UV - 24 hours or timer?

[panic]

I just setup a 40w UV on my new 180bb. How long do I run it? Always - 12 hours - ?

 

[samsfishnchips]

panic 24/7, turning it off harms the bulb,

oh and this should be posted in "Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment"

sam

 

[29reef]

Hmm why does turning a uv bulb off harm the bulb?

 

[panic]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7189697#post7189697 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nunez1980
panic 24/7, turning it off harms the bulb,

oh and this should be posted in "Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment"

sam

I thought about posting over there, but I have 95% sps and bought the UV for them. I was wondering if it was on all the time, wouldn't I have a high ph? And why is it bad for the bulb? The bulb is only good for 8-12 mo according to the mfg.

 

[Wiskey]

Due to temp issues I can't run mine 24/7, but I would really like too.

I think he is saying that it is bad for the bulb because starting is the hardest thing on the bulb. The same goes for MH and regular floressents, PC and T5, if this is not the case please fill us in.

Whiskey

 

[Bryan89]

Why would a UV bulb have an affect of pH? Am i missing something?

It is easier on a bulb to stay lit than it is to cycle on and off. Think of it this way: your normal home lights could last for months if lit continually but could burn out in half an hour if you cycled them on and off every 2 seconds.

I run my 120W UV 24/7.

Bryan

 

[samsfishnchips]

panic,

uv won't change ph, only thing it will do is kill certain things based on radiation (slower flow = more radiaton) ect.

and above statements is my understanding too, good luck on your setup,

sam

 

[panic]

Thanks for the input, I'll leave it on to save bulb life.

As far as the ph issue, my ph will drop .2 when the lights go out if I don't run a reverse photo on the system. I am running my prop system totally separate now, so I will no longer have a reverse on the display system with the UV.