Do you run your UV 24/7?

[SaltySippi]

Sounds like the majority are running 24/7. Thanks for the responses! Im going to try leaving it on and see how it goes.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Is there a specific reason as to why? Just curious!

No negative effects observed in 2+ years and all positive effects

 

[Reef Puncher]

I only run my UV when I have a bloom or notice a little build up on the sand. I don't think I've ever seen anyone run it 24/7

there are 2 camps of people. people that only turn it on when there is an issue. and people that run it 24/7. im in the 24/7 camp for 2 reasons.
1.) main reason is that is what all of the manufacturers recommend. its better to leave it on 24/7 that turn it off and on daily. however if your only turning it on once in a blue moon i imagine thats not harmful on the bulb, its the turning it off and on frequently that shortens the life of the bulb.
2.) preventative measures. anyone raising torches might like to have it on 24/7 to reduce the likelyhood of bacterial infections. if you have ever had BJD the bacteria can spread in water column and survive in the biofilm that collects throughout the tank. running 24/7 reduces the free floating bacteria. same thing for parasites on fish. preventative measure.

 

[Anna K]

running 24/7 reduces the free floating bacteria

I thought you wanted bacteria though in the tank. I have torches and they seem to be the only euphyllia I can actually keep alive. @VintageReefer do you run a UV in your tank?

 

[Vested]

I thought you wanted bacteria though in the tank. I have torches and they seem to be the only euphyllia I can actually keep alive. @VintageReefer do you run a UV in your tank?

UV will not kill all the bacteria in the tank, especially depending on the size and flow rate etc. it will target anything that flows through it and even that stuff doesn’t have anywhere near a 100% kill rate. I would personally nuke every bacteria thats free-floating in the water if I could lol. Dont forget we are keeping all of these things in a glass box of the same water 24/7, its my belief to keep that water as clean as possible. *Not referring to nutrients dont run zeros lol*

 

[W31Olds]

I run a 80 watt 24/7 on my 180 gallon system, however I also run a chiller to maintain the Tank Temp. I also run a slow flow rate to help with pathogens.

 

[Reef Puncher]

running 24/7 reduces the free floating bacteria

I thought you wanted bacteria though in the tank. I have torches and they seem to be the only euphyllia I can actually keep alive. @VintageReefer do you run a UV in your tank?

The bacteria you want in your tank is not pelagic. Meaning free floating. The nitrifying bacteria you are referring to is benthic or attached to rocks and porous structures. It’s why you see rocks in sumps. Free floating bacteria can be good. Or can be bad. Running a IV won’t affect the good bacteria on the rocks

 

[BryanM]

I run a 80 watt 24/7 on my 180 gallon system, however I also run a chiller to maintain the Tank Temp. I also run a slow flow rate to help with pathogens.

That's a big UV!

 

[Anna K]

The bacteria you want in your tank is not pelagic. Meaning free floating. The nitrifying bacteria you are referring to is benthic or attached to rocks and porous structures. It’s why you see rocks in sumps. Free floating bacteria can be good. Or can be bad. Running a IV won’t affect the good bacteria on the rocks

Thanks for breaking this down for me! That makes a lot more sense

 

[spockagain34]

I only run my UV when I have a bloom or notice a little build up on the sand. I don't think I've ever seen anyone run it 24/7

I have three Aqua UV 15w sterilizers plumbed into my three return pumps. If water is flowing, they are running. I’ve had this set up for nearly four years and just replace the bulbs after 12 months. I’ve not had any issues with the lamps or any blooms of any kind.

 

[spockagain34]

I run mine 24x7. Also when you have it hard plumbed into the system (which I think is a better option) you want to make sure no algae builds up or whatever else can build up in the tube. So leaving it on is the only way to do that.

Same here, I’ve got an Aqua UV 15w hard plumbed to each return pump. If the water is flowing the lamps are on. Had this set up running for about four years and have been super pleased with the results.

 

[CBonito]

I have a 25 watter on my 80 gallons total volume and it stays on.
It saves me from posting those "what's happening to my fish?" threads.

 

[tsharpe291]

im also on the 24/7 train.

 

[underwaterwonders]

We run them 24/7, as big as we can fit/afford.

 

[Mike1970]

24/7

 

[metro6775]

24/7 baybee! Die dinos die!

 

[Fish Styx]

24/7

 

[jordangdoee]

I only run mine when adding new fish, potentially some mircobiohome impacts to run 24/7. I notice LSP is more happy with it off or running reverse light cycle. Just my 2 cents

 

[gbroadbridge]

Just got an Icecap 27w UV sterilizer installed inline on my sump return on my 100g. For you guys who run UV, do you run it 24/7 or put it on a schedule?

I've been running 24x7 since I setup my current tank 5 years ago.
Change the bulb ever 12 months.

Keeps the tank spotless with virtually no algae and no dinos.

 

[js-3Design]

I run mine 24/7 9w on a 50 gallon.

Helps a lot with diatoms and other things i dont want. Will never run a aquarium without one.
Do want the next one to be bigger