Wanted List? Your thoughts!!!

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

I have been reading many posts lately that have been very costly to fellow reefers. Different diseases taken out a complete community of fish.

I have a 20 gallon long [holding tank setup with a HOB filter]. I understand the importance of a quarantine tank and slowly releasing fish into the DT after enough time has come and gone. As I have read, fish carry ick and some are known to set the ick off, if they are stressed.

My question: Should I have a UV just below the aquarium and lights at the top of my list of things needed to start a reef aquarium? I already started my hobby; this is to help other newbies whom want to bring the ocean into their living space.

P.S. I have added a UV sterilizer to my Christmas list to Santa this year.

 

[kilralpine]

Careful observation in quarantine > UV in my opinion but if your must UV is a good way to help combat many things like ich and certain algaes. Just remember that it will also kill some beneficial bacteria and algaes as well.

Edit: Note that just because there is a UV doesn't mean u WILL NOT have any fishbourne illnesses.

 

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

kilralpine;796730 wrote: Careful observation in quarantine > UV in my opinion but if your must UV is a good way to help combat many things like ich and certain algaes. Just remember that it will also kill some beneficial bacteria and algaes as well.

Edit: Note that just because there is a UV doesn't mean u WILL NOT have any fishbourne illnesses.

<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">I understand the UV kills off everything. I can't wait for a technology upgrade where UV's distinguish between good and bad bacteria. Currently, I believe the best option is to purchase an UV.</span></span>

<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">I will have to do some more research on fishbourne illnesses. I'm glad you brought this up. I just don't want to lose a community of life in my fish tanks as I determine what techniques would best fit my individual circumstances. Thanks for your response.</span></span>

 

[kf2008]

Specifically, what are generally considered as "beneficial" or "good" bacteria and algae?

I've read where UV sterilizers could kill larvae cycles of pods/Rotifers given certain sizes but a fully functional refugium somewhat negates the killing, no?

Just remember that it will also kill some beneficial bacteria and algae as well.

 

[kilralpine]

Agreed ^ any preemptive strike is better than none... given the weight of the situation