UV

Site last updated

23/8/2008 09:10

Online shop

Hundreds of products now available.

The WaterZoo

439 Lincoln Road

Millfield

Peterborough

PE1 2PE

U.K.

Tel. (01733) 312142

This site should be viewed at 1024X768

While Ultraviolet Sterilisers can be used on freshwater aquariums, but they are primarily used by marine hobbyists. These units are not to be confused with the UV clarifiers used on ponds. Aquarium units are far more powerful than those used for ponds. Using a pond unit on an aquarium will have virtually no effect on controlling disease.

The correctly sized ultraviolet light has a strong germicidal effect. It can destroy algae spores, bacteria, protozoa & other common waterborne diseases. These include Whitespot, Velvet & Fungus. It will also help to reduce algal growth.

UV’s work by having a thin layer of water passed over the UV lamp, this is protected from contact with the water by a quartz sleeve. This exposure kills organisms up to 20 microns in size.

Water should be pumped through the unit ideally with an external power filter, the entire aquarium volume around twice per hour. Ultraviolet sterilizers are only splash proof so should be housed away from the aquarium, for example in a cabinet. To maintain the efficiency of the UV the lamp should be replaced every six months. In hot weather UV sterilisers can contribute to overheating problems as much of the heat generated by the lamp will enter the water. In our experience it is not unusual for a UV to add one or two Celsius to the aquarium temperature. Switching them off for a few days in very hot weather can help prevent an aquarium from becoming dangerously warm.

We strongly recommended the use of UV on any marine fish only aquarium. A UV for an average aquarium will cost between £65.00 & £95.00, depending on the size you choose, if in doubt go for a larger one as you cannot overdose with UV. While installation of an Ultraviolet steriliser initially appears to be expensive. This expense is easily justified by the improvement in fish health and reduction in losses.

Ultraviolet sterilisers are extensively used on our own sales aquariums.

NEVER LOOK AT DIRECTLY AT AN ILLUMINATED UV LAMP