Time Duration to switch on UV

[Reginald Ho]

Hi guys, for a 3 ft tank running on a 1,000 l/hr canister filter, any advise on what is the optimal duration for switching on the UV? Thanks!

[Aquaculture]

I used to on mine 24/7.... was running it for over a year.

[dwgi32]

Hi bro,

do you mean the UV to kill off the algae?

[dcwk]

Mine is on 8 hours a day.

[Reginald Ho]

Thanks for the replies bros! Bro dwgi32, basically its the UV to kill the harmful bacterias and in the process eliminate algae growth. But i understand that if left on for too long, even the good bacteria that's been cultured, will be wiped out too.. i currently leave mine on for 6 hours a day given the water flow generated thru the canister filter. However, i still see hair algae growing on the leaves of some plants in my 2 months old, 3 ft tank. Hence was wondering if i should be leaving the UV on for a longer period of time..? Have dosed whatever supplements + base fert, so dun think its nutrition issue... hmm...

[o2bubble]

I on together with my lights due to lazy to get another timer. By right, the best way is to on for about 6-8 hours per day or every other day during lights off. This will prevent oxidization of micro nutrients. Or alternatively just on 24 hours during algae outbreak.

As for the hair algae, find and fix the cause. UV only cure the symptoms. Probably your co2 or some macro nutrient is not enough such the extra light cause algae to tap the excess nutrients which plants could not absorb due to limitation of co2 or shortage of some macro nutrients. Balance of lights, co2 and nutrients is the key to prevent alage by encouraging plant's growth.