Sano Broad Spectrum Organic Reef Tank Remedie

what is your feelings on a uv sterilizer? its kills ich but at what cost? my lfs said that it would be cool if i used it.
 
i like UV, i use it in my discus tank, keeps water crystal clear. it will only kill ich that will flow inside the UV, clearly.
 
I believe if you run it 24/7 it will end up killing all the benificial bacteria as well as the bad stuff.

For what its worth:
UV light not only kills unwanted organisms, but beneficial ones as well.
Because it can destroy beneficial microscopic organisms that some reef tank inhabitants may depend on as a food source, UV light should not be run during feeding time.
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What does a UV sterilizer in a reef tank do? The major job of the unit as far as aquarists are concerned is the destruction of minute free swimming parasites and other disease causing organisms. This occurs when these organisms pass with the water through the UV light. They are either killed outright, or are severely damaged and no longer a threat. (This is the reason it is important to have the correct sized pump. The organism must be in the UV area for a sufficient time.) The threat of disease is reduced, but not entirely removed. Even with a sterilizer in use, the aquarist must continue to be on guard for any sign of disease.

A further very important point is that the UV lamp has a limited life. In accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, the lamp must be renewed periodically. This keeps the UV unit at full efficiency. The renewal point will occur more quickly if the unit is run continuously, but continuous running is not necessary in normal circumstances. However, it is probable that most aquarists do run continuously. When feeding small live food that could be drawn into the UV unit turn the unit off.

The UV unit must be run continuously if a disease is suspected or confirmed. Many disease organisms have a free swimming stage and it is at this point that they are vulnerable.

It can be seen that the UV unit is of most potential benefit on a reef aquarium, or a fish only with live rock aquarium, as copper medication should not be used in these aquariums. A fish only aquarium can also benefit, but if a severe disease outbreak occurs medications can normally be used.

It is likely that a disease outbreak will not occur in an aquarium if all the proper procedures for introducing new corals and fish are used, and proper maintenance is adhered to. It is for the individual aquarist to decide if a UV unit is worthwhile.
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It will have minimal effect on beneficial bacteria populations. Most of the bacteria grow on surfaces in the tank, filters and in the sand and rock, itself.
It is referring to pods and other little critters that the reef inhabitants feed on.

One really shouldn't be run 24/7 for that reason, as well as the running costs and the need to replace bulbs continuously to remain effective.
 
but is it not true that the pods live on and in the rock work, well away from the pump that leads to the uv itself? i mean how much extra does it cost to run a uv setup? just per month not the cost of new bulbs and maintance,.
 
A UV sterilizer will kill all the invisible life in the water column - including the phytoplankton that a lot of inverts feed on. Also, the beneficial bacteria, while they do live in the rock, can enter the water column; that's one way they spread. Having a UV sterilizer in a new tank can increase the cycle time because of this. Most of the authors I've read recommend only using a UV sterilizer if you have a problem (like disease outbreak).
 
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