A UV sterilizer should be used in an aquarium to save fish from bacteria, and other parasites. This includes overnight when you are asleep and the plants and fish in your tank are getting their rest as well. Most of the time, the period a UV sterilizer will run is usually indicated on the user manual. 55, 75, 90, 125, 150, 180, and up to 200 gallons. Just as the inside of your return line gets lined with slime and becomes opaque, the inside of the UV will do the same. 4. How long should it be on? That way the single uv sterilizer can kill bacteria and algae as well as parasites such as ick. Typically, a UV lamp being used primarily to disinfect the air circulating through a home or small office should be replaced every 9000 hours or approximately every 12 months. To clean a UV Sterilizer, you will have to be familiar with the inner workings of one. The quartz sleeve helps to insulate the bulb and maintain a high UV output. This sterilizer is extremely effective and it comes in two versions - a 15-watt version that treats up to 240gph and a 25-watt version that treats up to 760gph. If you operate it all the time, the water may become sterile and unable to support microscopic life such as beneficial bacteria. Now, with just the flick of a light switch your environment can be sanitized in as little as 15 minutes. 10 years ago. The pump is pulling the water from the sump and send it through the sterilizer and pushing it back into the main tank. The frequency of changing a UV lamp for effective indoor air quality improvement depends on how you are using the system. #6. As we have discussed, it will depend on different factors. Is a UV sterilizer worth it? How Long Do You Leave A UV Light On? Is there any bacteria that once I remove it, they will bloom again? How long should you run a UV sterilizer? Just a thought. it's a correct thought. of 40 W/cm2, it takes 12.5 minutes to reach the 30,000 J/cm2 found to inactivate spore forming organisms. . Your chosen UV sterilizer will have easy-to-follow guidelines for both setup and use. It might be overkill to run it 24/7 but some people do and in reefing everyone has success differently. Coralife Turbo-Twist UV Sterilizer 4. Undesirables include free floating algae spores, parasites and troublesome . This would be designed to reduce cloudy water from bacteria blooms, inhibit cyanobacteria, and stop the spread of nuisance algae. Effect of UV light exposure on different organisms The distance from the UV source was kept at eight feet and time of exposure was kept at 30 minutes. UV pond filter unit costs can range from $150 to $300 for a 1000-gallon pond and upwards of $500+ for some pond sizes. An aquarium UV steriliser should be switched on and running for 24 hours per day, every day. Lots of UV sterilizers have small LED UV bulbs, but the JJ Care UV sterilizer box has two powerful UV-C bulbs that operate at 253.7nm wavelength. First, the pump must be in good order, so you will have to keep your pump clean. How long after Dino's are gone should I keep the UV plumbed to the display? Honestly, the easiest method to beat dinos is to black out your tank for 72 hours. Well you could run them 24/7 but it severely reduces the lifespan of the bulb. When performed by an outside contractor, installation can cost as much as the unit itself. The unit is very sturdy with a robust corrosion-resistant and fully watertight plastic casing, and we think it will give you many years of trouble-free use. #6. arkmann;4344517; said: I have the UV connected to the output of my FX5. The unit makes a banging/clacking sound when I run water through it. How Long Should a UV Light be on in an Aquarium? Here are some times you might want to turn off your UV sterilizer for a while: A UV sterilizer should be run during the initial nitrogen cycle of your reef tank. An . The suspensions of How Do You Size An Aquarium UV Sterilizer? if you clean and run it filtered water you can run at least 12 month. The water flowing through a pond uv should be forced . What size UV clarifier to buy. An aquarium UV steriliser should be switched on and running for 24 hours per day, every day.Exceptions would be setting the tank up before there are any fish in it, adding beneficial bacteria to the water, as UV light kills bacteria, or if you are using a medication that stipulates that UVs should be turned off. This will depend on what is being sterilized and disinfected. The green light shows that the bulb is on but if its working, I don't know. UV sterilizers can be set up in