this may seem silly. but can someone tell me if the two equipment are different or in fact they are the same with different names? thank you!

this may seem silly. but can someone tell me if the two equipment are different or in fact they are the same with different names? thank you!They are quite different. Rather than give an incomplete answer, here is a link to Wet Web Media's explanation of both in one article - http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marphysf.htm

This should clear your mind about the two.

And, the only silly question is the one you don't ask.

I just started using a RedSea Ozone gen. The water couldn't be any clearer.

Interesting article. So others agree with the opinion that usually ozone is a better first step than UV?

I worry about the micro life that gets destroyed from ozone or UV.

Interesting article. So others agree with the opinion that usually ozone is a better first step than UV?

I worry about the micro life that gets destroyed from ozone or UV.Ozone performs multiple functions in an aquarium. First, it kills the micro fauna that comes in contact with it. This could be bacteria, algae, free swimming protozoans and disease spores. Second, it increases the efficiency of skimmers. Third, it increases the ORP (oxygen reduction potential) which allows for quicker Nitrogen cycling. Fourth, it increases oxygen saturation in the aquarium water. All good things. However, ozone has a dark side. It is highly oxidative and will corrode certain elements if used in too high a concentration causing some plastics to harden and eventually crack. This could be a problem with electrical cords and fittings. It can cause respiratory problems in pets and people. The rule is, if you can smell it, turn it down. It's best to run an ozone generator with a controller and ORP meter.

UV doesn't have the negative aspects of ozone but is limited to killing what passes through it. Using both is the ideal.

Addressing your concern about the micro life killed in this manner. The only things killed are those passing through or coming in contact with these devices. They have no effect on the micro life in the aquarium, on the LR and in the LS. So, put your concerns to rest. If you want the ultimate in filtration use both a UV and an ozone generator with controller.

how come not many people i know have UV or ozone?

This is an expensive hobby. Of course I don't have to tell you that. Most people tend to cheap out their set-up because even going the cheap route is expensive. So they eliminate what they think they can do without. They wind up spending more money in the long run. Few people research the hobby before jumping in and getting their elbows wet. You would be amazed how many people go to a LFS and get a tank, stand, hood/light, sand/gravel, hang on the back filter, heater and salt, go home set it up and fail. The numbers are staggering. A pet trade publication doing a demographic study found that 98% of aquarium hobbyists get in and out of the hobby in 18 months or less. That leaves 2% that stick it out and are willing to learn how to do it. If you have been a hobbyist longer than 18 months you are in an exclusive club.

It was found, one percent of those that remain in the hobby join clubs and forums like TR. One half of one percent never join a club and just enjoy the hobby. The other half percent are die hards like me, coming up on 60 years in the hobby. Mediocre LFSs survive on the new people coming in the front door to replace the quitters.

Few people are willing to set up their systems to the ultimate. Is it necessary? No. Would it help things go smoother? Yes. But we'd rather spend our money where the beauty is, the fish, corals and inverts.

There are people who try to save money by cutting corners, but I think a good portion of the hobbyist do not procure certain equipment because of the "bandwagon effect". Most hobbyist, especially newbies tend to follow trends.

Sometimes, hobbyists themselves are the very reason for their lack of understanding, especially if they rely on each other for the bulk of their information.

Examples of things I heard at the LFS, from friends, and read on forum groups:

1) No, I am not going to buy the UV, my cousin said I don't need one.
2) I read online that UVs are a rip-off, LFS are just out to steal our money.
3) So and so said at this website that UV will kill my phyto and pods.
4) My friend said the the UV made all his fish blind, and I believe him because he has kept fish for more than a year.
5) I had a UV but it leaked and caused a flood, I found out on the internet that other people also had similar problems.....I'll never use one again or recommend one.

I am not saying that exchange of information is not good, just that there are too much information available that are wrong, biased, or lacking in experience.

I agree there is a lot of mis-information being spread amoung novices and year old experts. I've also heard bizarre stories told by LFS employees. I have even contradicted the employees to straighen them out. It's a shame, the one place you'd expect as a newbie to get good advice and not know you're being given the wrong answers.

I am thinking of getting a UV. Which brand do you recommend? Model? I have a 14 gallon nano tank with a chiller, protein skimmer, auto top off device, about 350 gph flow, live rock only for filtration, and the tank has been running since last February. I have had fish tanks on and off since I was a kid but this tiny nano takes the take as my premier science project. My inhabitants are two clownfish (percs) and one flame angel. The flame has been in for a couple of weeks now and gets white spots evey now and then. They go away in the morning then reappear at night. Other than that, the fish is quite healthy and is an aggressive eater. I used to have a UV back in the 90s and I never lost a single fish, of course this is back when I lived in HI and would get some really neat fish from the local stores! I forget which brand that I had of UV, but I remember that my fish were all super healthy back then, and I really did not know as much about fish keeping (i.e. topping off, calcium, curbing temp fluctuations, using live rock, etc.) as I do now. Any suggestions would be much appreciated regarding UV models.

Thanks.

Ed.

Hi Ed,

I am sure that everyone can sound off real quick to give you a run down on what they are using. Like Amp said, people tryo to elimate certain "expenses" with the hobby, because much of the equipment is very expensive.

For what its worth, I am currently using a Coralife Turbo Twist 3x UV unit. It has a 9 watt UV Bulb. I have it plumbed in line with my filter. Seems to work great, and its pretty easy to change the bulb when needed. I am curious as to what everyone else uses......

Hope this helps!

Here is a link to a artical written by Randy Holmes-Farley intitled ozone and the reef aquarium.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php