Need Some Clarification Regarding UV

[H]-[H]

I just added a new UV filter in my tank & I've a few questions..

1) If I put my hand in the water when the UV filter is running, will my hand be exposed to UV radiation?

2) There are some holes(for water to go in) at the bottom of the UV filter & I can see the UV light.. Does this mean I can get exposed to the radiation?

Hope someone can help clarify.. Thanks in advance.

 

[BadOleRoss]

1) If I put my hand in the water when the UV filter is running, will my hand be exposed to UV radiation?
No, the UV light is in the chamber that water is slowly flowing through. As the bacteria passes through the UV light, the light kills it.l


2) There are some holes(for water to go in) at the bottom of the UV filter & I can see the UV light.. Does this mean I can get exposed to the radiation?
Only if you stick your whole head in there, stop worrying!

 

[H]-[H]

All the info about UV radiation on the web really got me worried.. lol

 

[vaipulu]

if it could do serious harm they wouldnt sell them at petsmart.

 

[12 Volt Man]

it can do serious harm if you look at a UV bulb while it is on out of water. you need special protective lenses for this to avoid going blind.

I work with huge UV systems at work (for wastewater disinfection) so I have had training.

if you are viewing the light under the water from above, you are safe.

but as mentioned, with these types of systems the bulb is in a chamber so you don't see any light.

just don't take it apart and plug the bulb in out of water and view it.

you can cause permanent blindness if exposed long enough.

otherwise they are very safe units.

 

[H]-[H]

Thanks for all the useful infos.. You guys are of great help..

Another question though, what if it's viewed through the aquarium glass? Is it safe as well?

 

[DMasker]

Thanks for all the useful infos.. You guys are of great help..

Another question though, what if it's viewed through the aquarium glass? Is it safe as well?

It won't be as bad, but UV light will still pass through unless there is a special filter on the glass. But, as stated before the UV sterilizers for aquarium use are in a chamber so no actual UV rays are being released outside of the chamber. Its not like Delta, Gamma, ect rays. UV is a wavelength that is stopped by anything that is not transparent/not designed to block the rays. So your safe!

 

[H]-[H]

One last newbie question, what is chamber that you guys speak of?
Is it a special glass that contains the bulb or is it something else?

 

[12 Volt Man]

the bulb is usually contained in a chamber like this:

the water flows through the chamber and makes contact with the light from the bulb:

 

[H]-[H]

Mine looks something like this.. The UV light can be seen through the holes..
Let me know if this is safe.. (I apologize for my paranoia)