As a hobbyist, UV-C filter is one of the most important and well sort after equipments. Do I really need a UV-C filter? Do you use it to prevent algae and disease? How does the UV filter work? Turn it on for 24/ 7 or do we need introduce a timer to control it? Ultra violet sterilization is an effective tool for disease prevention in aquariums and ponds.
There is different size UV-C filters in the market and they are meant to use according to the volume of water its serving. In general, the UV-C filter is meant to filter the floating algae and kill parasite in the water, may it be for an aquarium or a pond. The floating algae will cause the water to turn green with over expose to sunlight.
UV-C filter is a device allowing water flow through a powered high density germicidal lamp or bulb ranging from 5 watt to 55 watt. The water passes through the density bulb which emits ultra violet radiation killing these microscopic organisms and other parasites. The ‘C’ wavelength zaps these microscopic organisms targeting at their DNA, causing the death of the cell and preventing any replication possible. Does that mean beneficial bacterial are eliminated as well when they passed through the radiation chamber? Indeed yes, but not to a point to cause panic or alarm as majority beneficial bacterial dwelled in filter medias and very minimum afloat in water.
Does that mean UV-C harmful to us? UV-C is harmful only when it’s exposed. It is not a general issue for UV-C filter because the equipment is made of very heavy duty PVC constructions that resist UV-C degradation and shielded the radiation from exposure.
Is there a lifespan for the UV-C germicidal bulb? The truth is...Yes! Most of the bulbs have a lifespan of approximately 8000 hours, which is close to a year if you turn it on 24/7. A good estimated time to change it after 10 months to 12 months of usage.
