reichartc

How important is a UV sterilizer to a reef setup? I am converting to a reef setup and am trying to get all my equipment in order.

MandyMolly

free mn_fuzka
IMO it depends what you want to keep in your tank? If you plan to have very sensitive livestock you should definatly, but if you are just going for the hardier stuff then I do not see why you would need 1. They are helpful to have do not get me wrong but not nessecary for all livestock within a reef tank......IMO xx mn_fuzka xx

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30 Gallon Tall Planted Freshwater Community Tank
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35 Gallon Reef tank---2 RBTA---1GBTA---1 pair poss. maited black misbar clowns---tiny Blue Tang---Red Firefish---Sand Siffting Star---serpent star---Skunk Cleaner Shrimp---Cleaner Crew---Full Reef tank! All types of corals
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reichartc

Thanks, I just changed out my lighting to power compacts and was worried that I might have an algae break out.

Also, what about the effects of a UV for overall water clarity?

Tommy Gun

Hey reichartc! Welcome to the forum!!!!

I agree that having a UV sterilizer on a reef tank may not make you or break you, and may prove to be more beneficial to you when you are keeping certain fish/inverts than one otherwise might.

It is important to note that a UV sterilizer is not really going to be much, if any help for algae that is attached to something in your tank but really only for the types of algae which are free swimming (aka, the algae which causes algae blooms). Obviously, since UV sterilizers 'work' by exposing things to dangerous light, they cannot affect anything which never passes by that light. Which also means...

...that they do not play a huge role in water clarity other than to help reduce or eliminate algae or bacteria blooms - however, they aren't exactly useless since algae and bacterial blooms are annoying enough and it may help with other issues such as Ich...but on the other hand, some hobbyists seem to be skeptical about UV versus Ich.

To be honest, I have been running a UV sterilizer on my reef for at least the past 8 to 10 months and have to admit that I rarely checked to see if the bulb was still on or not until I brought home a particularly Ich prone fish...which is when I realized that the unit was unplugged. So, while I can't be sure how long the UV has been off, since I noticed it, I cannot really tell the difference between now and 9 months ago. My point being, if UV plays a large role in an aquarium, it does not do so in a highly visible manner. Additionally, I have been told at least a few times that running a UV on a reef tank may be a bad idea because it can kill any live coral foods and copepods - but I never really followed up on that info/idea so I would be leery to say the same thing myself at this point.

However, don't get me wrong here; I am not trying to talk you out of using UV...I am simply relating to you what I have noticed in my own experience. Again, welcome to the forum!!!

Chitown1

The primary function of a UV Is for water clarity and it does prevent algae blooms like Tommy mentioned. I can also be a aid for parasites like ICH and others. A UV will absolutely kill any living organism that passes through it, that is how it controls algae blooms, but I have had one on all my tanks now for many years, on my fish only or FOWLERS they run all the time,on my reefs the only run when the actinics are on to prevent the unit from killing the beneficial life form like zooplankton the primarily only come out in the dark and are a important part of a reef system.
It also depends on the quality of the unit you have, a Jebo will not do nearly as good of a job as a Aqua, this hobby is the definition of 'you get what you pay for", other factors are making sure you have the correct amount of flow for the unit you are using and getting the correct rated unit for your tank. Almost all UV's are rated for fresh water, the salt water rating is MUCH lower, so you need to get the salt water rating to be sure, dont be fooled by the fresh water rating which is usually the one listed in adds and on the box. If any of these factors are overlooked, the unit will be all but useless, if you get a quality unit that is properly rated and has correct flow, it will be a great asset to your tank.

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Tommy Gun

Chitown is right and I should have been more clear when I said that it doesn't help with water clarity except for the algae and bacteria blooms....what I was trying to say is that a UV is not going to help remove particulate matter such as uneaten food, algae scraped from glass, sand/silt, etc..

reichartc

Wow, you guys have given me a ton to think about. I am building a 90 gallon reef tank. It sounds like I should definately have a UV sterilizer, but should be selective about when I use it? Should it be on a timer?