Are they the same

Is the UV light for a tank the same as one for a pond ? I was given a used one that was used for a pond and i want to put it on one of my tanks . How long does a UV light last ? It a 16W UV

 

The UV light will be just fine.
All it is is a very bright UV light with a tube running around it. The pond ones are just more durable to withstand the elements. As the light hits the water it kills both the good and bad bacteria. So it can be very helpful if you have frequent ich problems. If everything is going well i would not use it. Also when using them you want to push the water through very slowly. If to quickly the light will not have time to kill anything. I have my 25w going at about 2-3 gph.

 

JTREEF, would a UV light help with nuisance algae on glass? I mean i am clean the glass every day not just little spots i mean both sides and front every day!

levels
phosphate 0
cal 450
ammonia 0
nitrites 0
ph 8.2-8.3
sal 1.025
temp 76.9 -8.2
water RO/DI 20% water change every 2 weeks

might be the issue nitrates were at 180 4 weeks ago and was able to get it down to 20.

 

It can help kill some of the algae but not to much. I say increase your snail population. As far as the outside of your tank I believe you may need a de-humidafier Too much evaporation in the room.
However the pet store I help out at has the same issue. I remember hearing on a talkingreef podcast that newspaper actually does a great job on the outside of the tank. Not sure how but it cuts down on having to spray anything into the air which could get into your tank. I used mine for about 6 months and not since. I'm sure it is good to have on hand though. Maybe to connect to a medical tank before introducing anything into the show tank.

 

it will be the same in application. it will kill free floating parasites most of the time. yes even bacteria in the water column. but you know, you got a lot of these bacterias everywhere in your tank. so losing a few in the water column is a small penalty to losing those harmful free floating parasites.

 

You mean, the bulb? They recommend changing every 6 months. Btw GINNY, nice Spiderman 3 avatar.

 

You don't plan on using a uv light on a coral tank do ya?!!! Too much uv radiation will kill corals plus it is harmful to your eyes. That is why they make uv protective casing/glass for metal halides.

 

yeah thats right. you'd kill your corals doing that.

 

You can't run the bulb naked without any insulation or encasing!! You will not kill your coral by running UV sterilization. Run a well known brand though. ;D