| UV
Sterilization is the safest
method of preventing and eliminating
problems in an aquarium, or
pond. UV will not kill a parasite
on the fish, but parasites
go through a free floating
stage, at which point they
are eliminated. Additionally,
corals and fish can and do
carry bacteria which can infect
and spread throughout the
tank, killing other inhabitants.
The initial thinking on
reef tanks was to avoid
UV, to keep plankton alive.
However, with the skimmers
and pumps used on aquariums
the plankton population
in the water column is virtually
non existent. You can use
a UV continuously (recommended)
or just keep one at the
ready, in the event of an
outbreak.
Points to ponder about
UV Sterilization
- Most effective when
run 24/7.
- Most effective if the
water is clear.
- Most effective if bulb
is new, or replaced regularly
(at least every 6-8 months).
- Most effective if the
UV light penetrates less
than one inch of water.
- Effectiveness can be
hindered if the water
passes to fast past the
bulb. Most effective if
the exposure time of the
water to the UV light
is longer than one second.
- The effectiveness of
UV light can be hindered
if there is light blockage,
i.e. a salt encrusted
bulb.
- It can help to prevent
future water borne pathogen
reoccurrences, once the
initial problem as been
completely eradicated
from the aquarium.
- UV light not only kills
unwanted organisms, but
beneficial ones as well.
- Because it can destroy
beneficial microscopic
organisms that some reef
tank inhabitants may depend
on as a food source, UV
light should not be run
during feeding time.
- It only destroys organisms
that are free floating
IN the water as it passes
by the UV light, i.e.
it will NOT get rid of
an ich infestation that
is already ON fish, or
cure a bacterial disease
fish may have.
- Should never be run
when treating with any
drugs or medications.
- UV can also alter the
structure of some dissolved
chemical compounds.
- UV light can be damaging
to the human eye, so DO
NOT look into the bulb.
- Always unplug the unit
when working on it to
prevent possible shock
if it breaks or gets wet.
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