Does uv sterilizer oxidize trace elements?

[o2bubble]

Hi all, any advise? Currently I'm using it during lights on period (7 hours/day). Saw some feedbacks/comments on internet that UV will oxidize trace elements like iron...

[o2bubble]

An article I came across:

Wayne Martin <wamartin at sympatico_ca> wrote:

I am curious about the Fe levels. I read from a Collins and Sears paper on PMDD that the Fe level will eventually stabilize.

> Do you think that with such a saturation of light and CO2 at 15-18ppm that the Fe level will ever stabilize?> I also saw a reference to a UV sterilizer. It was suggested by Mr. Collins or Mr. Sears that they used less> PMDD when the UV was turned off. Is it possible that the UV light is putting some energy into the trace elements> and turning them into a less available form of trace element?

I run a sterilizer as well, and I'm seeing the same thing. Add traces,and I get an Fe reading and, a few hours later, I read zero again.

I came across a suggestion some months ago (sorry, I can't remember where)that the UV is responsible. UV destroys the chelating agents in thetrace mix, so the iron atoms are no longer surrounded by a protective shell.That allows the oxygen in the water to oxidize the iron and turn it intoFe3+, which plants can't use (they want Fe2+ instead).

I just did a quick browse on the web and came across this link, whichsupports this idea:
http://www.clemson.edu/hort/sctop/bsec/bsec-04.htm

Cheers,

Michi.

[zenscape]

I heard about this theory too.

I ran a UV to combat green dust algae previously. After i overcame GDA, I left the UV alone as I was too lazy to dismantle it

I dose TMG trace heavily for this tank as it has high intensity lights and Co2 on the high side, together with UV running and so far, there is not sign of iron deficency in this tank and in fact the colour is vibrant and I am happy

Below are the plants in the tank:



A note of caution:- Not many hobbysists can accurately measure Fe as we need highly sophiscated equipments and surely not those on sale at LFS.

Just enjoy this hobby and dont think so much

[o2bubble]

Maybe I'm thinking too much. I'm ok with the colors of my plants now with ADA fert and after switching to MH. But was thinking if I switch off the uv, could I dose less fertilisers to acheive the same effect? Also, I'm going to switch to use Dennerle V30 and E15 which requires dosing only every 1 or 2 weeks. If UV will indeed oxidise trace elements in particular iron, then all these ferts will go to waste.. I think most likely I will try to switch off and see how it goes first...