UV Sterilizer Schedule

[Gonzo74]

Does anyone run their UV Sterilizer all the time? If not, when do you run it? Only when you need it?

 

[Reeferdood]

24/7 When I employ one. The key is to make sure you have a properly sized one and the correct flow rate. If you don't, you will be wasting your money on something that won't work for you.

 

[Gonzo74]

Are there any negative effects of it running 24/7?

 

[VoZe]

There is a really great article on here created by vetteguy53081 taking all about uv sterilizers and it has everything you need to know

 

[Neo Jeo]

I have been running mine 24/7 at a LOW flow for ICH.. No problems, I think it's working. The only thing running long time that I know of is heat. I also read that people have them off at night due to the fact the corals feed when the lights are off. IMO

 

[VoZe]

It also matters on what you are trying to get rid off like some parasites are more active at night then others

 

[Gonzo74]

I had a bacterial bloom and the UV light got rid of it. I am pretty much just running it for maintenance now. Wondering if I should just leave it going or if I should turn them off. I would think that leaving them on as a deterrent for Ich or other issues would be best.

 

[VoZe]

My preference would be on a time schedule like in the morning only because it does take out other beneficial stuff like planktons also make sure you turn it off when your medicating

 

[MaccaPopEye]

Are there any negative effects of it running 24/7?

Added heat and power costs are the only issues really.

Benefits to running it 24/7 are it will prevent or at least reduce any random bacterial or algae blooms. And if you are running low flow it will prevent / help in the event of a parasite bloom. A lot of people only turn them on if they see a bacterial, algae or parasite issue occurring, but if you had it on in the first place maybe that wouldn't even have happened to begin with?

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

24/7 really low flow. if you are going through my UV.... you are going to be dead coming out of it.

which is the point...

I have the jebao 55w stainless steel unit and really like it.

 

[nosmok]

24/7 really low flow. if you are going through my UV.... you are going to be dead coming out of it.

which is the point...

I have the jebao 55w stainless steel unit and really like it.

I'm also looking at this unit! Seems like a lot of bang for the buck. Is it performing well for you? How do you have it plumbed into your system? I have a 150 gallon Aqueon mixed reef.