UV filters

**M0rph3us** · 18th Dec 2002, 01:26

hi allz...
im thinking of getting a UV filter for my tank.. and got a few questions before i go and get it

1)is it really necessary??
2)how do i use it? when? how frequent(24hours?)? i heard it will remove nutrients we add in..
3)im thinking of getting a 2nd hand one.. is it adviseable? or shld i get a new one?
thanks[

]

**David** · 18th Dec 2002, 01:40

Morph3us

A UV filter is an optional equipment and not a must have....its usage is quite simple...the UV filter acts as a prevent measure against certain nasties and algae bloom. If this is to be achieve, it has to be on 24/7 and depending on your tank size, an average 4ft tank needs at least a 11 watts UVPL tube which needs to be changed every 1 year and at a whooping 50 bucks a pop....as for you liquid fert,...yes it will destroy elements need for your tank.

if you are sure that you want to buy, ensure that it is a dry bulb external configuration...this means the there is a glass canister enclosing the UVPL tube. Bulb needs to be changed so you need to consider the cost of UVPL tube replacement....when testing NEVER LOOK AT THE UVPL TUBE DIRECTLY AS IT WILL DAMAGE YOUR EYES.

**vinz** · 18th Dec 2002, 01:51

1) No, IMO. I'm planning to use it only because my arowana got injured but it seems he's doing fine now.

2) Not sure, I've never used one before. But while pondering about my plan to use one, I figured the best is to run it for the few hours before your regular fertiliser dosing.

3) If you do, make sure you check the tube inside and the glass piece that separates the water and the UV tube for breakage. Also test that it works.

**loupgarou** · 18th Dec 2002, 02:03

run it 24 hours.

start/stop probably does more damage to the bulb. replacement for bulbs should be done 6mthly (probably more, you know how this manufacturers are..)

**eprouve** · 18th Dec 2002, 02:50

Frankly, I'd suggest going to NA and having a chat with Chan about it. He has these UV things hooked up to every one of his show tanks. Not sure if they are on 24/7 though. Best advise will come from the expert himself!

**Allen_1971** · 18th Dec 2002, 09:21

Morpheus,

1) No it is not necessary
2) It should be on 24/7 to be really effective. As for removing nutrients, I'm no expert, what I read is that some nutrients may get oxidised to a less usable state, or that the light may break the chemical bonds between the nutirents (say iron) and their respective chelates.
3) Second hand is fine, though you would need to change the bulb. Unless u know for sure its new.

**Blades** · 18th Dec 2002, 10:15

Spoke with some guys in Pet Safari and this is what they recommended:

1st Month : run it 24/7
2nd Month : 6 hours daily after co2 &amp; lights are off at nite
3rd Month onwards : 4 hours daily after dark.

Fert if added should be added early in the morning after UV are switched off.

so i guess i will follow what they do.

**David** · 18th Dec 2002, 17:09

hi vinz

do you want to borrow a UV filter? I got afew hanging around...if you need it give me a buzz... Lou..dont need to change every 6 months...most commonly sold UVPL for aquarium and medical is from philips. Its effective for 8000hrs....as i remember it.

**M0rph3us** · 18th Dec 2002, 17:33

do any of u know the price of a uv filter? need it for my 2.5ft tank..

**vinz** · 18th Dec 2002, 19:09

David,

Thanks, but I think it's ok. The severe rays dropped off last night and the stubs are healing. I'll call you if I need one.

**David** · 18th Dec 2002, 22:47

Morph, a 11 watts dry bulb configuration should be around 160 to 180...try to stick to the holland brand or the JBL ones...I have seen the Rena ones but not really impressive.

anytime vinz......if you need it let me know.....

**DEA** · 19th Dec 2002, 05:24

----------------
On 12/18/2002 10:15:44 AM

Spoke with some guys in Pet Safari and this is what they recommended:

1st Month : run it 24/7
2nd Month : 6 hours daily after co2 &amp;amp;amp; lights are off at nite
3rd Month onwards : 4 hours daily after dark.

Fert if added should be added early in the morning after UV are switched off.

so i guess i will follow what they do.
----------------

i don't see any scientific basis for what they said
the idea behind a uv steriliser is for continuous killing of organisms in the water
what's the idea behind lowering the duration?
and after dark, no less

secondly, iirc tom barr did some tests and verified his results with some professor in a university in the US
the degradation of trace elements due to uv is near negligible

**Allen_1971** · 19th Dec 2002, 09:46

----------------
On 12/19/2002 5:24:06 AM

secondly, iirc tom barr did some tests and verified his results with some professor in a university in the US
the degradation of trace elements due to uv is near negligible
----------------

Yimin,

do you have the link for this? I would like to read it.

**DEA** · 20th Dec 2002, 02:51

allen, it's SOMEWHERE in the APD archives
good luck trying to find it

i can never find something i read in there

**Blades** · 20th Dec 2002, 09:37

DEA , so whats your recommendation? turn it on 24/7 to help control bacteria and algae?

I am inclined to do just that.

**DEA** · 20th Dec 2002, 17:42

MY own personal recommendation?
don't use them hitech finicky toys [

]
but if you already bought it, might as well leave it on 24/7

**David** · 20th Dec 2002, 18:05

blades...yes leave it on 24/7 if that is what you want to control...but remember its not full proof....i got three of them now sitting around collecting dust.

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