UV and attached algae

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HarleyK

HarleyK

Canister Man
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Aug 17, 2005
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Howdy,

I have been known to call UV sterilizers end-of-the-pipe-thinking. However, there are circumstances where they are the only (or easiest) way out, and they have greatly added to fishkeeping under those conditions. Last but not least, they are great for quarantine tanks, and that's the opposite of end-of-the-pipe-thinking :thumbsup:

Now here is my question for those of you who run UVs continuously: They kill detached (floating) algae, we all know that. But have you also noticed any effects on attached algae (on rocks, plants, glass)? I could come up with lines of argumentation either way, but I am interested in real-life observations :thumbsup:

Thanks,
HarleyK
 
I leave my UV on 24/7 and have for close to a year now on my SeaClear 135 Acrylic and have noticed less algae growth on the walls, I have had very clear water for the entire time. (It is only a 9 watt but it does it's job well). As for ammonia spikes, I have had none and my water parameters have stayed stable. I run another 9watt on a hospital tank which keeps the water almost sterile along with a sponge filter that keeps most of the good bacteria from getting fried by the UV. Some dislike UV, but it is very useful in controlling algae blooms which I would get in spring when the sun pounds my tank every morning; This year no algae!:naughty:
If your looking for a miracle tank cure keep looking for Alladin's lamp since UV is not the ticket, but if you want to keep the water clear and less pond smelling it works well and for a hospital tank I would recommend strongly.
Just my 100 cents:D
Dolla Mike
 
I started to run UV 8 hrs a day, amber 8 and dark 8. For about 6 weeks. My aro also atacked my pleco. So, in a few weeks, uv and no pleco I am getting as bit of algae attatched to the tank sides, the amber lights are bad for making algae but the uv alone didn't seem to do that, however, I had a pleco.
 
I now have no algae on the glass. And no green water. I am very happy with the UV sterilizer.

Harley, UV's are better than you think. The water quality here is bad, must be full of bacteria and pathogens etc, and previously an uneaten pellet would sprout MOULD all over, just overnight.

Now that doesn't happen, and the fish seem more active and happier. It's made the water cleaner.
 
well harley, i found it. one one person semi-responded. so, i guess i'll repeat harleyk and i's question: "hey kill detached (floating) algae, we all know that. But have you also noticed any effects on attached algae (on rocks, plants, glass)?"

help me people. i could go suicidal over this algae crap.
 
danepatrick said:
well harley, i found it. one one person semi-responded. so, i guess i'll repeat harleyk and i's question: "hey kill detached (floating) algae, we all know that. But have you also noticed any effects on attached algae (on rocks, plants, glass)?"

help me people. i could go suicidal over this algae crap.
Click to expand...

Yes & No! Now are you happy... :grinyes:
.
.
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UV only kills what passes by/thru it. But it will help control algae that propogate by releasing spores (?) to be re-attached to something by killing the ones that are suspended in the water and get thru the filter to the UV.
 
Dr Joe said:
Yes & No! Now are you happy... :grinyes:
.
.
.

UV only kills what passes by/thru it. But it will help control algae that propogate by releasing spores (?) to be re-attached to something by killing the ones that are suspended in the water and get thru the filter to the UV.
Click to expand...

...so i've heard.
 
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