does anyone use a uv sterilizer?

The benefits is they can kill off bacteria or parasites in your tank, or free floating algae cells.

The bad thing is they can kill off the good bacteria & copepods as well.

They are not easy to use IMO.

First you have to filter all water down to 5 microns. You have to clean the bulb monthly, and replace it twice a year.

Ozone is a much better solution, but again, only my opinion, take it with a grain of salt.

 

Yeah they have to be maintenanced regularly to be effective, one with an attached quartz sleeve cleaner is best like an Aqua UV. Also size really matters, you're not likely to really get any practical use out of one less than 40 watts other than killing some free floating algae. And yeah they eliminate good plankton too, perhaps rendering their organic pieces available for feeding? but reducing their natural proliferation. Filtering water down is best, but they're also somewhat effective without being filtered as long as you're using a large >40watt unit.

Yeah if they bulb isn't replaced every 6mo you just as well forget it, that is if they're used on a 24/7 cycle. I use mine periodically to increase water clarity and reduce concentration of free floating bacteria (determined by taking non-specific areobic and anerobic culture samples taken ~2mo). Ozone is much better tool IMO, but of course they can be deadly if not used properly. Depends on what your goals are I guess, but ultimately, they're not really useful unless your are using a multi-tank system where you're attempting to prevent transmission of parasites or bacteria to other tanks throughout the system. I got a good deal on a large unit that I'll use on a multi tank system in the future, so I've set it up for occasional use, otherwise I wouldn't have purchased one.

 

LOL! /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif
Ozone is a gas. (Think ozone layer)
Check out http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ozonefaqs.htm

 

There are better articles at RKmag.com http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php and http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/rhf/index.php by good ol' randy holmes farley!