What does UV light actually do???

[joestoys]

does UV light help planted tank to promote growth?? what about the fish... harmful to the fins??? is it the same as the sun UV light??? cos I have a UV bulb at home ... thinking of using it???

any one try this before.

[loupgarou]

if you mean your standard black light bulbs, think there is no advantage and can cause harm to fish.

UV radiation is energetic and those UV filters are targetted to cause dna damage, that's how it killes waterborne bacteria and algae

[joestoys]

thanks for the info.. Oh it can kill waterborne bacteria and algae... so that means it will affect the eco enviroment of the tank....[]

cos I have been using it for the past week like an hour a day..... so far so good....

[Simon]

imo, it kills all waterborne things (exclusive of algae, bacteria, nutrients) dun to worry abt yr bio bacteria, coz most of them reside in yr filters.. but a few hours a day with keep green water away.. other algaes? dun think so.. use the proper housing of yr UV, UV can blind (thats what I heard)

[joestoys]

Thanks Simon, i use the bulb fit it to table lamp and shine at the front of the tank... most of the time at night like 8-9pm.... the bulb , i think it's only 20 watts... ... not so bright just get the purple hue...

what about the plants... good for them??? or no effect???

So can still continue to use

[Simon]

errrr... i dunno the effect it has on plants, but the normal uv filter is connected to the cannister filter and water is passed thru it

[CK Yeo]

Not say no effect on plants lah... sure got effect on plants... but is it beneficial or even necessary? the theory is that, the plant will try to protect itself from the UV damaging it, so it produces pigments... dunno how true it is, but I dun want to kill fish (or myself) to find out. It doesn't help the plant at all.

You can't kill all the algae in your tank with UV, but you can try bleach if you intend to maintain a sterile tank.

if you are refering to those UV lamps in filter, then you are courting trouble. UV can damage your retina.

[DEA]

like ck says
leave it alone
no point adding extra risk to yourself

[bclee]

Maybe your fishes will start getting a nice tan...[]

BC

[joestoys]

Thanks...... just them off just now...

[spilopterus]

Deh, UV light is not something to leave exposed like this. [:0] No good to leave out in the open where your eyes can be affected by it.

For more on UV light however, my webby has it.

Spilopterus Feesh Tanks

Go to the articles section, the list should drop down and you can find some of me experiences with UV light.

[loupgarou]

UV filters I believe are meant to be running 24 hours.

ozonisers on the other hand need only a few minutes a day.

I've been running one for 2 years already (change bulb every year), i have never had green water or ick.