Assesing UV sterilizer function

cbfreder · Jul 13, 2006

I just installed my UV sterilizer. Since I don't have any floating algae to clear up, I can't see it working. Do I just have to trust that it is working? And killing protozoa? All I could think of doing is counting microbes under a microscope. Any ideas? I tend to have trouble believing things without proof.

Brandon

rayman45 · Jul 13, 2006

how dig did u get and how big is your tank?

Carl D · Jul 13, 2006

UV's aren't really for algae removal are they?? I thought they were to kill pathogens and parasites in your tank.

Carl.

danepatrick · Jul 13, 2006

Carl D said:
UV's aren't really for algae removal are they??

yes they are. if you put a uv sterilizer on a tank with greenwater, it will be gone within a week.

HarleyK · Jul 13, 2006

Howdy,

I'd say you have to trust it or:

Turn it off, administer the double dose Dupla 24 fertilizer daily until your water is green :evil_lol:

, then turn on the UV and see if it clears everything up

HarleyK

Oddball · Jul 13, 2006

It's more economical to simply follow the lamp replacement instructions of the manufacturer. I have my UV lamps on an annual replacement schedule just to keep things tidyand because most manufacturers recommend annual replacements. I don't know how much usage the bulbs still may have, if any. The only way to measure the lamp is with a UV radiometer that can read levels of both UVA and UVB frequencies. Within the frequency band, the center frequencies are the 1st to go. These are also the freqs that do the major portion of sterilization.

hillbilly · Jul 14, 2006

Also remember to give the Quartz sleeve a good wipedown every couple of months or so to keep it clean. Some have a wiper built in for this. I don't think UV units are really necessary, I have mine for insurance.