UV sterilizer

[Jeff1192]

So I'm planning on getting a UV sterilizer for my 90 gallon (coralife turbo twist 9w). I'm planning on connecting it with a powerhead and having the UV sterilizer hanging off the back of the tank. I was going to do it in-line with my canister filter but I am about to hook up my pressurized CO2 and I'm using a reactor with the canister filter and don't want to hook even more things up down there. Also I figured with a power head I could better control the amount of water flowing through the UV sterilizer. So my question is how often do those of you with UV sterilizers run them? I have read that some people leave them on all the time and others cycle them on and off with the lights of the tank. What are the pros and cons. Is there any advantage to running it 24/7?

Thanks,

Jeff

[charlie]

I have one & only use it periodically when i add plants or fish, they are some who argue that it oxidizes some nutrients in a planted tank & as such is not good, in my own travels i have tried it 24/7 with no ill effects that i saw.

[dan2x38]

I've read that is has no impact on bacteria because it is not suspended in the water coloum. I did read it can have an impact on added nurtrients since they are available in the water coloum. I use mine only when there is a potenial issue. Also when adding new fish. It will keep your tank sparkling with nice clean water I noticed a difference. Good idea with the PH.

[angelfish]

I keep mine running 24/7 because I like the clarity of the water - it pretty much eliminates free floating algae.  All my tanks are crystal clear   

[audioslave_36]

I too keep mine running 24/7, aside from water clarity, my ID sharks have not gotten ich ( nor have any of my other tanks for that matter) since I bought UV sterilizers.

[littlelil]

wow, great thread. This is exactly what I need for my turtle tank! thanks!

May I ask a question? I am not trying to thread-jack. I am curious as to where to attach it to my fluval canister if i get one (same as jeff1192)... ... with the MOPS order? (where were you going to get yours, jeff?)

do i just connect it to the intake or output?

[Jeff1192]

Actually rumour has it I'm getting one for my birthday! 
I had been planning on getting it from Pets and Ponds, but I hadn't checked the Mops site.

Jeff

[audioslave_36]

wow, great thread. This is exactly what I need for my turtle tank! thanks!

May I ask a question? I am not trying to thread-jack. I am curious as to where to attach it to my fluval canister if i get one (same as jeff1192)... ... with the MOPS order? (where were you going to get yours, jeff?)

do i just connect it to the intake or output?

connect it to the output of your filter

[littlelil]

thanks guys. i think i will go for it!