Uv sterilizer

[pandora32]

I would like to hear some reefers opinions about the use of uv sterilizers on there systems. I have read and read and read about them and it seems that they are a good addition to a reef tank. What do you guys and gals think? Im wondering if they would kill the bacteria in the water.

 

[senji]

thats the point i wouldant use on a cycleing tank or if ur trying to get coraline to spread.

 

[Krish]

They only kill what passes under the uv light. However, bacteria won't be affected and if it did, there's not much free floating beneficial bacteria in water so no big deal. This is why you can do a 100% water change on an established tank and once temp, salinity and all that good stuff match up, nothing will be affected (bacteria wise/bacterial colonies) because most of the bacteria is found in either liverock or the sand. The uv is good for killing free floating parasites and algae spores that pass under the light. Other than that, not very many other uses for them. Coralline plastered on to your rock is not an issue because it's not free floating and therefore won't pass under the uv light.


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[senji]

what i ment about coraline is some people crape the stuff to powder and spread it in the tank. seeding it.but only new guys do this to new tanks especially if they use dead rock.

 

[Krish]

what i ment about coraline is some people crape the stuff to powder and spread it in the tank. seeding it.but only new guys do this to new tanks especially if they use dead rock.

Yea, some people do this. I've actually done this to liverock to add more varieties of colors. I'd go out and dive up pieces of glass, rocks...Whatever and add the scrapings to the tank.

With that said, not sure what effect it would have on coralline passing underneath it (may be all dependant on flow rate through the uv and how much contact time is required to actually kill it). Personally never heard of a uv being an issue with this. The reason why is because usually, anyone adding scrapings to a tank, it is always suggested to turn off all filters and return pump as well as skimmers if hanging on the tank and just maintain flow in the tank for about 20-30 minutes to allow the coralline to be distributed and settle. This way, you dont lose much of it to anything. Once settled, you can resume the use of all other equipment so in this case, a uv sterilizer or any other equipment won't have a negative effect on coralline being dispersed this way.


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[senji]

btw "lucky" u live in the BAHAMAS how do i land a gig like that?

 

[Krish]

btw "lucky" u live in the BAHAMAS how do i land a gig like that?

Have parents that give birth to you here :lol:


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[N1Husker]

Dang, I knew there was a trick, the old parent trick, huh? My parents did their deed with me in Nebraska, not quite the same as the Bahamas. How's your new tank build coming, Krish?

 

[tamarindthai]

i used UV for more than 10years and always happy with the result.JMO

 

[pandora32]

so pretty much no negative things can really happen. Only good stuff in the way of killing off algae spores.

 

[Krish]

Dang, I knew there was a trick, the old parent trick, huh? My parents did their deed with me in Nebraska, not quite the same as the Bahamas. How's your new tank build coming, Krish?

So far it is still just a thought in my mind lol. Too much going on right now with work, kids and all that stuff to mess with a tank. Thought things would have settled down enough by now, but not quite.


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[Krish]

so pretty much no negative things can really happen. Only good stuff in the way of killing off algae spores.

If I remember correctly the flow through it has to be just right otherwise it will not be effective (too fast so not enough contact time with uv light) etc. You'd have to check the specifications of whichever uv sterilizer you get to see what flow rate they recommend. I believe too slow could have a negative impact on stuff like pods passing through it etc, but not 100% sure on that part.


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[mercenary-grunt]

There are three kinds that I know of. HOB has pump may or may not have a dial to gague. Tend to be cheaper and lower wattage. Then you have the ones that are for your return. The more expencive ones and bigger. Then you can take the one,for your return and put a dedicated pump on it and use it for a closed loop. The faster that you send the water thru you will get mostly algea burn, but you still dont want it to much faster then rated. Right at rating you will get algea and bacteria. Slower and you kill everything in the water. Pods good bacteria algea. Everything. uv is like o3 it degraids plastic overtime. The cheaper the unite the more this will happen.

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[tamarindthai]

i used UV for more than 10years and always happy with the result.JMO

with ORP controller/monitor work great