Reef aquarium owners typically use oxygen systems in their reef tanks, but there are many chemical experts who say that ozone is fresher and more life-sustaining. Reef aquarium inhabitants can also survive on oxygen that is dissolved in the water, but they can live better and longer if they have ozone in their tanks. Getting an ozone supply for reef tanks can be fairly expensive, but it does improve the quality and length of life for reef fish and invertebrates Ozone, like chlorine, is a purifying agent for a reef aquarium that takes care of bacteria, algae, viruses and other such microorganisms. Ozone, however, can treat the water much better than chlorine can.
Ozone also helps to the eliminate waste from the aquatic reef fish, corals and other inhabitants. It oxidizes the pollutants in the tank and brings them to a form that can be easily discarded. Ozone also helps to disinfect reef tanks. Since it combats pathogens, ozone can make the inhabitants of the reef aquarium live healthier and longer. Another benefit of ozone is its ability to enhance the quality of the water, since it is a fresh gas that is present in the higher realms of the atmosphere where it is more pure. The same kind of purity is brought into ozonized reef tanks, and it is odorless, colorless and tasteless. And finally, ozone does not leave chemical wastes and discharges. There are machines called ozonizers, but these are very costly. There are also ultraviolet lamps, which are much more suitable and economical for home use. Many people believe that either of these options will seriously increase and improve the lives of their reef fish, invertebrates and other sea creatures.
