While pondering large filtration, of course, I came across UV lights. What puzzles me is that UV kills bacteria and algea, and doesn't differentiate between good bacteria and bad bacteria. While most of these systems exist in a closed cell, as not to "blanket treat" the tank, they still kill bacteria. Isn't this somewhat counterintuitive to what you would want? Yes, they kill parasites too, but wont they make it more difficult for a tank to cycle by killing any freefloating BB?
UV sterilizers?
- Thread starter wizzin
- Start date
The BB that is floating is a very small amount, I believe the UV will Only kill the bacteria that causes algee. But I would wait for some one like chompers or Dr.Joe to answer this question fully.
The uv sterilizer does kill good bacteria. That is why most bacteria/cycle addidtives say unplug ur uv sterilizer when you add them. If your tank is cycled already then the uv sterilizer has no effect on it because that is what bio media is for. The good bacteria colonize your media and that is where they live not free floating around.
I have U.V's on all my ponds inside and out and all my tanks.
1 UV sterilization will not cure infected fish of bacterial or fungal diseases. A UV can aid in cure by killing bacterial pathogens in the water column and fungal spores, also by improvement of the Redox potential and general water quality.
[2] A UV sterilizer will not kill ich trophozoites already on the fish (but then medications don’t either), but UVC can again slow the spread of ich tomites in the water column (but usually not out right kill ich tomites).
[3] A UV sterilizer will not kill beneficial bacteria such aerobic bacteria, as this bacterium is effective when attached to a surface of high water flow such as the sponge of a sponge filter, not when in the water column. It is best to turn off a Sterilizer unit when introducing bacteria to seed a new aquarium.
[4] UV Sterilization will not remove or destroy algae growing on tank or pond sides, rocks, decorations, ect.
[5] UV Sterilization will NOT make up for poor aquarium maintenance practices such as over crowding, over feeding, inadequate filtration, poor cleaning practices, improper water parameters, and more.
I have see loads on this but this is a great web page take a look
http://americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html
1 UV sterilization will not cure infected fish of bacterial or fungal diseases. A UV can aid in cure by killing bacterial pathogens in the water column and fungal spores, also by improvement of the Redox potential and general water quality.
[2] A UV sterilizer will not kill ich trophozoites already on the fish (but then medications don’t either), but UVC can again slow the spread of ich tomites in the water column (but usually not out right kill ich tomites).
[3] A UV sterilizer will not kill beneficial bacteria such aerobic bacteria, as this bacterium is effective when attached to a surface of high water flow such as the sponge of a sponge filter, not when in the water column. It is best to turn off a Sterilizer unit when introducing bacteria to seed a new aquarium.
[4] UV Sterilization will not remove or destroy algae growing on tank or pond sides, rocks, decorations, ect.
[5] UV Sterilization will NOT make up for poor aquarium maintenance practices such as over crowding, over feeding, inadequate filtration, poor cleaning practices, improper water parameters, and more.
I have see loads on this but this is a great web page take a look
http://americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html
stotty;653223; said:
Right on stotty. Actually UVs cause the water quality to degrade faster because it kills stuff and then it breaks down in the tank. UV + Water Changes = a healthy tank. For clean sides of the tank, get a 1 dollar algae pad or a Magna-Float. Both are great.
Post pics of your tank wizzin?
uv can only kill what is in the water which flows thru.......good or bad.
it doesnt not do this automatically............
The flow rate thru the unit and the wattage and the type of bulb all affect the results.
slower flow... higher uv exposure..better kill... less water treated.
old bulbs seem to be working however they do degrade with use and must be changed .
finally for a large tank you will need a large uv to be effective
see for example http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8998/cid/2204
max flow rates are much higher than you can actually use, as at max rates the uv exposure is not long enough !!!
sorry to be wordy..........get good advice before you buy ar you can waste alot of money....eg dont look at your lfs for units to handle 1000+ gallons....as always there are a few exceptions................
it doesnt not do this automatically............
The flow rate thru the unit and the wattage and the type of bulb all affect the results.
slower flow... higher uv exposure..better kill... less water treated.
old bulbs seem to be working however they do degrade with use and must be changed .
finally for a large tank you will need a large uv to be effective
see for example http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8998/cid/2204
max flow rates are much higher than you can actually use, as at max rates the uv exposure is not long enough !!!
sorry to be wordy..........get good advice before you buy ar you can waste alot of money....eg dont look at your lfs for units to handle 1000+ gallons....as always there are a few exceptions................
wizzin;653018; said:
Always go with an overrated UV system for your tank. Sometimes you can hook up a pond UV sterilizer if you have the money and space. Make sure you know how to clean it and change the bulbs every 7-8 months.
some pond units are rated for alage which is easier to kill than parasites etc...some read better than they work,,,,,
RadleyMiller;653829; said:
johnptc;654116; said:
You have to be carfull there some pond units are uv clarifier, not Uv sterilizer UV-Clarifiers are used to kill algae along with some disease organisms. The water flows through UV-Clarifiers faster than the UV-Sterilizers. UV-Sterilizers kill 99% of floating algae as well as other living organisms. Clarifiers work better for algae problems.