UV sterilizer--- is it time?

so sorry to hear about the ich outbreak I guess if you've had success in using a UV in the past, then I don't think it would hurt to run it. I'll let others chime in on that though. I've never run a UV on a reef tank.

 

My question wasn't about uv sterilizers working. They do. It's true that most people don't have the flow set correctly or the proper wattage to kill ich in the free swimming larval stage. It wont rid the tank of ich (it's in the sandbed and rocks) but does a great job at limiting its ability to reach the fish--combine that with good water quality and nutrition and BINGO! No dead fish. Fish immune systems kick in and they quickly recover. I researched the whole thing a few years ago when I had my first ich outbreak . Works like a charm. The temp spiked in my tank from an ac being out and everyone got sick. I have since always run one on my reef without any known problems.... Anyways, I guess I will just go ahead with my plan and cross my fingers without additional incite?

 

I asked my question as you want to build up your pod population in a new tank. Running the UV will likely diminish the population before it has any chance of building up. I would wait as long as possible personally. And then only run it when absolutely necessary. Otherwise they just waste energy and kill off the beneficial microorganisms as well as the few parasites. I still believe these only belong in a FOWLR or QT/HT for these reasons.

 

Thanks.