Flexi answers - Does UV light kill beneficial bacteria in aquariums? (2024)

FAQs

Flexi answers - Does UV light kill beneficial bacteria in aquariums? ›

Flexi Says: Yes, UV light can kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria in aquariums. It does not discriminate between the two.

Using a UV sterilizer will not starve your reef aquarium or disrupt the biological foundation. Beneficial bacteria primarily exist on surfaces meaning it is not suspended where the UV sterilizer can kill them.

Unfortunately, chlorine and chloramine will not only harm aquarium fish but can affect the entire aquarium system. These chemicals also kill beneficial bacteria and impair biological filtration. As a result, a series of water quality problems, including harmful ammonia spikes, can ensue.

Yes. UV light is normally effective against all viruses, bacteria and protozoa. However, some microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia have protective or thick cell walls that some low power UV light systems are not able to penetrate.

By passing aquarium water near to the UV bulb, those organisms can be damaged or killed by the UV rays, resulting in aquarium water with reduced levels of free-floating algae and disease pathogens.

An aquarium UV steriliser should be switched on and running for 24 hours per day, every day. Exceptions would be setting the tank up before there are any fish in it, adding beneficial bacteria to the water, as UV light kills bacteria, or if you are using a medication that stipulates that UVs should be turned off.

Ultraviolet sterilization (UV) is a process to eliminate biological contamination, namely parasite fungus and bacteria. Two types are commercially available, both in tube size. Generally the one containing a wet bulb -at which the water passes directly past the UV bulb- is cheaper.

Studies conducted by researchers at John Hopkins University using UV light on “high touch” public spaces in hospitals such as bed rails, tray tables, and vitals monitors have revealed that it only takes 15 minutes for these objects to be disinfected using UV light.

UV disinfection has a shorter contact time when compared with other disinfectants (approximately 20 to 30 seconds with low-pressure lamps).

ROS production following blue (400–500nm) light illumination was found to be much higher than that of red (500–800nm) (see Fig. 4) which means that blue light is much more effective for killing bacteria.

What are the disadvantages of UV light in aquariums? ›

The light needs to be able to penetrate the water, so it will not be as effective in water that is murky or dirty. Along those lines, it also typically works better in freshwater tanks than saltwater tanks. Prolonged exposure to UV light may possibly damage fishes' retinas and may be harmful to embryos.

Submersible UV filters are placed directly in the aquarium and are ideal for smaller tanks. They're designed to operate underwater and can be placed anywhere in the aquarium.

If your pump pushes more water than the unit will handle, the water flows too quickly, not allowing enough time for the UV to kill the algae. If your pond is larger than the UV is rated for then it will usually still provide benefit in killing algae but not to the degree you usually want.

Prolonged exposure to UV light may possibly damage fishes' retinas and may be harmful to embryos.

Can an LED light kill germs and bacteria? No, absolutely not. Only a UV (ultraviolet) light of some size (not tiny or small LED lights) can kill bacteria, but it must be able to shine on all the bacteria within and on something to kill all of them.

Microorganisms (not only bacteria and archaea, but also eukaryotes) can resist both ultraviolet radiation and high doses of ionizing radiation¹.