UV sterilizer usage

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crashinc25

crashinc25

Candiru
MFK Member
Jun 27, 2007
601
24
48
Yucaipa, CA
I just hooked up a canister filter with a built in UV sterilizer. Anyone know how often I should use this?

I know the basics, but what does it actually do?

I think I read somewhere that it is to be used in bursts or a couple of hours at a time. Is this correct?

Thanks,
Rob
 
Uv kills anything free floating in the tank. This includes algae, parasites, bacteria, etc. You basicly need to use your own discretion when trying to figure out run times. Do you have uv for a reason? I run the uv 24/7 because my tank gets a lot of sunlight, and I don't like green water.:grinno: If you are just trying to keep the water quality tip-top, you could put it on a timer and just run it for a little while at a time. Uv wattage compared to tank size will make a difference, too. Also, if it is on a timer, the bulb will last longer. You are supposed to change it after, like, 10,000 hours(I think). Thats about every year if it is on all the time.
 
Thanks for the info. It's a built in sterilizer and has an on/off switch. I can't use a timer. I got a good deal on the filter (actually 2 for less than 1 new and they were near new). Never even considered UV usage, but figured it couldn't hurt. I have a slight green tint from live bamboo in the tank; would it apply to this?
 
Yeah, it should help.
 
out of curiosity, how is that thing wired? The uv and pump run off the same cord?
 
UV lights are only good for 3-6 months. They still light - but something burns out making them useless. Also -NEVER LOOK AT THE LIGHT WHEN IT IS LIT - NOT EVEN FOR A SECOND!!!!!! It will burn your corneas. Just like looking at a welder. You could try to use it as needed.
 
chesterfieldzoo;1560809; said:
UV lights are only good for 3-6 months. They still light - but something burns out making them useless. Also -NEVER LOOK AT THE LIGHT WHEN IT IS LIT - NOT EVEN FOR A SECOND!!!!!! It will burn your corneas. Just like looking at a welder. You could try to use it as needed.
Click to expand...

Check out the life on these bulbs.
http://www.coralreefsupply.com/index.php?aquarium=uv_ea_acc
 
1 cord for power to both. The canister head has a on/off switch with a lamp indicator. The bulb is solid mounted in the canister head. The lamp is long enough to reach all 3 basket tiers, each having a hole for the lamp to pass through to the next.

According to the site quoted by frnchjeep, the bulb would last 9,000 hours. My light are on from 2pm to 11pm = 9 hours. This would give me 1,000 days. I guess I'll turn it on when the tank lights are on?
Do you guys think it's better in the light or dark? Would it make a difference?
 
Shouldnt matter when it is on to take care of your algae. And the tint is in the water right? It wont help too much if it is on the glass. What kind of bamboo? If it is of the 'lucky' variety its not an aquatic plant.
 
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