UV Filters? yes or no

[lunatik_69]

I was told by the LFS that UV filters shouldnt be used in a reef tank. What do you guys think?

[rlcline76]

I use one. I have it on a timer with my lights. While doing research online, you'll find people totally against it, some that sing its praises and the truth is somewhere in between. Personally, I am not dealing with major algae outbreaks. Do I still the occasional bloom? Yep, nothing that I cannot deal with or just ignore long enough for the snails to take care of it. Can my fish have a parasitic problem? Sure. I QT, so the chances of parasitic invasions are reduced by that method as well. Those who are against it are afraid that it can leech some of the better organisms in the tank, pods, bacteria. I still have pods, but I do agree that they can get sucked up like everything else.

If you do things like QT, use RO/DI water, etc. you do not have to give this piece of equipment serious consideration. It is definitely not a must.

[APC]

I don't use one...Have not found a need to have one.

[crappyballer]

i used to use one than after reading a lot about them decieded to stop. what got me was i pay the money for live phyto, only to kill it in the uv sterlizer. i bought a skunk cleaner shrimp and a blue neon goby to deal with the parasites. (when they act up)