UV sterilizers

[ewaitob]

I should stop posting things in the middle of the night. The ozonators are 30 watt UV sterilizers. I had purchased them to go with a 300 I had built but I moved before I installed them. I think some bigger reefs and stores still use them. Anyone interested??? They are still in their original boxes have never been wet.

[causeofhim]

Do you have an ozoner or a uv sterilizer? They are two different things.
An ozoner used a uv light but is different.
"We won't delve deeply into the mechanics of how ozonizers produce ozone. Suffice it to say that some ozonizers use a special UV lamp which reacts with oxygen to produce ozone (3 atoms of oxygen bound together). Others may use a controlled electrical discharge to form ozone. Ozone will react with most organic and many inorganic compounds through oxidation. When the ozone encounters another compound, one oxygen atom will break away, attach itself to the compound, and oxidize it, leaving a molecule of oxygen behind in the water. Depending on the nature of the compound being oxidized, the compound may become more or less soluble in water. If the ozone does not react with anything, it will rapidly convert to oxygen molecules.

O3-2 (Ozone) ----> O2 + O-2 (Oxygen Atom bound to Compound)"

If this is what it is I will stay away. If it is a uv stelizer I may be interested.

[dakar]

Wow, causeofhim that's probably the best description of the process of an Ozonizer
I've read yet! Mind if I 'borrow' that for a FAQ?

[Reptoreef]

I may be interested in one to use for a pond... is it a sterilizer and how much are you asking???

[ewaitob]

I used to teach biology in college and that description of ozone production does deserve and A.

The device is actually a UV Sterilizer. They are Startronic Omnizap 30 watt UV sterilizers. If anyone is interested shoot me a price.

Erik

[frankasanchez]

I came across the used shell of a Startronic Omnizap 30 watt UV sterilizers at a pet store. I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy it, but I cannot find parts for it except for a bulb. Where did you purchase the Startronic Omnizap? Do you have an active Internet site or phone number for the manufacturer?

Can you offer any insight as to it's performance? How long do the bulbs last?

Frank Sanchez
Oconomowoc

[dakar]

I'm actually in possession of one of these units.... We ran it continously at roughly 200gph on a (180g tank) for about 8 months. The only reason it's not in use now is the tube died from a splash of SW that managed to get into the waterresistant endcap Where did you find the replacement bulb? I just haven't bothered to look around for a replacement yet, though I should have a long time ago.

Performance..... we never lost anything to ich or other parasites while it was in use.... did it kill other beneficial things such as bacteria as well? That's been a long debate. For a fish only, or fish dominated tank, I'd say they sure can't hurt anything and likely will help.

[lReef lKeeper]

but Dakar, what is your view on using them on a REEF ?? i have one but have been hearing 50/50 (good and bad) about them. if i hear 50good/50bad ... i go with the bad, just in case it is right !! good rule of thumb, i think.

[marinefiend]

The 50/50 deal is what it is.

It is very effective of killing more than 50% of all bad things in the tank and I would say more.

I think that for the most part for those that have REEF systems this is a bad thing. They actually will destroy what you are trying to achieve. Bacterials and animals alike.

If used for a fish only system they are a godsend. But you cannot use this on a reef system and get good results. I tried and failed, removed the unit and what do you know, I got pods, mysids and all kinds of goodies.

It is really a tough call as to when and what your using these units for. Size really matters on these units for the measures.

[lReef lKeeper]

thats what i have been hearing to a T fiend !! good to know ... thanx !! i will learn from your error !! lol