Will a GFO reactor keep red slime algae from returning?

[FugeTown]

Lack of upside is a UV typically doesn't solve an algae problem because the algae isn't passing through the UV. [/QUOTE]

Yea after a research on uv I decided not to go with it. Chaeto reactor for the win plus I love my diy projects

 

[bgoldb]

Downside is a killing of bacteria int eh water column, which otherwise might be skimmed out whole before spilling their guts, or provide food for filter feeders.

Lack of upside is a UV typically doesn't solve an algae problem because the algae isn't passing through the UV.

It would be interesting to hear any negative stories related to UV sterilizers. I have been in the hobby for over 20 years and just started using one for the first time with amazing results related to brown algae (possibly cyano) and subsequent improvement in coral growth and overall aquarium appearance. While I truly respect your insight a great deal, I'm not sure there have been any studies that show negative effects related to your statement of killing bacteria in the water column resulting in "spilling their guts" vs skimming out whole as a result of UV sterilization. If so, I would love to read it and learn from it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It would be interesting to hear any negative stories related to UV sterilizers. I have been in the hobby for over 20 years and just started using one for the first time with amazing results related to brown algae (possibly cyano) and subsequent improvement in coral growth and overall aquarium appearance. While I truly respect your insight a great deal, I'm not sure there have been any studies that show negative effects related to your statement of killing bacteria in the water column resulting in "spilling their guts" vs skimming out whole as a result of UV sterilization. If so, I would love to read it and learn from it.

I've not seen anyone study it. There are lots of things in reefing that make sense to me that no one has ever actually shown to be true in a careful study.

It has been claimed that bacteria in skimmed reef tanks are ten fold lower than natural reefs:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/aafeature

"Aquaria subjected to active filtration via skimming present water column bacteria populations that are approximately 1/10 of those observed on natural reefs. The consequences of this disparity on the long-term health of the tank's livestock are not known."

If that is the case, it may not be desirable to lower it further with a UV.

I believe that I have seen an increase in the growth of filter feeders (e.g., sponges) in my tank since starting organic carbon dosing. Since a likely reaosn for that is consumption of bacteria, I wouldn't prefer to lower the bacteria to lower levels.

That said, I can certainly accept the hypothesis that UV's have benefits and that the benefits may outweigh the detriments in some or maybe even most cases. Is it true? I don't really know.