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.
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.
Source:
http://www.champkoi.com/products.php?res=UV
1 comments:
I didn't realize that UV rays could actually sterilize a pond so that koi could live in it. Does that mean that sun dried fruit is sterilized? Just wondering.
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