Ozone in aquaria. Lifesaver ? or life taker ?

[Darthv247]

Im just wondering what everyones opinion is on using ozone generators in the reef aquarium. Is it good or bad altogether, or do the benefits outweight the risks?

heres some reading on the subject.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php

 

[oldsaint]

I ran it on my 260. Built a manifold so as not to restrict airflow to the skimmer. 1" pipe capped at both ends. 1 hole in the top and 2 in the bottom. 1 for the line from generator and 1 coming from skimmer.


Don't forget about parts 2 & 3
Part 2
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/rhf/index.php

Part 3
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-05/rhf/index.php

 

[DonW]

The biggest issue is how you intend to flow the effluent through carbon. This is the most difficult task. If your handy with diy stuff its not that difficult. I've used in for years and probably always will.

Don

 

[Dr. Dee]

I works for me just fine with a controller and a good reactor, carbon.

 

[Pentagona]

I just use purigen to raise my ORP. went from 180 to 360 in about a week on my 240g. Plus the benefit of crystal clear water.

 

[DonW]

Two different things. Carbon will clean the water but nothing will clear it like o3.

Don

 

[Pentagona]

Works well enough for me, plus I don't have to worry about any of the drawbacks of Ozone.

 

[Darthv247]

well it seems to me it can be very useful in reefkeeping but you have to be careful as to not let the ozone go directly into your home or tank without being absorbed by carbon. I would think the most important factor is to keep the carbon that does filter the effluent clean and replace it regularly. Also make sure your air dryers dessicants are still functional (can tell by the color) because if the air pumping through the ozone unit is not dry it will produce toxic acid.

What exactly are the best and worst things about ozone use ?

does it increase oxygen in your aquarium?

does ORP really mean very much to a reef tank ?

does it reduce the risk of infections,diseases and parasites or does it actually increase the risk ?

Improved skimmer effectiveness ?

decreased skimmer effectiveness ?

 

[DonW]

Clear water is really about it. You will never have water as clear as a tank with O3. It will not increase O2. Does orp mean anything? Well you have to understand orp to really answer that question. Most that claim their skimmer or chemical increased their orp dont understand that their are many factors that determine orp and its not just a sign of clean water. Your using carbon is not to absorb the O3 but to remove bromide or bromine cant remember which. Skimmer effect depends on how you get the o3 in the tank. If its in a skimmer designed for O3 like a tunze then it will increase it. If its in a regular needle wheel then it will reduce it. If it via a good reactor then in will not really change it any noticable amount.

Don