The popularity of the mini-reef and freshwater planted aquariums has posed a unique problem to the treatment of bacterial infections and parasitic infestations. For this reason, the application of ozone to these systems has become a hot topic. This article will present an overview of the application, benefits and possible side effects. The use of ozone is a controversial topic within the aquarium hobby, especially in older books. Ozone is an unstable molecule made up of three oxygen atoms.
Electrical discharge is more effective at producing the higher levels required.
Most ozone generators use a corona spark method to produce the ozone. This type system will run cooler and be more energy efficient. If water is present, some of the available oxygen atoms will combine to produce nitric and nitrous acid instead of ozone. Since ozone is an unstable molecule, it rapidly gives up its third oxygen atom which will act as an oxidizer of inorganic and organic molecules. This can help to clarify the water, and also make some molecules more hydrophobic, increasing the efficiency of a skimmer.