UV

[Jonah2940]

How do all,

got my new UV today which I bought to help my tank get over the Brookynella outbreak that nearly made me cry.

I messed up a bit and ordered an external unit instead of an internal so due to lack of space I'm not going to be able to run it constantly.
How long should I run it for to ensure it has possibly killed any parasites etc?

I plan to run it whenever I introduce a new fish in the far future also.

Thanks.

[Scribble68]

imo a UV should run constantly to be efficient and effective, but if u really can't u should run it as long as possible as often as u can. The longer it runs the more effective it is. A good comparison would be to an air conditioner. Once it gets hot in the summer it is better to set the air at a temp and leave it so that it keeps the house cool and if u want to turn it up then it doesn't have to work as hard to get the temp down an extra few degrees. If not the house will get very hot and the AC unit will have to work very hard to get the temp down to the desired temp. and it will take much longer. idk if that makes sense to anyone but me, but thats how i c it.

[Jonah2940]

Thanks. Might Ebay my new one and buy an internal unit.

[Reefscape]

pm me if your interested in a second hand internal one

Niko

[Scribble68]

I'm a little confused, what do u mean by internal and external?? Also what size tank is it and how many watts is the UV u ordered?

[Reefscape]

Internal goes directly inside the aquarium, external fits in between that tanks pipework....

[Scribble68]

Ok, i thought that is what it ment, but i wasn't sure. I dont think i have ever seen an internal on before. What companies make them and do they only come in low wattages, because it seems like higher wattage units would be bulky for insode the tank. My 25W Current UV is like 25" long.

[Reefscape]

Scribbles..here is a link, they are UK based, but will give you an idea mate...Yes, they come in all wattage sizes...mine sits nicely in the sump...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FISH-R-FUN-24-WATT-INTERNAL-AQUARIUM-TANK-UV-STERILIZER_W0QQitemZ170111326744QQihZ007QQcategory Z46310QQtcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewI tem

Niko

[Scribble68]

Thats pretty cool, i've never seen any like that on this side of the pond. There are a few good external ones that don't take up much room also. Mine sits next to my sump in the stand and has lines running from the sump to the UV and from the UV back into the sump.

[Jonah2940]

Thats the type I've got at the moment Scribble. I haven't got a sump but looking to make my trickle filter compartment into a makeshift one so hopefully be able to do something with that.