Is a UV sterilizer reef safe?

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by vegasfish, Apr 17, 2009.

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  1. vegasfish

    vegasfish Feather Star

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    I have read a few threads on here about how well everyone likes their UV sterilizer. I have been doing more research on them and I want to get one to combat ich since I love tangs. I do have coral and I will be getting many more once my 240 build is done.

    So I stopped by the LFS and they said UV sterilizers are not good for reef tanks due to removing the good stuff corals need. He said I should run a Ozonizer (Ozone) setup? Can you please let me know what you think?

    Thanks,

    Will
     
    vegasfish, Apr 17, 2009
    vegasfish, Apr 17, 2009
    #1

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  2. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    skimmers are good enough now that you dont need ozone. there are a couple member that run it. it rasies orp which is a good thing. if you have the money it wouldnt hurt.
    Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 1: Chemistry and Biochemistry by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
    Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 2: Equipment and Safety by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
    Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 3: Changes in a Reef Aquarium upon Initiating Ozone by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
    3 parts enjoy the read
     
    sostoudt, Apr 17, 2009
    sostoudt, Apr 17, 2009
    #2
  3. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    oh about the sterilizer i would recommend them used when you have a disease outbreak but not full time although you probably could
     
    sostoudt, Apr 17, 2009
    sostoudt, Apr 17, 2009
    #3
  4. vegasfish

    vegasfish Feather Star

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    Okay thanks, Does anyone run a UV sterilizer with a reef setup on this site?
     
    vegasfish, Apr 17, 2009
    vegasfish, Apr 17, 2009
    #4
  5. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    i think cuttinggras runs one,
    i used to run one, and i guess i can again when i buy a new bulb

    the bulbs burn out pretty fast which is one reason i recommend only running them when needed.
     
    sostoudt, Apr 17, 2009
    sostoudt, Apr 17, 2009
    #5
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  6. vegasfish

    vegasfish Feather Star

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    Ah I see. I looked and the bulbs are not cheap.
     
    vegasfish, Apr 17, 2009
    vegasfish, Apr 17, 2009
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  7. medhatreefguy

    medhatreefguy Fire Worm

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    I just purchased and installed an AquaMedic Helix 36W on my 110 last night. Like yourself I spent a long time considering it and after some research and advice from the knowledgeable people here I took the plunge and bought one. With the advantage of killing parasites as well as algae spores how could a person go wrong. As far as bulb life goes, AquaMedic says their bulb has a life of 5000 hours at 100% and up to 8000 hours at 85%. I decided to buy one way overrated for my tank so I could get roughly a year before changing bulbs.
     
    medhatreefguy, Apr 17, 2009
    medhatreefguy, Apr 17, 2009
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  8. scenario1313

    scenario1313 Tassled File Fish

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    I run one on mine. I swear by them now. Just don't run it all the time.
     
    scenario1313, Apr 17, 2009
    scenario1313, Apr 17, 2009
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  9. vegasfish

    vegasfish Feather Star

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    Alright I'm in. I will purchase one this weekend so I can figure out where i am going to stuff it when I start my plumbing.

    Thanks for all the help on this.
     
    vegasfish, Apr 17, 2009
    vegasfish, Apr 17, 2009
    #9
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  10. scenario1313

    scenario1313 Tassled File Fish

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    What kind are you looking at?
     
    scenario1313, Apr 17, 2009
    scenario1313, Apr 17, 2009
    #10
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