You thoughts in Ozone please..

[ckusnierek]

I have a 100% SPS 125 and am considering setting up a ozone reactor.

After reading extensivly on them (mostly posts from Anthony Calfo) I cannot see why not. Actually would like I could stop funning GFO and carbon if I run Ozone? Heck I'm paying $10 a month for GFO.

Thoughts oponions?

[mps9506]

Haven't researched it too much, but how does running ozone correlate with eliminating GFO use?

[Clownfish518]

It is my understanding that you need to pass the effluent over carbon to remove the ozone so it doesn't reach the DT

[rmlevasseur]

I run ozone in my 300 gallon system. I use an ozotech ozonizer and feed it directly into the venturi of a LifeReef skimmer. (My main skimmer is an SWC cone, the LR skimmer is just for use as a reactor). Both the ozotech and the mag that power the LR are controlled by an Aquacontroller 3. I have it set so when the ozone goes off, so does the mag, just to save energy.

I've been running ozone for about 6 months. Its hard to tell if the ozone is really benefitting the animals. My ORP naturally runs at about 335, and with ozone I pump it up to just under 400. I've never had a problem with nuisance algae and I've never had a disease in the tank, but this is true before ozone as well.

I have added several more fish to my system over the last 4 months, and so far the added waste and feeding have had no detrimental affect on the corals or other animals.

What I can say about the ozone is how clear it has made my water. I always thought I had very clear water before ozone, but since adding it all I can say is "wow". Its sometimes hard to tell there is even water in there. While I do attribute this to the ozone, I have also significantly upgraded the skimming in the tank as well, which probably has something to do with it as well.

In short, I consider the ozone just one more failsafe on the system. If something dies and goes unnoticed then I'd like to think the ozone would help keep the water quality up. I think it adds to the overall stability and helps with the water quality.

However, given the cost associated with ozone, I believe it should be considered a luxury that comes toward the end of building your system. My system was great before I added it and remains great after I have added it, leading me to believe that it certainly is not an essential.

Also, I have found that once you hit your target orp, it is very easy to keep it there. I'd say my ozone is probably on for less than an hour a day.

[ckusnierek]

Originally Posted by mps9506

Haven't researched it too much, but how does running ozone correlate with eliminating GFO use?

From what I read ozonated water is so much cleaner that there is no need for GFO as a PO4 Remover...

[lance]

I like ozone my advice would to really study up on it because it can be dangerous to your tank and you. I read somewhere that if you can smell it that it can be harmful I do not it works great though and have been researching it myself for my quarantine tank system. Best of luck and just take your time and read up on it before you jump on board and buy.

lance

[mps9506]

Originally Posted by ckusnierek

From what I read ozonated water is so much cleaner that there is no need for GFO as a PO4 Remover...

Ok, I thought you were saying it replaces GFO as a method of removing PO4 from the system. Again, I hadn't researched much into the use of ozone other than the basics. I was envisioning something along the lines of phosphate being skimmed out easier via binding with organics that are broken down with ozone or something... I dunno

[BaxReefs]

I think Ozone is a good tool in reef keeping. I also think you need to monitor ORP if are going to run ozone, so factor that into the cost of setting it up.

Currently my Ozone is off line. It is off line because my skimmer is holding the ORP at 430+ all the time.

I do belive , as mentioned above, the ozone adds clarity to the water no matter how clear you think it is. When I run it, I use it at night for 5 hours or so in a chamber of my sump before the return into a DIY "reactor" of sorts so the ozone can't make it to the display. It can chew up your equipment so think your way through the set up very carefully.

I still run GFO and GAC all the time, and when adding new fish UV as well. I don't believe it replaces any of these. It's just another excellent tool in the reef keeping tool box. Different systems at different points of maturity will benfit from various combinations of these tools at various times.