Will UV light kill cycle bacteria?

[Barry Tetra]

@Colin_T @Byron @essjay

 

[Colin_T]

An Ultra Violet (UV) steriliser will kill Cyanobacteria if the bacteria passes through the UV unit. However, a UV steriliser will not make any difference to blue green algae (Cyanobacteria) that is growing on rocks, plants or ornaments in water.

Ultra Violet light from the sun won't affect Cyanobacteria either unless the bacteria is left out in the sun to dry out. Then it's a combination of drying and UV light that kills it.

Having a UV light above the tank will not help kill Cyanobacteria in an aquarium but will contribute to people in the house, and the fish being more likely to develop cataracts and skin cancer.

 

[Barry Tetra]

An Ultra Violet (UV) steriliser will kill Cyanobacteria if the bacteria passes through the UV unit. However, a UV steriliser will not make any difference to blue green algae (Cyanobacteria) that is growing on rocks, plants or ornaments in water.

Ultra Violet light from the sun won't affect Cyanobacteria either unless the bacteria is left out in the sun to dry out. Then it's a combination of drying and UV light that kills it.

Having a UV light above the tank will not help kill Cyanobacteria in an aquarium but will contribute to people in the house, and the fish being more likely to develop cataracts and skin cancer.

So thats mean i shoudnt buy one. Thanks for the info Colin.

 

[Colin_T]

Sorry I read the title wrong. I thought it said '"Will UV light kill cyanobacteria?"

As for the beneficial filter bacteria, a UV steriliser will not affect them because they normally live in the filter media/ materials. However, a UV light above the tank will inhibit their growth and kill them if they are exposed to it.

There is no need for a UV steriliser on most aquariums, and you do not want a UV light globe on an aquarium.

 

[Barry Tetra]

Sorry I read the title wrong. I thought it said '"Will UV light kill cyanobacteria?"

As for the beneficial filter bacteria, a UV steriliser will not affect them because they normally live in the filter media/ materials. However, a UV light above the tank will inhibit their growth and kill them if they are exposed to it.

There is no need for a UV steriliser on most aquariums, and you do not want a UV light globe on an aquarium.

What concern me the most is they cause skin cancer.

 

[Essjay]

UV lights that are meant to kill 'bugs' in an aquarium are inside a tube. The water passes through the tube between the casing and the light so no fish or people are exposed to the UV rays.
Exposed UV light bulbs are harmful, never use those.