Post by Carl on Aug 28, 2019 16:50:11 GMT -5
I have updated our very popular and research/experience based article about true UV Sterilizer use.
In the most recent update I updated the section about turnover and bulb change in response to some incorrect information by a popular Youtube channel (Bulk Reef Supply).
Here are a couple excerpts:
"For Algae Control on side of pond or on "live rock" in marine aquariums (not green water):
2.5 to 3 times per hour is generally all that is needed.
However often what would come out to six times per hour has been recommended by some with little professional experience and consultation.
It is noteworthy that this is often more than is necessary assuming a flow rate at a parasite level (see our flow table later in the article) AND assuming a truly established pond or seasoned live rock in a marine aquarium. What is missed is what has been demonstrated as "old rock" by some making this case is clearly NOT truly seasoned live rock which is very easy to spot.
Just as importantly, in a video I viewed on the subject, it appeared they were confusing flow rate with turnover.
BETTER is rather than spend more than is needed for an extra large or a couple of UVs just to battle some extra algae growth is to simply establish your marine aquarium with truly seasoned live rock and also practice some patience.
Ditto a pond, allow for maturing of the pond, add a Veggie Filter, use some Pond Stability and Enzymes and save your money in UV Sterilizer "overkill".
An example for a marine aquarium for algae control on live rock would be a Vecton 600 for a 60 gallon aquarium or a TMC 110 Advantage for a 500 gallon aquarium (where as 50 watts of Category A UV would normally be enough for a 500 gallon aquarium)."
AND
"Bulb: Check your UV Bulb/Lamp every month if possible.
More importantly; CHANGE your bulb every 6 months for aquariums, and also every 6 months for ponds in warm climates where there is no winter freeze.
While many non professionals will quote manufacturers that one year or 8000-9000 hours is when to change, this error is based on the "rated" lifespan" of the HO UV lamp/bulb. HOWEVER at 6 months the lamp is already at 75% of its UVC output and at one year it is at 50% of its original UVC output which is why I strongly recommend every six months."
Sadly in the second, this is common knowledge in the professional aquarium keeping industry, so for BRS to quote the lifespan of a UV bulb as when to change it really leaves me scratching my head as to how much they really know. Since I think these are smart guys, I have to think that they simply refuse to allow any mentoring and want to act as the only source of knowledge (just my opinion here though)
Carl
In the most recent update I updated the section about turnover and bulb change in response to some incorrect information by a popular Youtube channel (Bulk Reef Supply).
Here are a couple excerpts:
"For Algae Control on side of pond or on "live rock" in marine aquariums (not green water):
2.5 to 3 times per hour is generally all that is needed.
However often what would come out to six times per hour has been recommended by some with little professional experience and consultation.
It is noteworthy that this is often more than is necessary assuming a flow rate at a parasite level (see our flow table later in the article) AND assuming a truly established pond or seasoned live rock in a marine aquarium. What is missed is what has been demonstrated as "old rock" by some making this case is clearly NOT truly seasoned live rock which is very easy to spot.
Just as importantly, in a video I viewed on the subject, it appeared they were confusing flow rate with turnover.
BETTER is rather than spend more than is needed for an extra large or a couple of UVs just to battle some extra algae growth is to simply establish your marine aquarium with truly seasoned live rock and also practice some patience.
Ditto a pond, allow for maturing of the pond, add a Veggie Filter, use some Pond Stability and Enzymes and save your money in UV Sterilizer "overkill".
An example for a marine aquarium for algae control on live rock would be a Vecton 600 for a 60 gallon aquarium or a TMC 110 Advantage for a 500 gallon aquarium (where as 50 watts of Category A UV would normally be enough for a 500 gallon aquarium)."
AND
"Bulb: Check your UV Bulb/Lamp every month if possible.
More importantly; CHANGE your bulb every 6 months for aquariums, and also every 6 months for ponds in warm climates where there is no winter freeze.
While many non professionals will quote manufacturers that one year or 8000-9000 hours is when to change, this error is based on the "rated" lifespan" of the HO UV lamp/bulb. HOWEVER at 6 months the lamp is already at 75% of its UVC output and at one year it is at 50% of its original UVC output which is why I strongly recommend every six months."
Sadly in the second, this is common knowledge in the professional aquarium keeping industry, so for BRS to quote the lifespan of a UV bulb as when to change it really leaves me scratching my head as to how much they really know. Since I think these are smart guys, I have to think that they simply refuse to allow any mentoring and want to act as the only source of knowledge (just my opinion here though)
Carl