To UV or not to UV. That is the question!

[Valhoon]

Soo I'm thinking about slapping a UV sterilizer on my tank.

Why? Just another layer of "filtration" on an admittedly overstocked and overfed reef. I know it's not a miracle fix all and I know it's not any sort of nutrient export.... I'm just looking for help with water clarity. So I'm not really looking for a debate on why I am entertaining using one. Nor' am I looking for an echo chamber of people telling me to go for it. I'm just kinda looking at the pros and cons. if there are any at all.

 

[Adam]

Depending on the flow through the unit it can either be a great clarifier or clarifier and a sterilizer. I think they are a better way of doing either with out the issues of dealing with an ozone generator. Both require maintenance but the UV needs deeper cleaning of the quartz tube every 3-4 months and replacement bulbs annually. But the UV won't need special plastics that won't turn brittle and the possibility of ozone leaking into your home if a hose comes loose or over production from a dial mishap.

 

[Valhoon]

the maint part doesn't bother me. I don't mind cleaning and replacing bulbs.

 

[wake125122]

It really depends on your goals. Are you wanting to help with algae reduction or are you more concerned with fish health? Also check how big a one you will need and see if you can actually fit it! These things can get big quick! Flow rate on these is key.

 

[Valhoon]

room isn't really a concern for me. But I'm looking at pushing around 120-150g through it roughly. Clarity and fish health are prime directives on this venture.

 

[gainesvillereef]

I have a sterilizer set up as a temporary device. I have a pump set up to drop in the sump and a return to the sump connected to the sterilizer with hoses. When I am finished treating I flush it with RODI and let it dry out. That way I do not have to maintain it as much.

 

[Valhoon]

And I’ll be honest. I kept rolling the dice and snake eyes finally popped. Small ich outbreak. And I know UV will not fix the issue and it’s hotly debated on even if UV helps at all.. but hey.. algae control and even a minute chance of helping with free swimming stage? Sign me up since a hospital tank isn’t in the cards as of this moment

 

[mapleredta]

Following.

 

[wake125122]

Well now would def be the time to buy one since they are on sale on BRS currently. I've got a LIFEGARD one I ordered off of Salterwateraquariums I am very happy with so far. It is just big. Just make sure to slighty oversize it for your tank. Never undersize or it wont work.

 

[Adam]

I won't say they need to by oversized if you're only going for clarity. If you intend to treat for a pest then yes, oversized is best practice.

 

[jones375]

I have always been a simple person so I never had UV on any of my tanks. When my dad upgraded my college tank to his 120g he used a UV. I wasn't a fan of it because it seemed like he was tinkering too much with a good system, he was a big tech guy for aqua stuff. Needless to say it really didnt too much for algae blooms for us. Couldn't really comment on any changes to clarity it made.

 

[Valhoon]

Well figured what the hay. Buddy gave me a coralife turbo twist turbo x12. Rated for 500g sooo we shall see