Uv Steralizer Inhibits Growth Of Plants?

[walker001]

I got a UV sterilizer a few months back when I had a persistant problem with algae blooms. At the worst point, the water was like green soup and you couldn't see anything in it. Part of the problem was a mass die off of plants and a wee too much fertilizer. So, Sterilizer cleans things up in about 2 days. Water is crystal clear. I replant the tank, and the plants live, but don't grow and look lack-luster. Mostly turning yellow and looking very unhealthy.

Last weekend, when I was cleaning filters and changing water, I turned off the sterilizer and decided I would only use it when or if I needed it.

In the past few days, every plant in the tank has turned back to good healthy green and some have grown so much, I will have to trim them back. I was wondering if the steralizer might have been breaking down my liquid ferts and in effect helping to starve off my plants?

 

[Dubby]

Thats an interesting observation. My friend uses an UV sterilizer for his pond and that does not inhibit the growth of the plants.

I have never used a UV with a tank. Where is it fitted?

 

[George Farmer]

UV at certain wavelengths can render some micronutrients useless.

 

[walker001]

Hmm. That is intresting. I have to do some more research on the effects. I have it plumbed into the outflow from my Fluval filter. So, water is filtered, steralized, then back into the tank. Works great, no algae at all, but plants don't seem robust at all. With it off, plants perk up and turn from yellowish and weak looking to good green color and looking alot more "alive" instead of just hanging on. Of course algae starts to grow again, BUT, I actually like algae in some instances. On my driftwood, on the clay flower pots. It makes them look even more authentic. I like the algae on these. Its just the free floating green doom algae that I hate. So, I will have to do more research and keep a notebook on when I run the steralizer and when I dont and check plant growth.
Currently, I just run it for a few hours after I do the weekly water change to steralize the new addition and turn it back off. Add my ferts for the week. And let it be.

Walker