UV sterilizer 24/7?

[emsilkina]

Is it alright to run the UV sterilizer all the time? should i turn it on periodically?

 

[Wannabereefvet]

Is it alright to run the UV sterilizer all the time? should i turn it on periodically?

UV always comes with detailed instructions in the box but I run them 24/7. I have two on my reef at different water speeds going 24/7

 

[SPR1968]

Just run it 24/7 there’s no reason not to

 

[RobW]

I agree! 24/7 unless you're adding stuff to the tank and it says to turn it off for a few hours or something like that.

 

[dvgyfresh]

24/7 , if you don’t the bulb will die quicker

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

24/7 , if you don’t the bulb will die quicker

Is this true, sounds good..

 

[Kershaw]

Is this true, sounds good..

Yes Turning Most lightbulbs on and off is harder on them then leaving them on (I don’t know about leds)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Just run it 24/7 there’s no reason not to

There isn't?

I personally would not use one at all because I do not want it killing the bacteria that I spend efforts to get into the water column to feed filter feeders (e.g., organic carbon dosing).

 

[SPR1968]

There isn't?

I personally would not use one at all because I do not want it killing the bacteria that I spend efforts to get into the water column to feed filter feeders (e.g., organic carbon dosing).

Well that’s fine, most of my beneficial bacteria are in the rockwork

Its all personal preference, run a UVC or don’t, I run one in both my systems 24/7, maybe it works, or maybe I’m missing something.....

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Well that’s fine, most of my beneficial bacteria are in the rockwork

Its all personal preference, run a UVC or don’t, I run one in both my systems 24/7, maybe it works, or maybe I’m missing

Your tank certainly is very nice, but my aim with the water-borne bacteria is to support filter feeders, such as sponges. Bacteria on the rock surfaces aren't useful in that context, unless and until they break loose and are in the water.

When I started organic carbon dosing (vinegar), there was a clear increase in growth and number of sponges in my tank.

 

[SPR1968]

Your tank certainly is very nice, but my aim with the water-borne bacteria is to support filter feeders, such as sponges. Bacteria on the rock surfaces aren't useful in that context, unless and until they break loose and are in the water.

When I started organic carbon dosing (vinegar), there was a clear increase in growth and number of sponges in my tank.

Yes I agree with that completely, I’ve seen the same growth in sponges definitely, my answer to the OP “Is it alright to run the UV sterilizer all the time?” without mention to sponges etc., was basically yes

 

[Superlightman]

Your tank certainly is very nice, but my aim with the water-borne bacteria is to support filter feeders, such as sponges. Bacteria on the rock surfaces aren't useful in that context, unless and until they break loose and are in the water.

When I started organic carbon dosing (vinegar), there was a clear increase in growth and number of sponges in my tank.

So how long would you run it each day? And better night or day time?

 

[F4u-SuperCorsair]

Well that’s fine, most of my beneficial bacteria are in the rockwork

Its all personal preference, run a UVC or don’t, I run one in both my systems 24/7, maybe it works, or maybe I’m missing something.....

Now we know where all the yellow tangs went.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

There isn't?

I personally would not use one at all because I do not want it killing the bacteria that I spend efforts to get into the water column to feed filter feeders (e.g., organic carbon dosing).

Really? I have been really debating shutting mine off for 12 hours a day on a tank that I will not be adding any more fish to unless something sad happens. My other tank, once I get rid of this hitch hikers that has caused 6 months of pain, I will be adding a bunch of fish and will want it on I think to control fish parasites. But, help me with this. I read that all the beneficial bacteria is on the rock and substrate. I have just found it hard to think that if running non stop, we are sterilizing the good bad and my exes. When it comes to UV I’m really confused as you can’t really see what the heck you are doing. Sigh…

 

[BeanAnimal]

You will find varied advice and supporting studies provided by both camps. It can be hard to sort out. Many of us use them as needed to control Dino’s and cyano if there is an outbreak.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Yes I agree with that completely, I’ve seen the same growth in sponges definitely, my answer to the OP “Is it alright to run the UV sterilizer all the time?” without mention to sponges etc., was basically yes

I think there are too many variables to make that assurance. Size and contact time vs volume, bio load, feeding, etc. I would hedge and say it simply depends on the system.

I put one on for a dino outbreak and ran it for a month. Other issues cropped up and I can’t rule the UV in or out. But it is oversized and on the low side of flow so I shut it down.

Things got better but I am undecided and too lazy to do an actual controlled test of any kind. I may try again at some point But remain on the fence.