9 replies to this topic

[Alex Hill]

So I have had a bit more algae growing in my tank than usual, I put it down to the summer hours and more sunlight seeping through the cracks in the blinds, but while I was cleaning my canister pipes today I thought I would check the UV globe. The problem is, I dont know what is normal. The tube has a slight brown tinge to it which it didnt when new, I assume this is just part of the ageing process, but when I turn the globe on (and look through sunglasses of course) I see these little beads of light. Is this normal, or should it be one continuous "flow" of light?


Click the image to see a video of the light and the "beads"

Also, I have the entire flow from my canister going through the unit (Aqua One CF1200, apparently up to 1100L/h, but head height of about 1.2m, so less than that I am sure) and the unit rated at 24W. Would it be better to T off my canister output and only have half the flow rate through the canister?

[slink]

How old is the globe?

[Alex Hill]

Just checked my receipt - 10 months to the day. They should last about 12 months from what I understand?

[slink]

6-12 months is good I change mine every 6

[Alex Hill]

For $8 I have a new one on order. Even if it was only just starting to deteriorate, coming into summer I think I need full power.

What about the flow rate, should I consider slowing the flow through the unit?

[slink]

What uv unit is it? How much flow do you have through it ATM?

[Alex Hill]

Boyu 24W unit. The filter is rated to 1100L/h, but I would expect the flow to be a bit less than that.

[Terry]

The Uv has nothing to do with the algae in your tank, it only has an effect on the particles that flow past the light.
It's not a good idea to look at the light even with sunglasses on.

Edited by Terry, 27 December 2012 - 09:04 PM.

[Alex Hill]

I understand that and know that it wont eliminate the algae, but it will help remove the suspended particles of algae right?

[slink]

How I understand it the uv damages the algae cells and clumps them together so then your filter can remove it. So you are on the right track