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?
Do you run your UV 24/7?
- Thread starter SaltySippi
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Anna K
razzle dazzle em'
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
Reef Puncher
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easy answer and you dont have to look any further into it.
Almost EVERY single manufacturer, ALL recommend to leave on 24/7.
it is said to possibly extend the life of the bulb. Its kinda funny because you would think the opposite right? Now if you dont really care about squeezing a couple extra months out of it and you have some other reason for wanting to turn it off, then by all means. but i would rather follow manufacturers recomendations. thats just me.
Almost EVERY single manufacturer, ALL recommend to leave on 24/7.
it is said to possibly extend the life of the bulb. Its kinda funny because you would think the opposite right? Now if you dont really care about squeezing a couple extra months out of it and you have some other reason for wanting to turn it off, then by all means. but i would rather follow manufacturers recomendations. thats just me.
OP
OP
Thanks for the reply. I'm running it 24/7 right now because I just added a blue tang, and I'm trying to reduce the parasite "pressure" while he acclimates. However, I don't have any blooms or noticable problems. The water is sparkling clear since running it, however. It's helpful to hear your feedback
OP
OP
Thanks - I do lean toward following manufacturer recs on most equipment, so this makes sense!
BryanM
7500 Club Member
At the moment I run mine 24x7.
I got it to fight dinos. Now that my tank is seemingly thriving again I'm conflicted on changing it, but the intent was to infact turn the UV off.... Just leave it plumbed in, and use it for issues.
OP
OP
Thanks for your reply. In weighing pros and cons to running to it full time the only con I can find is energy usage and bulb life. And honestly, with a bulb life of 10,000 hours it is one of the cheaper things in this hobby to replace once a year.
winxp_man
So Many Tanks, So Little Time
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.
jermzisurmom
2500 Club Member
I run mine 24/7
DenverSaltyFarm
Well-Known Member
I run mine 24/7. I had problems running uv when my tank first started. I stopped for a year then started running it again with good results and happy coral
OP
OP
Thanks! Just curious, mind sharing what problems you encountered running UV the first time?
DenverSaltyFarm
Well-Known Member
For my tank I feel like it highly hindered my good bacteria from taking hold and maturing the tank. I was well over a year in and still struggled with corals not too happy even though my ICP tests showed water chemistry was great. Taking my uv off line made the tank mature faster.
I always had a slight haze in the water and that’s why I started to use it again. My water went crystal clear and corals still happy so will keep it on until I see anything bad happen.
(One odd thing I noticed is my nutrients were very stable and when I hooked up the uv again both nitrate and phosphate dropped very rapidly. Non-scientific guess is the uv let my nitrifying bacteria outcompete whatever else was in there)
Mine runs 24/7
However my tank also has dual return pumps, and only one of these runs through the UV - so not all water circulating goes through the UV.
Certainly makes your glass a lot cleaner (only have to scrape once a week) - and the heaters barely turn on (mine is a 90w on a 220 Gal)
However my tank also has dual return pumps, and only one of these runs through the UV - so not all water circulating goes through the UV.
Certainly makes your glass a lot cleaner (only have to scrape once a week) - and the heaters barely turn on (mine is a 90w on a 220 Gal)
Nate Chalk
10K Club member
I do
Anna K
razzle dazzle em'
Is there a specific reason as to why? Just curious!
ShakeyGizzard
Southern Dude
18w run it 24/7 its only off for 4 hors a week, thats when I dose microbactor clean
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