UV Sterilizer

[jweiner]

Hi. I have the UV sterilizer pictured. Do I turn this on during a fishless cycle? Also, once the cycle is completed, do I leave this on all the time or only when the light is on? Thanks in advance.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I would not use a UV in such a situation.

What do you want the UV to accomplish?

 

[jweiner]

I would not use a UV in such a situation.

What do you want the UV to accomplish?

I think it was recommended to me to help eliminate some algae.

 

[Jamie9]

If you are cycling, I'd just leave the lights off and not worry about UV yet. Keep it though, it'll be nice to have later on down the road when you've got more going on in your tank.

 

[Tahoe61]

I think it was recommended to me to help eliminate some algae.

Diatoms will show up initially, a UV is not going to prevent that.

Have you considered using live rock from a reputable source?

You could alleviate some of your concerns by using live rock. Make sure to choose the source for the live rock carefully. Take a look at Tampa Bay Live Rock.

 

[Quietman]

Once you add fish, start feeding and turning the lights on would be time for about any normal use. Should help with clearer water some algae control and some pathogen control. But everything it helps with requires them to be in the water column and exposed to the UV. So it doesn't do much for GHA or diatoms or cyano but it is in my opinion a good component of all around good husbandry. I run mine 24/7, if I add plankton or a fresh batch of pods I'll turn it off for an hour or so (when I remember to turn it back on).