Do you even Ozone bro? Should you?

[revhtree Verified Admin]

So we had a member who wanted us to talk about Ozone Generators in our QOTD and I think it will make an excellent discussion! What is an Ozone Generator? Well I'm glad you asked and here is a nice brief description from Bulk Reef Supply.

Using Ozone will have many benefits in the aquarium:

• Healthier corals and increased polyp extension due to the oxidation and breakdown of corals defensive toxins
• Consistently clear water and proper light penetration due to the oxidation and breakdown of color pigments
• Increased skimmer efficiency due to ozone causing waste particle to attract each other creating larger easier to filter particles
• Oxidation and breakdown of fish waste and uneaten food

So the questions are as follows:

1. Are you using an Ozone Generator on your aquarium and if so have you experienced the benefits?

2. What is your general overall thoughts on Ozone Generators?

 

[NewGoby]

interesting, never even knew that this existed, will definetly do some research - sounds very promising

 

[jschultzbass]

I did a long time ago but don't now. I have UV but wanted to try ozone again. Problem for me was having to use dry air and changing out the desiccant so often. Pain in the butt. Also, even though I had a carbon reactor for the off gas there was always the smell of ozone around the tank. I know ozone is very easy to detect by smell even at very low and safe concentrations but it was kind of annoying and the wife didn't like it.

 

[WVNed]

I am using it. It isn't easy though. It takes some panning and maintenance to keep going. It breaks down some plastics.
I originally used a corona discharge generator that required dry air and changed to a UV type that doesn't.

Yes I can tell by looking at the tank when it isn't working.

 

[Houstoner]

As BRS would say "is the juice worth the squeeze"?

 

[Mark Novack]

I'd like to try it because I love gadgets but should I. I'll read this thread well.

 

[Donald P. Blasky]

15 year tank never used it. Been considering for a while. Let's see what people that use it say.

 

[bobbyM]

Always want to try one. Never got around to setting one up.

 

[Rick Cavanaugh]

A great powerful tool. However, make sure to use a Redox probe to measure ORP. New UV ones don't need air dryers, but you will need to replace bulbs.

 

[Whasmack]

I've used Ozone thru a skimmer - I was lazy and didn't filter the air through carbon. That stuff will give you the worst headaches.....
I noticed 0 difference when running one vs not running one; except for the smell in the garage. No difference to algae, skimmate, red slime, etc. Used it for a couple weeks then took it off. I did not find it effective in the system I tried it on.

 

[kyley]

...and here is a nice brief description from Bulk Reef Supply.

@revhtree the link only shows a listing of ozone generators for sale; no description of them.

From my perspective, it seems like the first two bullets are accomplished a lot easier by using carbon. Not to say an Ozone generator isn't worthwhile, but I have no room for another gadget anyway, LOL. Also, I use a UV sterilizer. Seems that and carbon accomplish a lot of what is desired with an ozone generator...
--Kyle

 

[fishbulb]

I have an ozotech system set up and I use it. I use the automatic air dryer and use a pump to draw from that into the skimmer only when needed. So I don't have to manually recharge the decessant.

That being said, it's kind of a pain, it still kind of smells despite a few attempts to filter the air, and I'm not sure I'm seeing huge benefits. If I could do it all over again, I likely would not set up the system for ozone. Perhaps will a large fish room or a facility, it would make more sense, but on my 75g tank, it seems like unnecessary overkill. The tank is pretty clear when I do and when I don't run it. It's fairly expensive to set up as well. Of all my reef gear, it was probably the lowest bang for the buck. Not that it's bad, but just not the biggest pay out.

Just my experience,
FB

 

[ca1ore]

Ozone was commonly used on SW/Reef tanks 20 years ago …. not so much anymore. I used a Sanders ozonizer for a while in the 90's, but it was temperamental and not really worthwhile frankly. Needs a pain-to-maintain air dryer to work well and can degrade some plastics (killed my DiY skimmer). Frankly, there's nothing an ozonizer does that cannot be achieved better elsewhere. UV is better at sterilizing, carbon better at removing coloring agents, etc. Getting to acceptable ORP levels in a reef tank really isn't a problem with proper husbandry.

 

[Shadows Reef]

I use to have one set up, but unfortunately over health concerns my wife made me take it down.
I now use it on my spa, crystal clear spa water lol

 

[GeoSquid]

NoZone on the Ozone

 

[Andy Macro]

I want one for reducing the yellow coloration the Macroalgea release to the tank and the toxins from one of the coral but my aquarium is too small (7 gallon) to use one.
Am seriously considering it for when I upgrade to a bigger tank and have already an idea of having it run on a second sump with a very low water flow to allow the bacteria to degrade the side products before the water returns to the tank.

 

[Reef Tripp]

Sanders 100,I use mine only occasionally or when I add a new fish and avoid any disease

 

[tdhnry]

I've been itching to use it for years and I even purchased the equipment but never pulled the trigger. I'm able to control my ORP above 320 with just skimming.

 

[goldslinger]

Isn’t dosing hydrogen peroxide the same thing?

 

[McPuff]

I run an Oxydator which serves the same purpose essentially... and without the potential issues that ozone can create. If you're curious about ozone, I highly recommend reading up a bit on Oxydators. I have been running one for about 2.5 months and very happy with the results. Clear water, less algae growth (even nuisance), and many people claim several other benefits as well. Easy to use, no electricity, give it a look.