UV Sterilizers
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=59348
Printed Date: July 18 2026 at 1:52pm
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Topic: UV Sterilizers
Posted By: joelduval1
Subject: UV Sterilizers
Date Posted: September 30 2012 at 1:35pm
| Does anyone run UV Sterilizers? If so how effective is it in a saltwater tank? Can you use tap water instead of RO? And what is the best one you've ever tried? |
Replies:
Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: September 30 2012 at 4:01pm
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I dont think uv has anything to do with being able to run tap water verses ro water, but i can tell you that it has kept my water really clear and my algae down. I run the "twist" brand and it seems to really do a good job. I havent seen ich on any of my fish it awhile too. ------------- The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!! |
Posted By: 1stupidpunk
Date Posted: September 30 2012 at 4:16pm
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I have UV's on both my 75g reef and my 29g biocube. The cube is running the oceanic biocube UV that plumbs right into the return pump, i have had alot of issues with it as the bulbs arent replacable and you have to buy the whole new unit. My reef tank however i have a Coralife Turbo Twist and i love it! It was very easy to install (it does require another pump, i use a maxijet 900) and includes a few different size adapters to accommodate your plumbing. That said, many people will debate on the use of UV. UV sterilizers work by emitting ultra violet radiation, this will destroy algae (reducing green water) and the radiation will destroy the reproductive system of most bacteria and parasites (although it cant distinguish good and bad organisms). Only the amount of water passing thru the UV is affected (it wont kill everything). They work on both freshwater and marine. Most people will recommend that you use RO water is the aquarium hobby BUT depending on where you live your tapwater may be useable. First i would find out if your city adds floride or chlorine to the water. Second take a sample of your water to the LFS and have them test it, most will have a TDS meter (total dissolved solids) and will determine if your tap is good enough for the aquarium! |
Posted By: Ann_A
Date Posted: September 30 2012 at 4:19pm
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UV sterilizer a don't actually filter the water. They use intense ultraviolet light to microorganisms in the water. The exact dosage and effectiveness of UV sterilizers depends on the size, flow, and what organisms you're trying to irradicate. Generally UV is used to kill strains of nuisance algae and disease-causing pests. This will help kill microalgae in the water, leaving it clearer and possibly reducing nuisance algae growth, assuming the tank parameters do not change. As for treating diseases, UV is a preventative measure that kills bacteria, fungi, and other pests that go throug it. Many diseases (ich is an example) are only effected when they are in a free-floating/swimming stage. So if a fish is infected, the UV sterilizer will not kill the cysts on the fish, but will help to reduce surviving larvae. ------------- http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=53856&title=annes-65g-rsm-reef" rel="nofollow - RSM 250 Reef |
Posted By: Molli
Date Posted: September 30 2012 at 4:48pm
| I've been trying to educate myself about UV Sterilizers, and so far, given the fact that I plan to quarantine everything before it enters my tank, I don't see that the positive outweighs the negative. They will kill any microorganisms that pass them them, including the ones that feed corals. Just from what I'm reading, it seems they would be beneficial in a fish only tank, but I don't think I'm going to get one for my new reef tank. At least not until I do some more research and feel like the benefits will outweigh the fact that it will kill every living microorganism in my water! |
Posted By: Aquarium Creations
Date Posted: September 30 2012 at 5:38pm
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IMO they help a lot in reef aquariums but i like ozone better, I am less worried about killing a food source then i am about water quality, I ad the food for my corals to each thus i have more control over the environment. ------------- Aquarium Maintenance,Consulting,Custom Built Glass Aquariums Rimless/Euro,24Hr Emergency Service 8015485201 Www.UtahAquariumDoctors.com [email protected] |
Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: September 30 2012 at 6:17pm
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if your going to run tap water, then you should at least run a uv to prevent algae ------------- The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!! |
Posted By: Laird
Date Posted: September 30 2012 at 9:43pm
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I'll never not run a UV on any of my tanks. ------------- Indefinite hiatus from sw aquariums. Once I have my glorious return I'll set back up the following. 50 Gallon rimless cube. 180 Gallons mixed reef paradise |
Posted By: wickedsnowman
Date Posted: September 30 2012 at 10:35pm
| I think with uv the good out ways the bad by far. Are they a necessity def not but have alot of positive aspects like algae control and killing paracites. I personally dont buy into the debate about coral suffering from them. Coral will eat the micro foods whether alive or dead. Why do you think people dose with coral frenzy , reef chili etc I can assure you that stuff is dead. |
Posted By: sabeypets
Date Posted: September 30 2012 at 11:50pm
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I run a big UV on my system and feel it was a worth while investment. In a pond they are mainly used for free floating algae control and work well, when you get an algae bloom they will clear up the green water quickly. In a saltwater system they are mainly used for controlling diseases and are very effective. I don't think they do much if anything for nuisance algae control in saltwater. In a reef system I would only use RO water. In a fish only system maybe tap water, but I would use RO if at all possible. ------------- Shaun American Fork "Would you leave a dead cat in your kitchen till tommorow?" Builderofdreams |
Posted By: 1973Ford
Date Posted: October 01 2012 at 12:11am
| I'm not using a uv right now but after reading this article I think I will look at getting so does it matter what size you put on a tank? |
Posted By: ReefKeeper78
Date Posted: October 01 2012 at 5:54am
| I run a turbo twist 6x, it is a great sterilizer, and would recommend it it anyone. I do have the new one with the updated ballast. |
Posted By: Aquarium Creations
Date Posted: October 01 2012 at 10:18am
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Imo Ozone works a lot better as it is a oxidizer, Draw backs are you have to have a way of controlling the ORP either a ozone unit with built in controller or Neptune/other controller. Don't assume you can just use a ozone unit with out one as some will say to me that is just foolish... ------------- Aquarium Maintenance,Consulting,Custom Built Glass Aquariums Rimless/Euro,24Hr Emergency Service 8015485201 Www.UtahAquariumDoctors.com [email protected] |