[Marine1]

I thought I would post an update to a previous post I started some time ago (can't find it).

A member suggested for me to get rid of my UV sterilizer and I did, because I wanted more beneficial bacteria to grow in my tank. As soon as I did so, some of my fish contracted ICH. I didn't add any inhabitants or change any of my routine maintenance, so I don't know where the ich came from all of a sudden. My fish were starting to not move much and looked ill all the time (discolored from the stress of the parasite). I let this go on for a couple of weeks, and things were not looking better. I decided to re-install my UV sterilizer and within a few days there was no sign of ich on any of my fish. It has been a couple of weeks since the re-installation of the UV and the ich has been gone (so it wasn't the part of the ich cycle where they drop off and reproduce to attach to the fish even more). So, unless it is purely coinsidence, I am a firm believer in the UV sterilizer to keep ich at bay. I don't have any corals, so it doesn't affect beneficial bacteria for me, and I will continue to use the UV sterilizer. Just a suggestion to those who are having ich problems on a consistent basis. I use to have a bad ich problem which preempted me to purchase the UV sterilizer and haven't had ich until I shut the UV down. Something to think about.

I am in no way laying any blame to the RB member because he has valid points on why not to use a UV sterilizer, but for me using one is better for the welfare of my fish.

[gimmito]

I guess it depends if you have a fish only system...then I would recommend one.

If you have a sump w/ fuge I can see why someone recommended not using one. The sterilizer will kill the bad bacteria, bugs, etc. as well as the good (copepods,etc.).

If I had alot invested in my fish...I would keep one off line then turn it on line when needed.

[Marine1]

Great point gimmito!