UV sterilizer question.

I gravity fed mine from the display - through the sterilizer - and it drains in the sump. A ball valve controls flow. I do have to start the siphon after sump restarts but that is no big deal and part of my routine.

For the record I have tons of pods. It can't kill what doesn't flow through it and a lot of them don't.

 

So I guess you don't know of any blatant disadvantages of the UV? I would want to place mine in the center compartment of my sump where my skimmer and heater will be living.

 

Only disadvantages I can think of are cost (to purchase, and to run...again, I am not convinced they are necessary), heat, and you have to change the bulbs every 6 months usually. They certainly won't do anything negative to the tank!

 

Ok, so when I have the spare funds I may go for it, thanks.

 

If funds are even in question, I would definitely hold off as it can be better spent elsewhere IMO.

 

UV Sterilizer worth it? - The Reef Tank

 

If you are looking for suggestions I don't have any. I do have my experience with a submersible unit though. I had a 9 Watt "JBJ Submariner" submersible unit on my 80g reef. My experience might not be the same as others but I want to share none the less. I did not have good experience with the unit. The quartz sleeve leaked constantly and submerged the uv light bulb. Customer service was no help as they told me that the o-ring might need to be replace. They also told me that the o-ring kit was $9.99+ shipping. I was baffled that they wouldn't send them to me at no cost. I ended up spending the money and ordering the o-rings and that did not help. The piece that screwed in that held the o-ring and the quart sleeve cracked. I only knew there was a problem when I got shocked by placing my arm in the tank and by touching something on top of the tank. I closed the loop and got a decent shock. Took the unit out and the quartz sleeve was full of water again, the light was uv light was still on but with the water in there was causing stray voltage. Called "JBJ" again no support. Called my lfs and they told me to call the manufacturer and basically said I'm sol. So I have a uv sterilizer in my garage that does not work for anything.
This was only my personal experience and if you do go with this unit you might have a different experience than I but thought I would share.
Good luck on your decision and I hope that info gave you something to consider.

 

why did you decide against it? a uv sterilizer is probably last on my list (ATO & contorller being at the top) but if I can avoid a disease break out, I would love to.

 

Other than being something else to maintain, no.

 

what kind of maintenance goes into the uv? i thought it was a "set and forget" type of deal.