UV lights

[Mike]

I thought of getting a UV light but do not know what brand and how much watt light is needed. My tank is 60cmx30cmx35cm. Went to NA and reccomended a 9 watt UV I did not see the brand but the packaging was purple box. Cost $68 and if use philip light is $88 which he recommended. How long to keep the lights on, same as the main light or 24hrs?

[tawauboy]

any reason for wanting a uv light?
if used in planted tanks, uv will oxidize the trace elements rendering them useless to plants.

[Mike]

So that to prevent algae, more of a preventive thing rather than cure. Will not switch on 24hrs. Will it oxidize the trace elements? Is it a very great extend or a little bit?? NA shop he also use UV lights, he told me he use it for his tanks. Of cos he is not the one who recommend me the need for UV light. Otherwise I will be suspicous too.

[bullosa]

I use UV sterilizer 9W twist type but only switches it on to control pathogenic problems. You can control algae other ways as UV will destroy liquid fert values. I much prefer UV treatment to other medicines if fishes are sick.

[tawauboy]

uv is not the magic bullet for algae. proper nutrient management is required for keeping algae under control.

you can install a uv but why waste the space and money on something that is seldom used. save the money for co2 refills.