UV Sterilizer in a reef tank? Yay or nay?

[miston]

What's the concensous on UV sterilizers in a reef setup? yay or nay?

I saw some advertisment (sorry, I don't have it with me so I hope this makes sense) that stated that UV sterilizers are actually OK in a reef setup since the protein skimmer does such a good job there are no helpful bacteria/organizms in the water column. Also, that since the helpful bacteria/organisms in the live rock never pass through the UV, its ok.

I understand the theory about the helpful bacteria/organisms in the live rock never passing through the UV, but I'm a little lost about the comment of the protein skimmer. Aren't there helpful bacteria/organisms floating in the water that would die off after passing through the UV sterilizer?


thanks!

 

[miston]

anyone? anyone?

 

[Anonymous]

Nay.

Why spend the money. IMO they do not do much for the reef.

I have one on my reef and never turn it on (was plumbed in when i bought it). My feeling is they are only necessary if you plumb two tanks to the same sump. The UV will prevent some cross contamination.

 

[Anonymous]

Nay.

 

[Anonymous]

Nay... nice for freshwater though.
~wings~

 

[SpicyBalls]

nay... used to use one.. been close to a year without it.. all's well
_________________
Honda CR250R

 

[ADS]

Some use them to keep away ich from their ich-prone fish. I know a few who swear by them. I use UV & ozone on my clam system.
Adam

 

[Anonymous]

No reason for them except maybe as a crutch for bad husbandry.


Jim

 

[hillbilly]

Use UV on my discus tank, never used one on a reef tank, not needed.

 

[nice1bruva]

No reason for them except maybe as a crutch for bad husbandry.


Jim

spot on!!!

and if the uv fails the 'bubble' that they have been living in bursts...opening the fish up infections that they have previously lived without.

 

[investigator1]

Using a UV sterilizer kills the phyto and other small live bits that your coral can enjoy.

 

[Anonymous]

Ya

 

[Anonymous]

Have to love popular aquarium dogma.

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/showt ... ghlight=UV