UV sterilizer

[Sergio Henrique]

hi everbody,

I just set up a 75 gal FO tank, and I have a UV sterilizer, I know is it good for the water quality, but can I use the UV during the cycle ?
the UV can kill my bacterias in the bio-balls, after the cycle ?

thanks

[MikeS]

the UV will only kill microbes that pass directly though it, so your bioballs will be ok. I would skip it during break-in, however.

Mike

[alkataz]

I'd also hold off on the uv in the beginning But I don't think that it will effect the good bacteria. Because the bacteria mostly lives in the lr and such and is not free floating. Second I would not go with the bio-balls because they can become a nitrate factory and lead to some serious problems. You should leave biofiltration to the lr and sand if you are using a DSB.

I run a aqua uv and haven't noticed any ill effects to the good bacteria. I don't run it 24/7 anymore, but that's mostly I don't really need it that much because I run carbon and use ozone.