What does everyone think of UV sterilizers?

[FARKAS3343]

I wanted to know what everyone opinions of UV sterilizers? Are they a good idea or not worth the hassle and money?

I am using one but it seems like whenever the light blows and I don't catch it right away I get an ich outbreak.

What is the best way to treat ich in a display tank with corals and inverts? It is on a hippo tang, Blue chin tigger, and a Pink tale tigger.

[John]

If you are getting ick right after the UV bulb goes out, you have more issues with the tank than just the sterilizer. Especially since a LOT of people don't run UVs and don't have issues with ick.

Got Params?

[FARKAS3343]

All params were good other than nitrates a little high but it was right before a 20% water change. The bulb has been out for about 6 weeks or so.
I just added the triggers a week ago but they were quarantined buy the store for 3 weeks.

[jay13]

Originally Posted by John

If you are getting ick right after the UV bulb goes out, you have more issues with the tank than just the sterilizer. Especially since a LOT of people don't run UVs and don't have issues with ick.

Got Params?

+1
uv, while not useless by any means, is one of the last things i would spend money on for a reef display tank. there are other things in the soup here besides uv bulbs blowing..........

[Phil N]

I keep a spare bulb so that I can change it annually or whenever it blows. UV's are my insurance policy for keeping my tank free of ich. I have about 15 tangs with no problems.....

[John]

It could be due to stress then. From the introduction of new fish.

Or the LFS may have not actually kept them quarantined as well as you would have wanted them to.

I figure... a lfs gets 1 - 3 fish shipments in each week... (3 is a stretch, but there are different suppliers) So, if a store quarantines each fish for 3 weeks... that's going to require... lets see... 3 times... 3... times... x... which is number of fish... divided by number of fish that can't go into the same tank... equals... A LOT of extra aquariums. Only TWO LFS that I know of can do that... one is Preuss Pets and the other is Tropicorium. They could do that because they have some HUGE buildings... but, I don't believe Tropicorium does... and I think Preuss only quarantines their fish for 1 or 2 weeks...

Ok, on that note. It's best to quarantine fish yourself. Besides, you never know what you can catch at a lfs.

I'm thinking the ick parasite came in with the trigger.

[John]

Originally Posted by Phil N

I keep a spare bulb so that I can change it annually or whenever it blows. UV's are my insurance policy for keeping my tank free of ich. I have about 15 tangs with no problems.....

You also have a 500 Gallon tank.

[JB63]

I run one constantly. It's a turbotwist 9W. May be under-rated for my tank (72G), but still, takes care of ick and keeps water 'clear', aka not greenish.

As for bulbs, while a 9W costs $30+ at any LFS, you can get the same 9W bulb at Lowes/HomeDepot in the pond supplies.

[FARKAS3343]

I think your probably right about the ich comin on the triggers. Is there a good way to treat in the display? I am doubling my feedings and also soaking the food in a garlic extract trying to boost there defense system. They are all swiming around the tank and eating well. The spots seem to be there only sypmtoms.

[FARKAS3343]

That is the same one I have. I was using it in my 75g then just carried it over to my 135. I know its to small but I figure it better than not. I didn't know they carried those at the lowes, I will have to check that out. Thanks

[SeaStarStiletto]

There is so little water running through that, and probably too fast to be doing anything. They are definitely the last thing I would consider carbon is a better water polisher. And to stop ich? Don't add anything for three months from the date of your last outbreak.