uv sterilizers

[Seamazter]

For a fish only setup UV is good, but for a reef setup it does good things, you must only then decide what you prefer the actions of the UV or the results of having more of the benifitial organisims as well as the bad without.

Many people only see the noticable actions of the UV (less desiese or less micro algea) and forgo seeing the actions it has on the other live micro organisms in thier reef.

If you can say even at a 50% death rate of live plantonic life is worth the benifit of having the reduction of the other more harmfull lifeforms is something you can agree with then by all means give it a shot.

I however preffer to keep a large diversity of life in my reef, and wouldnt use UV or Ozone ever again.

[Steve_the_nucks_fan]

Thx everyone. I think with everyones insight I'm not going to run one. I have a good skimmer so I'll stick with that for now. Thx everyone.

[MMAX]

I was considering running a UV sterilizer when I was doing research on my backyard pond because everyone said you have to run one if you want clear water. I found a company out of the States who said otherwise. What happens when the water is passed through the system? Sure it will kill all the nasty stuff that causes algea and other things but it also kills your beneficial bacteria. Not worth the extra cost, just my 2 cents.

[wickedfrags]

IME, if you have a reef UV will provide no measureable benefit. Claims UV units will reduce algae...well that is misleading, because it will not help with that (despite what the big box store may tell you). Chances are if you used one for 3 months you would see not difference in your tank and want your money back. I was sold one back in the day before I knew better, I recently chucked it.

If you have a fish only tank UV can be quite useful AT controling waterborne parasites if a properly sized unit with proper flow is used.

[ntotheblue]

good with parasites like ich,but a uv sterilizer shoud be put on a timer for 3-4 hours a day depending on the size of the bulb in comparison to your size of tank!algae blooms are a cause of alot of things not done right in your tank, best to see where you went wrong or what you're missing
over feeding,cycling,skimmer,filtration,husbandry,light ing,temperature,live stock etc....................

[ntotheblue]

this is just my insight on a salt water set up! not much of an idea on a pond set up!!