UV steriliser 24/7?

[skoom]

Dear all,

I would like to say how happy I am to have purchased a new uv steriliser. The water is now crystal clear. I have a few questions:

1. How many hours a day should I have the light on? Or should I leave it on 24/7?

2. Based on the above usage, how long am I looking at before I need to change the tube? Ranges I have been quoted vary from 6 months to 2 years.

Thanks.

skoom

[revkev]

I have a UV filter on my tank instructions say 24/7 replace light every season 12 months also turn off the UV when using medications.
Revkev

[DR.V]

I also have my UV 24/7 and replace the tubes every 8 months. You can have it for 2 years without replacing it but it will reduce the quality.

For treating sick fish, i remove the sick fish into a quarantine tank.

[Merrilyn]

UV on 24/7 on all my tanks. I replace all my globes after 6 months use.

[Proteus]

24/7

Because I use larger wattage UV units (36w) I will be changing tubes every 12 months (have it marked on my calender)

Every 6-18 months is the recommended period as to when you should change your tube. It also helps if you clean the quartz sleeve every 3-6 months as well.

HTH

[nicholas76]

keep it running 24/7


no point in turning it off and on.


handy hint for those looking into UV. Ensure that the replacment bulbs are easy to find and are cheap to get.

[premier]

run 24/7
a week ago i installed a 36watt uv steriliser on my 800 litre 7 foot tank, i run about 800 liters an hour thru it, wow what a difference overnight, i guess all the particles removed from the water are what dirties the quartz tube is it?

[Merrilyn]

Like all things in contact with tank water, a film can build up on the quartz tube, reducing the efficiency.

It's best to clean the tube each month.