[Wet Thumb Forum]-UV Sterilizer For Planted Tank?

[Tonka]

Day 6, after planting my new 120 gal, I noticed what George Booth refers to as "fuzz algae" - 2-3mm threads of algae evenly distributed on the acrylic surfaces. In response, I implemented my multiphased algae minimization program of 13 otoclincus, Phosguard (in-line with canister filter), and 18W UV sterilizer.

After 24 hours, the algae seems to not to have increased, but I have heard that the UV light is not suitable for plante tanks since it breaks down trace nutrients. I have also heard that iron gluconate is very stable. Is it (and the other ingredients in Fluorish) sufficiently stable to withstand this punishment? Does anyone have experience in using UV sterilizers in planted tanks on a routine (when there is no green water) basis?

120g, 3.2W/g, pH 6.6, GH 9, KH 2, 80deg, CO2

[Tonka]

Day 6, after planting my new 120 gal, I noticed what George Booth refers to as "fuzz algae" - 2-3mm threads of algae evenly distributed on the acrylic surfaces. In response, I implemented my multiphased algae minimization program of 13 otoclincus, Phosguard (in-line with canister filter), and 18W UV sterilizer.

After 24 hours, the algae seems to not to have increased, but I have heard that the UV light is not suitable for plante tanks since it breaks down trace nutrients. I have also heard that iron gluconate is very stable. Is it (and the other ingredients in Fluorish) sufficiently stable to withstand this punishment? Does anyone have experience in using UV sterilizers in planted tanks on a routine (when there is no green water) basis?

120g, 3.2W/g, pH 6.6, GH 9, KH 2, 80deg, CO2

[JamesHoftiezer]

I've been running mine for 18 months. As you can see from pictures I've never had a discernable issue with nutrients. I've also never had a casual algae or disease outbreak. The few times I've had algae it wa salways tied to complete rebuilds where I destabilized the entire ecosystem.

If I ever rememeber to, I am going to put it on a timer one of these days, just to save the bulb. I'll run it 2 days of the week, but I've been saying that for 17 months.

[Aqua Dave]

Been running my sterilizer since I set-up my 150 gal at the beginning of the year. No apparent issues.

You can still have algae outbreaks since only water bourne algae will get killed. Stuff that grows on the plants and substrate isn't affected. I currently have an algae problem due to a nutrient imbalance and detritis build-up.

Never had a green water problem though.

David