Uv sterilizer, should I get?

I've read mix reviews on using these on reef tanks. Thoughts? Killer deal on new unit posted on CL. Thanks!

 

you might find folks who like them for some specific problem.

but to get just to get? nah. I've never used one and don't see any point to start.

 

If you have algae problems they are attractive.
I've noticed about a 40% drop in mine overall... 100% of the film algae on glass in about 2 months of use.

 

I had a pretty bad bacteria bloom and the only thing that cleared it up was the UV. I now keep it in my tank at all times and my water clarity is amazing now. If it's a great deal, I would say get it while you can.

 

Turns out to be 3 years old with org bulb, I'll pass...

 

One of the best things I've added. Cut my ich problem down to nothing.

 

Check out some of the deals on spiral flow UV filters/lights on E-Bay!

 

For a UV to be effective it must be sized properly and most aquarium units are way too small. If sized properly they produce massive amounts of heat which must be removed by a chiller or fans. Not a good thing in a closed system like a small reef tank.
Personally for a fish only system I swear by them but will not have one in a reef system since they inactivate and eventually kill off the good along with the bad. You end up losing an important part of the food chain than smaller organisms need to survive.

 

given the fact that systems that use a skimmer are already at a significant bacteria deficit in the water column. (something like 1/10th that of an actual reef) I have no desire to further reduce that population. I used one while I was adding lots of fish early on. But now that I'm not adding any fish and hardly any corals. I keep mine off.

Resource: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/aafeature

 

I"m still reading, as we all do.

But, I'm not sure that's what it said. Take this out of context:

1. Bacterial growth in reef aquaria is carbon source limited.
2. Adding a digestible carbon source therefore will spur bacteria population growth, and with that growth, other necessary nutrients, like nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing compounds, will be scavenged from the water column.
3. Mechanical filtration via protein skimming (and possibly Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)) will remove bacteria from the aquarium water column, and with them their C/N/P nutrient load.

LIke I said, I'm still reading the LONG articel, it's good though.

As of now, I"m skimming with my SC150, Using some GAC, and carbon dosing less than 2ml per ~140G of my total water capacity daily, and UV filtering with a Coralife 18W, run by a Maxijet 600. Seems to be working fine, but I'll get back if I bdecide to change anything after reading the rest of the article.