UV-C Sterilizer/Clarifier Effect on Bacteria/Viruses? Immunocompromised?

[Innominandum]

Hi, been looking into a UV sterilizer for my tank. Since I have recently become immuno-compromised, I would like to do all I can to avoid contact with whatever bacteria/viruses are in our tanks. Most discussions seem to talk about the benefits of UV-C in terms of algae control and it's effects on tank inhabitants, never the hobbyist. Doesn't seem to be a lot of news on hobbyists getting sick from their tanks, aside from palytoxins. Curious to know if anyone knows more about reef rated UV sterilizer effect on human pathology /is running a UV sterilizer for these reasons / or anyone in a similar situation :D

 

[Quietman]

Interesting question. I don't think reef specific bacteria/viruses can easily jump from reef tank to air. The more appropriate precautions are always wearing protective gloves when working in the tank and washing with antibacterial soap after maintenance. My wife has a pulmonary condition and certain medications she has to take really wreck her immune system. I'm very cautious about the reef tank. No palythoas or any practices that can aerosolize toxins. I take rock outside to do any work, only frag/trim when she's out, etc. Plus I run GAC after maintenance - which will remove toxins.

I do run UV in my reef but only for the usual benefits - pathogens and algae control.

There are room filters with UV that I think would be much more effective. This is assuming you feel that air purifiers with UV are effective - there is some debate whether it actually removes impurities that effect breathing. We do not consider them necessary yet.

 

[Innominandum]

Interesting question. I don't think reef specific bacteria/viruses can easily jump from reef tank to air. The more appropriate precautions are always wearing protective gloves when working in the tank and washing with antibacterial soap after maintenance. My wife has a pulmonary condition and certain medications she has to take really wreck her immune system. I'm very cautious about the reef tank. No palythoas or any practices that can aerosolize toxins. I take rock outside to do any work, only frag/trim when she's out, etc. Plus I run GAC after maintenance - which will remove toxins.

I do run UV in my reef but only for the usual benefits - pathogens and algae control.

There are room filters with UV that I think would be much more effective. This is assuming you feel that air purifiers with UV are effective - there is some debate whether it actually removes impurities that effect breathing. We do not consider them necessary yet.

Oh, I hadn't even considered anything becoming airborne. Most of my medical advice was around avoiding dirty tank water. I've setup an auto water change system so I don't have to touch old tank water and use thick nitrile gloves in the tank now.

I do have a majority zoas (no actual palys, more "designer" zoas) tank though. I've always ran carbon for palytoxins, and haven't heard much about them being aerosolized? Though I can imagine how bad it'd be you got poisoned with a weakened immune system