a variety of configurations, be it stand-alone or housed inside a canister . Should I use a UV sterilizer in aquarium? It is not the lamp -- the sound happens whether the lamp is in or out. It is an efficient, durable, and reliable device that can keep your stuff germ-free. 2. Exceptions would be setting the tank up before there are any fish in it, adding beneficial bacteria to the water, as UV light kills bacteria, or if you are using a medication that stipulates that UVs . The data shows that a reef tank should run a sterilizer in the 30k-45k range (these numbers define the exposure of the water) because if run at higher exposure the micro organisms needed by corals will be zapped. UV sterilizers should generally be run 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Bacteria and especially protozoans require more UV exposure. How long should I run my UV sterilizer for after it has done its job. Table of Contentsshow 1. You will need to make sure it is turned off from time to time, though. For example, if you use a UV lamp held within 1 inch above a petri dish grown with E. coli, it will only take 1-2 min to show a complete sterilization. From 55 to 200+ Gallons and larger ponds. Posted June 5, 2018. Mar 12, 2007 I would leave it on 27/7 until the water is clear. I don't think there is one answer to how long. Exceptions would be setting the tank up . It is around 90% gone at this point, but plan on plumbing it to my return once Dinos are gone. In order to give your fish and your live plants the lighting that they require, you should only have your aquarium lights on for 10-12 hours a day. 1 For sterilizing surgical instruments in a medium UV box, it might take 5-10 min. An aquarium UV steriliser should be switched on and running for 24 hours per day, every day. Installing a UV sterilizer in your tank is relatively straightforward, but there are some steps to take to ensure it functions properly and provides the best results possible. You still need a filter along with it. UV Sterilizers need sufficient dwell time for the light to do its work. 1. Exceptions would be setting the tank up before there are any fish in it, adding beneficial bacteria to the water, as UV light kills bacteria, or if you are using a medication that stipulates that UVs should be turned off. . 48-72 hours at a time 0 LoganBryant Feb 9, 2021 #5 Yes if it's of sufficient wattage and properly designed and configured with regard to tank volume and flow rate. For sterilizing an 8-foot biosafety cabinet in a lab, a common recommendation is 30 min. In order to cultivate a healthy and thriving reef tank environment you need to do your best to . This will affect its ability to do its job. Dec 1, 2015. All you need is to give the UV more time and carry out about 50% water change. If you have a seperate filter the UV should always be positioned before the filter. 55 to 90 Gallons. The lamp produces light with a wavelength of about 254 nanometers. Determine the Best Location First, you'll need to figure out where in your tank the UV sterilizer will do its best work. The Best UV Sterilizers 1. The germicidal UV-C lamps have a useful average life of 5,000 to 9,000 hours. Should I run my UV sterilizer all the time? I'm also way under recommend flow rates --- around . AQUA UV Advantage 2000+. 3. An aquarium UV steriliser should be switched on and running for 24 hours per day, every day. Fluval UV Clarifier 2. How long should I run my UV sterilizer for after it has done its job. Can you alternate flow through UV sterilizer? Ocala, FL. For sterilizing surgical instruments in a medium UV box, it might take 5-10 min. If dinos are still present repeat after one full light cycle (24 hours). After understanding the basics of a UV sterilizer, the question that seems unanswered is, how long to run a UV sterilizer aquarium? As far as I am aware, there in not an on/off switch for the UV light as it comes on when the filter is on and off when the filter is off. Water sterilization and control of parasitic outbreaks in freshwater fish tanks and ponds. #4. Question 2 - The FX6 has 1" ID hose and I want to use the Aqua UV in line. How long should you run UV sterilizer aquarium? It comes equipped with a safety sensor which automatically switches off the device upon detecting human presence. reply. It is not overkill to have a UV sterilizer as an optional tool and I'm really glad to see IM has made one just for their tanks. If money is no option, the Lifegard Aquatics QL UV Water Sterilizer is a great option. They are