UV recomendation

JeffB1961 · Mar 20, 2019

I have a rsm130D. ( Red Sea max 130D - 29 gallon )... it's up and running about 4 months. Lightly stocked with combination base / live rock. 2 clowns, Goniopora, 2 Zoa's, and a couple misc frags but will be adding to the coral and introducing Coraline soon.

Running floss in overflow to skimmer to more floss to carbon to ceramic to tank with 2 Koralia Nano 240's on a Koralia controller.

I've done FOWLR for 20 years but this is my first reef.

Is a UV recommended? I got the adapter for the tank for an external filter that I can plumb to a UV.

Looking at this one...

https://www.amazon.com/Odyssea-Ultraviolet-Sterilizer-Aquarium-Filter/dp/B017KRXHSW?th=1

Thoughts? is 9V enough for a 29 gallon?

Thank you!!!

Please ignore bubbles. Just water changed and topped off and overfilled and skimmer is going crazy.

Hitman · Mar 20, 2019

Is a UV necessary: No
Would a 9watt one work for a 29 gallon: Yes
As for the one you linked: Personally no way! I personally do not want something that has water/electricity running together it be a cheaply knockoff. Just like lights and pumps these are areas it's best to save up for and buy.
Pentair Aquatics is the brand I recommend and what I have on my 240 tank which it the 80 watt and I have the 40 watt on my 100 tank and they run 24/7.
Do you need them running 24/7: No
Why do I: Honestly I'm to lazy and cheap to buy a timer and all my Apex power bars plugs are full. Lol
Do I notice a difference running it: I clean my glass twice a month at most so absolutely.
Would I run one on a tank less then 6 months old: No way you need to get a good bacteria population built in you sand bed and or rock work first.
These are all just my personal opinions and I'm sure you will get many others with pros and cons.

Marco S · Mar 20, 2019

I have a 9W running in a 45 gallon and it seems to be doing just fine so you should be good. I initially just got it to clear up the water from a huge algae bloom and it worked in five days. My water went from what looked like mud to crystal clear so I am very happy with the purchase and the added benefit of killing bad bacteria and parasites is a win win in my book.

I know there is some debate on UV Sterilizers and if they are needed or not, but from my experience I will now have one on all my tanks going forward.