uv sterilizer?

[realm4227]

Whats your thoughts on me adding a uv sterilizer to my reef tank?

[Geoff]

for what purpose? they are best used as a prefilter for a skimmer. run the skimmer just before the pump for the air delivery system. that way anything killed is immediately removed from the system.

finding a UV sterilizer that actually kills parasites is expensive. 90% of the ones sold are barely good enough to kill algae. this is what all of the ratings you see are. i have my bookmarks all over creation right now so i can not post the link to what dwell time is necessary to actually kill parasites. it is way up there though.

G~

[realm4227]

Just interested heard they keep your water clearer, friend of mine had one on his 75 and everything looked great, another question is about an ozonizer, just trying to make my water better for my pets

[KG]

Not worth it. They won't help with GHA and either don't have the power or dwell time to kill any parasites. They are useful if you're having a micro algae problem, but those usually clear up on their own. That money could be much better spent on a better skimmer or QT set-up (if you don't have them)

KG

[realm4227]

I have a good skimmer just never used either one before, and wondering if its beneficial, sounds like my money will be better spent on maintenance, livestock, etc. thanks for the inputs

[KG]

You bet. A refractometer is another wise investment for using with hyposalinity.

KG

[realm4227]

Yeah Ive been thinking about getting one of those had a hydrometer that went bad and i didnt know it untill my salinity was 1.036 yikes!! lucky everone did ok

[KG]

Sounds like something you really need then! A good investment.

KG