replaceable, but also promise 20,000 . The most common rate of flow for reducing bacteria and algae using a UV is 3x - 4.5x total tank volume per hour. In many cases off the shelf cheapies are good only as clarifiers (algae control). So, that brings me to the FX 4, 5 & 6 community. Exceptions would be setting the tank up before there are any fish in it, adding beneficial bacteria to the water, as UV light kills bacteria, or if you are using a medication that stipulates that UVs should be turned off. You may do well to operate it only when it is necessary to solve a specific problem like an algae bloom. How long should you run a UV sterilizer reef tank? alternate flow through uv sterilizer For example 12 hours at 400 gph and 12 hours 2400 gph for a 600g system. Please let me know why it may not work if so. It starts working best at a temperature of 104 - 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Close. Do UV Sterilizers Require Maintenance? My lights are on although I minimized it from 10 to 6 hours. My question is for the initial. For people with respiratory conditions or other . Posted by 2 hours ago. An aquarium UV sterilizer should be turned on and working 24 hours a day, every day. What We Like: . Can I reduce the line from 1" to 3/4". So from now off on in this article, we'll be referring to these UV pond filters as . houseofcards Premium Member However, there are times that you may want to turn off your sterilizer. Exceptions would be setting the tank up before there are any fish in it, adding beneficial bacteria to the water, as UV light kills bacteria, or if you are using a medication that stipulates that UVs should be turned off. Cost to run UV/ per day: Cost to run UV per year (365 days) 5 watts: $0.25 per kWh: 3 cents per day: $10.95 per year: 5 watts: $0.15 per kWh: 1.8 cents per day: $6.57 per year: 20 watts: The time it takes for the UV sterilizer to work will depend on the size and complexity of the aquarium and the number of bacteria, fungus, and other microorganisms that are present. Location. Anything less than 20 watts is practically a joke. The E.coli inoculated plates were exposed to UV light at a xed distance of eight feet and time of exposure varied from 5 minutes to 40 minutes at an increment of 5 minutes each. Mar 3, 2015. It is suitable for tanks up to 75 gallons in size and can be used in freshwater setups, saltwater setups and even ponds. UV blubs are really depend on what brand you're using, based on 24/7, some 6~8 months, some can last 1 1/2, and usually 1 year will be suggested by most suppliers. Exceptions would be setting the tank up before there are any fish in it, adding beneficial bacteria to the water, as UV light kills bacteria, or if you are using a medication that stipulates that UVs should be turned off. On my local forum the members were all discussing how they love having a UV sterilizer. The SunSun UV sterilizer is a fully submersible unit that helps to control algae levels and harmful microorganisms in the aquarium. For example 12 hours at 400 gph and 12 hours 2400 gph for a 600g system. A UV sterilizer only takes 24 to 48 hours to clear green water. 9 years ago. The more cooling temperature results in less output, while the hot temperature works best. From the research I have done, having them turned on for a day or two the first time you set it up is sufficient and then a few hours a day or as necessary after that. It only kills the free floating algae, and is usually called a 'clarifier' or a 'sterilizer'. An aquarium uv steriliser should be switched on and running for 24 hours per day , every day. So running your UV 24/7 at a high flow rate is ideal for reefs. Technically, a 'uv filter' is not a filter, because it doesn't physically remove the dead clumps from the pond. reply #3 nyleve 5 years ago Turn off your lights, cover the tank (I use black trash bags - cloth still allows too much light to pass through), wait the 72 hours then uncover the tank. Should a UV sterilizer before or after filter? You can also purchase a lighting kit that has a built-in timer. I am running it with a Mag5 pump via a 1/2 hose intake and 3/4 hose output. You should also do some large water changes to remove the dead algae. " how long should a UV sterilizer be run to sterilize all the water in a body of water?" answer is formulaic: T=a(G/F) T= hours of sterilization G= net gallons in tank F= sterilization flowrate (in gallons per hour) a=purity coefficient ( how clear is the water) 100% of the water can NEVER be sterilized..