to UV or not to UV

[blue fin]

Ok.. looking for anyone who has used Uv lamps to rid themselves of green water or have heard of someone who has fixed this problem with the assistance of Uv lamps..anyone tried these lamps??
It's about time I had clear water, the 40% water changes, extra filters, nicely balanced water...it all doesn't mean squat if you still have cloudy water... it's getting on my last nerve if you couldn't tell....sorry about that....

[cocoa_pleco]

I plan on gettin one tomorrow. They kill all bacteria and parisites

[blue fin]

I plan on gettin one tomorrow. They kill all bacteria and parisites
Best price I've found so far is about 85 plus shipping.....that hurts..

[cocoa_pleco]

85?? My lfs has them for like 40$ for 10-20g, and 50$ for 33-55g

[blue fin]

85?? My lfs has them for like 40$ for 10-20g, and 50$ for 33-55g
I'm running 75 gallons.......

[cocoa_pleco]

I think they have 75's for about 80$

[blue fin]

I think they have 75's for about 80$
I suppose it couldn't hurt to look at the LFS to see if they have comparable $$ before ordering one...thanks

[cocoa_pleco]

And ordering online means the bulb may break on its way.

The bulbs need to be changes 2-3 times/year, and I guess it REALLY screws up your eyes if you look directly at the bulb when the U.V is on

[blue fin]

And ordering online means the bulb may break on its way.

The bulbs need to be changes 2-3 times/year, and I guess it REALLY screws up your eyes if you look directly at the bulb when the U.V is on
If it clears up this water it'll be worth it ( replacing the bulb I mean ) not the going blind part.....:thumb:

[blue fin]

Just checked Petsmart.. have theirs listed for 49.99 onlinie and they usually match pricing in the store.... that one is for 100 gal and it has it's own pump, just drop it in and plug into a power source.

[cocoa_pleco]

sounds good:ezpi_wink1:

[cocoa_pleco]

do u.v's clear cloudy water

[Sasquatch]

It depends on what causes the cloudy water. If it's particles, UV won't do much. If it's a bacterial bloom, it'll kill the bacteria. FYI, if it's a bloom due to cycling, it'll slow down the cycling process.

In my experience, UV is more of a preventative measure to limit bacterial and fungal problems. It should kill algae though, but for the price, it's usually cheaper to use other methods.

Chemicals that will coagulate the algae so you can filter them out or making sure that your nitrates and phosphates are low are usually better methods, and cheaper long term.

[jeffs99dime]

are you referring to a u.v. sterilizer?

[cocoa_pleco]

a u.v steriliser that kills parisites and bacteria like ich and worms