UV Help

[Joe32]

I have just been given a vecton 25w UV unit.The lamp probably could do with a change but that is not the issue.
I will be running a 110 US gal tank,when I get the cabinet rebuilt and altered,it will be freshwater tropical probably SA/amazonian setup,but not sure yet.
What benefits if any will I get by fitting this unit to my tank,I know they are a requirement for marine setup.
Also as I am running,or will be two Ehiem externals,would it be possible to connect the two returns to the tank via a Y piece and have both flowing through the UV unit.OK it would mean only one return to the unit unless I split them again on the other side of the UV.
Thanks in advance

 

[WeeNe858]

UV lighting isnt a requirement on a saltwater tank, its just a recommendation. and both types of systems can benifit from having a UV unit.


A UV unit kills any single cell objects, whether it be good or bad. most of the time its bad pathogens that float in the water colum and then come into contact with the light, and essentially explode. howerever when setting up a tank or establishing a tank, the temporaraly free floating benificial bacteria will also enter the sterilizer and die. this also kills algae to prevent green water and an array of bacteria, viruses, and fungus.


but you say you havent set up the tank yet..... so i recommened hooking up the unit but not running it until your tank is well established (or you can just hold off on the install all together)

 

[Joe32]

OK I stand corrected I thought they were a requirment in a marine setup.
Thanks for the advice regarding the UV,I can see the benefits of having a UV running as a means to preventing algae and other nasties that are not wanted in a tank.
When you say it would be better not to use until the tank is well established as I may well kill off some good bacteria.How long would you suggest before running the UV unit?

 

[TEL]

UV are great but I would only put it inline with 1 filter because the 2 filters would push the water to fast for the uv to do its job properly and if one pump stops it will be back flushed by the other one.