Worst ick outbreak ive seen

[Aquanero]

I was always under the impression UV's get rid of a lot of good things as well?

UV is a great addition to a tank and definatly helps clear a tank of unwanted patogens and helps keep the system clear. There are sitiations where they need to be shut off like when using antibiotics or dosing with benificial bacteria other wise they do a great job. You could also read the sticky at the top of the section about the use of probiotics and competative exclusion.

 

[cacichilds]

Not that im loaded by a long shot, but the cost doesn't bother me, is it something you'd recommend overall? I remove my Purigen prior to any meds and stuff so shutting a UV off isn't much of a an issue. I just thought it could lower the in tank BB.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Aquanero]

The BB, Nitrifying bacteria grows on surfaces, inside your filter on decorations etc. and is not free floating in the water column so UV would typically have no effect on it. Harmful pathogens that are present in the water column will pass through the UV, the radiation alters the DNA of the cell either killing it or disrupting to the point it can not reproduce shortening it life cycle or rendering it harmless. Used in conjunction with regular tank maintenance, water changes and quarantine practices a system can be relatively disease free for years. A UV is not effective on parasites or bacteria currently present on a fish but once eradicated it will be greatly helpful in preventing future infestations. As suggested in my previous post you should also look into the use of Probiotics as a way of reducing unwanted pathogens. HTH.

 

[cacichilds]

No more deaths in about 24 hours. And my lepidiolamprologus elongatus has significantly less ick spots now too. And no one else seems to have new spots.

Keeping at it.


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