UV steriliser in Planted Tank

[Viper007]

Dear all,

While I was at Seaview the other day, I happen to speak to the staff there and they told me one of there successes in dealing with Algae was to install a UV steriliser into the system. They only do trimming and adding water into the tank (They told me they only top up water and no water change is needed with this). They say that after you install a UV you will have no algae (If your tank have no algae to begin with is even better) issue and also your fishes will last longer and your plant will have no effect too.

He told me to look at the tank to see for myself... (Actually was very nice Plant was healthy... Cardinal's are from large to jumbo size)

Looking at the UV I can tell it was installed there long time ago in fact all there display tank have one.

Nearly.... acted on impulse to get one at $80 plus (higher grade once) price starts from $30 plus to $100 plus...

But after searching this forum I do not really see much had been mention on this. And some even said that it destroy all the good BB too in the process also the fertilizer will be gone after the process but from what I see in seaview, how is that there fishes are doing so well and the plants are so beautiful.

My idea for getting it is a prevention purpose. Just wonder if any bro here are using it for a while can give some comments on it. Thanks

[Loopy]

Hi Viper - Check this link, I had it bookmarked:
http://www.emperoraquatics.com/whati...rilization.php

My chiller used to have a UV lamp. And yes I could see a difference using it in my previous 5FT tank and that was an heavy stocked fish tank not a planted tank. I never had algae issues in the tank - though the algae was in the OH.Filter.

The problem I have with people saying they do it a certain way is that it may not work for everyone else. If you are not changing water it all depends on the type of tank you have, heavily planted, some fish, a lot of fish, photo period, dosing, light etc. etc. Experiment a bit and see what works for you mate, and I am sure you will have beautiful tanks in no time. That's my 2 cents.

I change a mop-sized-bucket of water a week. Only because I have failed so many times to feel this works for my present tank.

[Viper007]

Thanks mate for the literature... really helpful.

[blue33]

UV is good for new setup tank, after 4mths onward, you may not need it anymore, provided you have lots of plant inside the tank. Very effective on green water, within few hours, all gone.

[Shadow]

There was discussion while ago, it was talking about UV light oxidize liquid fert. Not sure true or not, forgot what is the conclusion from the discussion. but it might be ok if you are using fertile substrate.

Anyway, UV light is effective in killing waterborne algae or its spore but not algae that already stick on your plant, wood or rock.

some info on UV oxidation
http://www.heraeus-noblelight.com/en...ash=ea8f1025a6

[kensk]

Last weekend, I also purchased a 11W UV light from Seaview for my overstocked 6 feet tank.
After 3 days I can see the effects already. Fishes are much livelier and eat more readily.
The water also becomes much clearer. Suddenly all the irritating floating particles are gone. Or is it my eyes?
Now the water clarity has reached the standard of the main 12 feet tank at Seaview.

1 side effect I've noticed is the tank evaporation rate is higher.

[Shadow]

is your tank planted tank? do you dose fertelizer?

[blue33]

Installing UV usually the temperature will raise abit, do not on 24/7, instead you on few hrs aday will do depending on your flow rate. If you have lots of plants, you do not need UV at all, all those clarity and etc... will be solve my the plants and good bb.

[Viper007]

Last weekend, I also purchased a 11W UV light from Seaview for my overstocked 6 feet tank.
After 3 days I can see the effects already. Fishes are much livelier and eat more readily.
The water also becomes much clearer. Suddenly all the irritating floating particles are gone. Or is it my eyes?
Now the water clarity has reached the standard of the main 12 feet tank at Seaview.

1 side effect I've noticed is the tank evaporation rate is higher.

Wow that is a positive comment on UV!!!! Thanks

There was discussion while ago, it was talking about UV light oxidize liquid fert. Not sure true or not, forgot what is the conclusion from the discussion. but it might be ok if you are using fertile substrate.

Anyway, UV light is effective in killing waterborne algae or its spore but not algae that already stick on your plant, wood or rock.

Thanks I have have read that too...

Installing UV usually the temperature will raise abit, do not on 24/7, instead you on few hrs aday will do depending on your flow rate. If you have lots of plants, you do not need UV at all, all those clarity and etc... will be solve my the plants and good bb.

Hi Blue33, so are you recommending it to be on timer?? Say one day on 10 hours??

[blue33]

Hi Blue33, so are you recommending it to be on timer?? Say one day on 10 hours??

When lights on, UV on, when lights off, UV off also, lighting period is where most algae and bacteria most active.

[Viper007]

When lights on, UV on, when lights off, UV off also, lighting period is where most algae and bacteria most active.

Wah like that... means my tank temp will hit to about 26+ degrees...

As i notice without lights on the temp is about 25.1... with lights on is at 25.5... still trying to achieved 24 plus without the use of chiller

Thanks blue33 I will try your this method!!!

[Shadow]

you home must be very cold, I'm will be lucky if can get 26 with fan mostly around 27

[Viper007]

you home must be very cold, I'm will be lucky if can get 26 with fan mostly around 27

Well you just need to put your tank far from the window and sun. As just now I happen to on the Aircon of my living room... wow after 3 hours my tank was at 22.8 Degrees nearly flip... as Cardinal's ideal temp is 24-30 degrees... so quickly of the aircon and open the windows to bring in warm air.

[craftsman]

Wah like that... means my tank temp will hit to about 26+ degrees...

As i notice without lights on the temp is about 25.1... with lights on is at 25.5... still trying to achieved 24 plus without the use of chiller

Thanks blue33 I will try your this method!!!

My office tank at constant 22 derees...

[blue33]

Well you just need to put your tank far from the window and sun. As just now I happen to on the Aircon of my living room... wow after 3 hours my tank was at 22.8 Degrees nearly flip... as Cardinal's ideal temp is 24-30 degrees... so quickly of the aircon and open the windows to bring in warm air.

Depending on your lighting also. If you use highlighting then the chances is the temperature would at least >26 onward even if you use fan.

[Viper007]

Depending on your lighting also. If you use highlighting then the chances is the temperature would at least >26 onward even if you use fan.

Well bro you said it my tank temp had raised by 0.5 degrees...



So far I have bought a 9W Atman from NA........ According to Mr. Chan he has been selling this brand for over a year and there was ZERO return compare to some other brands.

I am currently using it together with my lights and CO2. So far I can only notice that my Cardinal's are not as shy as before. Other then that I have yet to see anything.