Let do some serious discussion about U.V sterilizer in SPS only tank

[reefer714]

I want to add a large U.V sterilizer in my system. But i don't know if it is necessary. I don't want to spend money on electricity and the unit without a good result.

As most of you know me, i have been running Zeovit for most 3yrs. Finally i took it offline due to many PROBLEMs and too many suppliments which is hard to keep track and not cost effective.

The question is

Should i add the U.V sterilizer?

If yes, what benefit do i get out of it?

If no, Why not?

 

[SteveOhh]

Do you have a fuge? I've heard that a UV unit isn't the best if running a fuge due to it killing a lot of the beneficial organisms that a fuge provides.

I'm interested in what others think also though..............

Steve

 

[reefer714]

I have a small fuge setup in my garage.

 

[SteveOhh]

LOL

Ya, you're the reason I'm upgrading from a 15 gallon fuge to a 60 gallon fuge tomorrow...........................Maybe one day when I become a real "baller", I'll have a "tomato bin" fuge also!!!

 

[organism]

I use ozone instead of uv, since it works on pretty much the same principle, and it works out amazingly nicely, plus it saves on the power bill for sure

 

[reefer714]

Baller? What are you talking? I got the bin for free. Can't even afford all live sand, i have to use half and half . I trade a bunch of light bulbs for live rock. I have to park my car on the street now . Everyday i am worry about my wife will run over the fuge. Can you immagine 265-275g of water and pods spill into my garage with all the salt water. Hey i would love to check out your collection steve. I know you have been collecting some goodies

 

[reefer714]

I use ozone instead of uv, since it works on pretty much the same principle, and it works out amazingly nicely, plus it saves on the power bill for sure

I also heard Ozone will give you CANCER . Please correct me if im wrong but it is kinda risky if that thing will be harmful for human

 

[SteveOhh]

I've been trying to collect some good stuff....................Hey Steve, next time you come across one of those "free" bins, direct the guy my way.........

Come on by anytime..................Lights come on @ 3 & I'm usually home around 5 or so......................This invitation is to everybody, not just Steve..........PM me here or steve@fantasycoral.com for contact info!!! (Shameless plug!! )

Steve

 

[reefer714]

One way to find out is to hook it up tomorrow and i'll keep you all update. From what i know, it will make your water crystal clear. kill free floater, increase the ORP (never test it anyway)

 

[SteveOhh]

I don't think I've ever checked the ORP!

But then again, I don't run carbon, very seldom use any phosphate removers & usually test only alk, calcium, nitrates & mag.......................

I'm a believer that if you're not going "clean" (i.e. zeovit), having the biggest fuge & loading it w/ the most macro you can is the way to go. I always notice that my tanks look best when my fuge is overgrown w/ chaeto & calupera.

Can't argue w/ the looks of some zeo users (eric, gabe amongst others), but trying to keep my systems that clean would kill me.............

Just my 1.5 cents!!

Steve

 

[reefer714]

Zeovit system work best when i only dose the basic 4.

 

[ReefTankSupply]

Problem with a UV system Steve, is that now your total system probably has like 500gal of water right? So the trick is, you need to find a UV that can do about 3-5 times turnover and still be in it effective kill zone for parasites. That means you will need a 120-150w Emperor Aquatics HO UV which runs 900-1200.

By contrast, a good ozone unit will run you a couple of hundred dollars, and as long as you dose it properly through a reactor and carbon, you dont have to worry about cancer. But I have a baby so i decided to not use Ozone.

I did a good amount of research on UV systems, so I do think you could use one in a reef system, but I am not sure how effective they are at killing parasites. If you are using it just to clear your water, I think you'd see better results.

 

[reefer714]

Gal, i am not going with Emperor Aquatic. Their U.V look nice but hella expensive. I have an offer from friend to trade with frags for 2x57w Aqua U.V. I will hook it up into my return and let it do it things. Will post some picture tonight

 

[ReefTankSupply]

Ohhhhhh boy, good luck LOL. I told you I have done research on this already, you're not going to get any benefit from that, but let me know how it goes. It might clear up your water, MIGHT. But otherwise, there will be no benefit as far as killing parasites etc.

 

[Bebo77]

your best best is to run ozone... much more effective than a UV...

 

[sandman450f]

I run a 36w uv, on a 180, with volume prob of 180, but only to help clear the water. I never expect to do didly with parasites. I considered the ozone thing too but the danger that may be associated with it prohibited me from going forward.

 

[OCReefMadness]

I have Red Sea AquaZone 100 mg/hr ozonizer, Coralife (Super) Luft Air Pump and Ozonizer reactor for sale all $130 firm. It's around 3 months old for this complete set up.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_air_pumps_coralife_luft_pump.asp?CartId=
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=RS3633

 

[reefer714]

I did thought about Ozonizer but my tank is thriving now. I do not want to take that risk. May be just the 114w of U.V should do the job. I just want to make sure no Parasite. I will use the Eheim 1262 on it.....

Bebo, i love your avatar. :rock: