of dinoflagellates. They cleared up within a week and I haven't seen any in the last 3 months. It is however an eye sore as you mentioned. Would you say it was safe to remove it at this point?

I moved mine from display to sump after my dinos were “gone”. When they came back, I mounted mine permanently to the back of the tank.

OhDumb · Oct 3, 2018

Just wanted to chime in on UV and dinoflagellates as I've been recently battling them. First you must determine which strain of Dinos you have with a microscope. I personally had Ostreopsis which become free floating in the water column at night. This is when a UV sterilizer would kill the bacteria. If you have a strain never really enters the water column then a UV won't do much.

Dinos are tough to fight and really the UV is just part of a multi-prong attack. But, I am seeing a great reduction in my tank and the UV really has helped me get a winning edge.

Kimberely · Oct 5, 2018

OhDumb said:
Just wanted to chime in on UV and dinoflagellates as I've been recently battling them. First you must determine which strain of Dinos you have with a microscope. I personally had Ostreopsis which become free floating in the water column at night. This is when a UV sterilizer would kill the bacteria. If you have a strain never really enters the water column then a UV won't do much.

Dinos are tough to fight and really the UV is just part of a multi-prong attack. But, I am seeing a great reduction in my tank and the UV really has helped me get a winning edge.

Definitely just a small part of a multiprong attack on my small cell amphidinium. I also did a 5 day blackout, dosing dino x, and raising nutrient levels.

VoZe · Oct 7, 2018

I know this is a bit late but what about isopods will they be fine. I have a mandarin and wants to make sure he will stay nice and fat

Hermie · May 25, 2019

VoZe said:
I know this is a bit late but what about isopods will they be fine. I have a mandarin and wants to make sure he will stay nice and fat

Honestly, UV will likely damage or kill isopod larvae... same thing with copepodites and nauplii...
At the very least, the UV can damage their "eyes" and cause shortened lifespans...

I would not run UV 24/7 if I had a microfauna-dependent fish like a Mandarin

vetteguy53081 · May 25, 2019

NotASpammerDude said:
Honestly, UV will likely damage or kill isopod larvae... same thing with copepodites and nauplii...
At the very least, the UV can damage their "eyes" and cause shortened lifespans...

I would not run UV 24/7 if I had a microfauna-dependent fish like a Mandarin

Been running UV for over two years and have a Very strong Pod population