What's everyones opinion on using a UV Sterilizer on their reef tank? If you run one, do you run it 24/7 or have it on a timer? If on timer how long per UV session?

Thoughts on using one for 24/7 for a couple of weeks after adding any new corals, rock or fish to kill off any unwanted parasites and algae spores then after a few weeks turn it back on timer for about 3 hours a night after all lights out to help with ph balance.

You will get a lot of varied opinions on this one. I vote not to have one. They are nice but not needed.

I would run it if you get an algae problem, then you can kill the spores in the water. Run it for a week until the problem goes. Other than that there isn't any need for one.

Eh... i'd pass unless you find a smokin deal on one that is sized appropriately for your tank.

It only kills what passes through it, so the odds that you rid your tank of parasites and algae are slim. It will definitely help (of course if sized appropriately), but its not fool proof...

Well this debate is almost the same as how one should run carbon.

I feel it can be a waste of energy consumption. While the UV does work, being able to work on all of the water and getting let's say, all of the free swimming ICH is an impossibility.

Most nusiances that you would use a UV for will mutiply at a faster rate than you are destroying them through a UV.

Just my opinion.
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I disagree. UVs are amazingly beneficial tools when properly sized and installed. I don't agree with a lot of the generalizations stated above.

Bear in mind, the key is "properly sized". There is a thread on such here.

I disagree.

Hahaha! Surprise surprise!

Not trying to stir up anything, just a funny observation... fully aware that you know much more about it than I.

I disagree. UVs are amazingly beneficial tools when properly

As I said, just my opinion and I have no facts to back it up.

Could you explain why you feel differently?

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I actually have one now that is hooked up. It is sized appropriately for my tank and I can confirm it did clear up my water to crystal clear. It also rid my fish of an ich outbreak about 6 myths ago - this is the main reason I bought it - Creation Reef said they control ich in their display tanks using the UV. My local lfs suggested that I only run it about 3 hours at night.

I asked this question because tonight I am picking up a pair of clowns and some coral and don't want to have to put them in a holding tank for a few weeks. Since my UV killed off the ich previously, my thoughts are it should do the same upon the addition of a new fish so there wouldn't be the need to place new fish in a holding tank.

Thoughts?

As it seemed to have help you before, I wouldnt count on it doing it again. I feel there is no substitute for a qt.

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A UV sterilizer isnt a replacement for QT (not that I do that... just sayin).

Please read this I learned so much from it. IT took a good deal of time to write. Enjoy it learn it, love it.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=36805