The benefits of ozone can certainly be realized utilizing other...albeit more labor intensive methods....but all in all it just improves the water quality. It helps maintain ORP at higher, more natural levels and basically overcomes the all of the processes occurring in our systems that only want to lower ORP and water quality. The increased water clarity will also improve the penetration of lighting as well if the tank is less than 300 gallons, but still deep....like a 90 or 120 is.
While you are wise to familarize yourself with the "potential" health risks of ozone, I personally feel that they are largely overblown....as most things seem to be these days. A simple carbon air filter will reduce ozone coming out of the skimmer and as long as one is running one of the smaller units.....100 mg/hr....which is all that should be needed for a system of that size.....the chances are small that there would be any great issues. Ozone is extremely reactive and it is very unlikely to hang out for too long. If one were really concerned, but wanted to achieve the benefits....using one of those electrostatic air purifiers could be employed for added peice of mind. If there is really a great concern....then look into other methods....and change a lot of water. Ozone is one of those things that some folks are more susceptible to its irritating effects and health issues than most....so I think that is a huge factor in one experiencing issues with it.....but all in all, you are correct in that it is not a benign thing that someone who is uneducated about it should just slap one on their tank and wing it. That could cause problems. My stance is that if one is wise enough to read up on ozone and understand how to employ the simple steps to overcome the concerns, it can be a great tool and make people wonder if your fish are swimming in mid-air.
While you are wise to familarize yourself with the "potential" health risks of ozone, I personally feel that they are largely overblown....as most things seem to be these days. A simple carbon air filter will reduce ozone coming out of the skimmer and as long as one is running one of the smaller units.....100 mg/hr....which is all that should be needed for a system of that size.....the chances are small that there would be any great issues. Ozone is extremely reactive and it is very unlikely to hang out for too long. If one were really concerned, but wanted to achieve the benefits....using one of those electrostatic air purifiers could be employed for added peice of mind. If there is really a great concern....then look into other methods....and change a lot of water. Ozone is one of those things that some folks are more susceptible to its irritating effects and health issues than most....so I think that is a huge factor in one experiencing issues with it.....but all in all, you are correct in that it is not a benign thing that someone who is uneducated about it should just slap one on their tank and wing it. That could cause problems. My stance is that if one is wise enough to read up on ozone and understand how to employ the simple steps to overcome the concerns, it can be a great tool and make people wonder if your fish are swimming in mid-air.
