Ozonizers...

[Anonymous]

Hello again all,

This time I wanted to ask anyone who knows how an ozonizer works, and just how similar it is, both in effect and design, to UV sterilizers. I recall reading something about how they reduce "harmful pathogens", and help ORP...? Whats ORP? I wont even guess, cause' Ill be horribly wrong. :?
Anywho, any and all info appreciated!

 

[tangir1]

Oxidation Reduction Potential. A concept from the old days of waste water management (where reef hobby adopt the protein skimmer among other things) that I wish did not happen, IM*H*O

Randy did a good article in AAMO a few months back abour ORP, check it out!

As for the o3 (ozone), IMO, you should not feel any need for it unless you can convence yourself that you are clear about what it does, and how it going to help you. Otherwise, it will just be a black box that drain your wallet more than it help you tank.

 

[utahsaltreefer]

ORP is an acronym for Oxidation-Reduction Potential I think. Don't ask me what it means though. I thought Ozone had somewhat gone out of style for reef aquariums since it can damage airline tubing, rubber, seals, etc. The ozone is created by passing current through 2 electrodes to make the oxygen bond into ozone for a very short while. So hopefully someone who has one can enlighten us to their uses and side effects.

 

[J.Howard]

I've read about them as far as pros and cons. Many large public aquaria use them with good success, but on BIG systems. I do know that use of an ozonizer requires using compatable equipment, as the damage utahsaltreefer mentioned will happen to stuff not designed with O3 in mind. Expensive to aquire and use, and declining in popularity, though some swear by them. Improper use can be more harmful than beneficial if I remember right as in overdosing. Hope this helps.

 

[smpoylp]

Powerful tool if used right. Danger if use wrong. Ozone(o3) has an extra oxygen atom that wants to bind with another atom. Ozone is unstable and the o3 wants to split. It commonly can bind with No3(nitrate) and turn into N(nitrogen) and o2. The nitrogen gases of and you are left with o2.

 

[hillbilly]

Ozone is something a home aquarium can do without.