when should I run my uv. sterilizer

It will be here on Monday
any info welcome (websites too)

 

I would run it when you have ich outbreaks in your tank. Otherwise, for cases of finrot, popeye or other minor maladies, I would leave it off.

 

Why not 24/7? Just got mine too.

 

Because it removes the good guys along with the bad. In my business, it would be akin to constant antibiotic treatment to make sure you wouldn't come down with any potentially problematic pathogens.

 

Interesting so you recommend only running one when there's signs of trouble? What about for anti algea. Im running mine 24/7 on my seahorse tank because I heard they get sick really easy.

 

It would help with algae as well....at least it would eradicate anything that travelled under the lamp. So, while it would not eradicate the problem, it may slow it slightly and limit growth to the adjacent areas. If it is working in your Seahorse tank, I would be hesitant to fix what is not broken. I don't know much about seahorses.....I am looking currently at another site (just for seahorses) and learning a little at a time, but it is clearly a different animal (the subsection of this hobby) compared to general community reef keeping.

 

Im with you there. I know very little about them so far. Dont have any yet so theres nothing to say that its working. My tank just finished the set up process last week.

 

Very valid point, I like the way you think.
I just unplugged my UV :

 

I run mine all the time but I also don't have a reef(FOWLR) however I've never had Ich.Keep in mind the UV only treats the water not the fish so I've been told and according to my UV's instructions high flow rate to control algae and a slower rate for Ich and other things of that nature.Hope this helps

 

I run my 24 x 7 I am not sure what "good" bacteria it will kill. none of your cycle bacteria is free floating in the water, so it can't kill any of that.

My only warning, is make sure your water flow is slow enough. too fast, it won't kill anything. I have poster flow rates before. for the most kill factor the water must be going slow.