[APD] UV sterilizer

[Paul Krombholz <krombhol at teclink_net>]

*	From: "Lorenzo Rota" <lorenzo1961 at hotmail_com>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Regarding UV sterilizers....I have one on my tank....but wonder how 
> useful it really is in a planted tank as I read in several places 
> and postings that UV will inactivate Fe and other nutrients in 
> planted tank. Whats peoples experience with this? If its true...then 
> it makes UV sorta useless for planted tanks...as you cant run it if 
> you are trying to maintain proper fert levels...and so you really 
> cant use it for preventing outbreaks.
It is thought that the ultraviolet light would break down the 
chelating agent that binds the iron and holds it in solution.  I 
don't know if anyone has actually made tests to see if this really 
happens.  Other than that, the UV should not harm or chemically 
change any of the other nutrients. 

If you have a green water outbreak that won't go away, set up the UV 
apparatus and let it run for a few weeks until the water is as clear 
as it is going to get.  It takes a day or two before the clearing 
begins, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't get better the first 
day.  Rooted plants should be able to get their iron from the 
substrate.  Only floating plants might get iron deficiency _IF_ the 
UV has actually destroyed the chelating agent resulting in the 
precipitation of the formerly chelated iron.  I have, by chance, only 
used a UV filter in tanks that had all rooted plants, and they were 
not bothered at all.
--
Paul Krombholz, in sunny, cool, central Mississippi.
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