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UVC Clarifier Usage Duration?

fishstyles

fishstyles

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Hey there, quick question. I have just purchased two UVC Clarifiers from Oase for my Oase canister filters and I am purely wondering how long am I supposed to keep them on for? I believe I read online 4 hours a day on a timer is fine but I also read something about 24/7.

Looking for other opinions. The tank has been running for about 2 years in case anyone was wondering it isn't a new setup.

c3615609-eb62-441a-bbaa-d12db16263f8.jpg
 
Why are you adding a UV steriliser to the tank?
What fish do you have?
 
If you are just interested in knocking back waterborne algae, I would time it to a minimum to save on bulb replacement costs. I've read that that they will also help reduce the incidence harmful parasites such as Ich, but if that is true, I'm not sure how long you should run to reduce the incidence and yet not burn thru bulbs at a higher than necessary rate.
 
Algae is likely caused by issues that should be addressed, luckily I've not had to fight it.
 
Colin_T said:
Why are you adding a UV steriliser to the tank?
What fish do you have?
Click to expand...
I have only added it purely so I could have the best water quality available and health for the fish. I'm aware it's not a must have. I don't have algae issues etc.

In terms of fish it's fresh water like tretra's, some barbs, cory's and clown loaches.
 
Here is the tank if anyone was interested.
 

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I use UV, its an internal GKM 24w

When first used it was on 24/7 for 7 days. Now its only on overnight.

Benefits that I find with them......calmer and less irritable fish, never had any of the usual or unusual illness or disease problems so often a problem with fish such as flashing or other telltale behaviour (especially new fish), no bothersome algae or bacterial bloom.

Now one could argue that fish do not come from sterile water....this is true.....but with so many fish coming onto the market in the LFS that are medicated to the gills and that harbour ICH and other contagions I would much rather deal with it before it strikes than after and since I will never use medications, the use of weekly water changes and 12 hours of UV has kept my fish illness and disease free for over 4 years. So whilst my fish are swimming around like lunatics, their colours are vivid and bright, they eat like horses and have none of the health issues so often associated with fish thesedays...I am happy to use my UV.
 
wasmewasntit said:
I use UV, its an internal GKM 24w

When first used it was on 24/7 for 7 days. Now its only on overnight.

Benefits that I find with them......calmer and less irritable fish, never had any of the usual or unusual illness or disease problems so often a problem with fish such as flashing or other telltale behaviour (especially new fish), no bothersome algae or bacterial bloom.

Now one could argue that fish do not come from sterile water....this is true.....but with so many fish coming onto the market in the LFS that are medicated to the gills and that harbour ICH and other contagions I would much rather deal with it before it strikes than after and since I will never use medications, the use of weekly water changes and 12 hours of UV has kept my fish illness and disease free for over 4 years. So whilst my fish are swimming around like lunatics, their colours are vivid and bright, they eat like horses and have none of the health issues so often associated with fish thesedays...I am happy to use my UV.
Click to expand...
Thank you for sharing your experience! Much appreciated. Seemingly the duration the UV is on would be personal preference then.
 
fishstyles said:
Thank you for sharing your experience! Much appreciated. Seemingly the duration the UV is on would be personal preference then.
Click to expand...
The longer you keep the UV switched on, shortens the life of the UV bulb

Most manufacturers will recommend 7 days at 24/7 and then place on 12 hours on/12 hours off to keep the water clean & clear of pathogens etc. The amount of time you have it turned on is entirely your choice but you also need to understand that the bulb will die sooner if kept on 24/7 always.

My units last an average of 18 to 24 months before needing a change of bulb......if used every day for 24 hours day in/day out that can potentially drop to 6 months.
 
wasmewasntit said:
The longer you keep the UV switched on, shortens the life of the UV bulb

Most manufacturers will recommend 7 days at 24/7 and then place on 12 hours on/12 hours off to keep the water clean & clear of pathogens etc. The amount of time you have it turned on is entirely your choice but you also need to understand that the bulb will die sooner if kept on 24/7 always.

My units last an average of 18 to 24 months before needing a change of bulb......if used every day for 24 hours day in/day out that can potentially drop to 6 months.
Click to expand...
Yeah I'm totally aware of the bulb life. Once again thank you for that! I think I'll adopt a similar method to you and see how it goes
 
Something I tend to do is when adding newly bought fish to an existing stock, I turn the UV on for 24 hours the day before arrival and for a few days after arrival/addition to my aquarium then back to 12/12.

I have done so every time I have added new fish and as yet...touch wood...I have not had need to quarantine new fish prior to adding the the existing horde nor have I had any nasty health issues from the new fish to existing ones.

Use of UV is entirely down to personal choice. As long as you understand the bulb life is affected by the length of time it is switched on and that using the UV absolutely does not mean you get out of doing weekly water changes and maintenance, then fine. UV is not a replacement to basic husbandry and care, its a helping hand to keep blooms and bugs at bay.
 
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