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POACHING
It may be illegal and in violation because:
Conservation and wildlife management laws. Violations of hunting laws and regulations are normally punishable by law and, collectively, such violations are known as poaching.in season; usually the breeding season is declared as the closed season when wildlife species are protected by law. permit. baiting a field while hunting quail or other animals, using spotlights to stun or paralyze deer, or hunting from a moving vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft). Endangered Species Act for the USA or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and similar laws/treaties. cattle rustling"), not poaching. is the illegal taking of wild plants or animals contrary to local and international
Poaching is the illegal taking of wild plants or animals contrary to local and international laws. Violations of hunting laws and regulations are normally punishable by law and, collectively, such violations are known as poaching.
Possession of stolen goods - Corals collected Illegal
In the U.S. and most other countries, if the individual knew the goods were stolen then it is usually prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on value of stolen goods. If an individual knows about themselves having possession of stolen goods from another state, then, according to numerous federal laws, it is prosecuted as a federal crime. If the individual didn't know the goods were stolen, then the goods are returned to the owner and the individual is not prosecuted. Though there are often exceptions, because it is not easy to prove or disprove simple knowledge.
The poacher does not possess a valid license
The poacher is illegally selling the animal or animal parts or plant for a profit. (THIS INCLUDES CRAIG'S LIST OR E-BAY)
The animal is being hunted outside of legal hours.
The hunter used an illegal weapon for that animal.
The animal or plant is on restricted land.
The right to hunt this animal is claimed by somebody.
The type of bait is inhumane. (food unsuitable for an animal's health, i.e. peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, spaghetti, etc.)
The means used are illegal (for example, baiting a field while hunting quail or other animals, using spotlights to stun or paralyze deer, or hunting from a moving vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft).
The animal or plant is protected by law or that it has been listed as extinct or endangered
The animal or plant has been tagged by a researcher.
Note that only wild animals can be poached. Stealing or killing domestic animals is considered to be theft ("Possession of stolen goods)
possession
n. 1) any article, object, asset or property which one owns, occupies, holds or has under control. 2) the act of owning, occupying, holding or having under control an article, object, asset or property. "Constructive possession" involves property which is not immediately held, but which one has the right to hold and the means to get (such as a key to a storeroom or safe deposit box). "Criminal possession" is the holding of property which it is illegal to possess such as controlled narcotics, stolen goods or liquor by a juvenile. The old adage "possession is nine-tenths of the law" is a rule of force and not of law, since ownership requires the right to possess as well as actual or constructive possession.
possess
v. to own, have title to, occupy, physically hold or have under exclusive control.
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CHEMICAL
Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde solutions (also used as fixatives) are accepted liquid sterilizing agents, provided that the immersion time is sufficiently long. To kill all spores in a clear liquid can take up to 12 hours with glutaraldehyde and even longer with formaldehyde. The presence of solid particles may lengthen the required period or render the treatment ineffective. Sterilization of blocks of tissue can take much longer, due to the time required for the fixative to penetrate. Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde are volatile, and toxic by both skin contact and inhalation. Glutaraldehyde has a short shelf life (<2 weeks), and is expensive. Formaldehyde is less expensive and has a much longer shelf life if some methanol is added to inhibit polymerization to paraformaldehyde, but is much more volatile. Formaldehyde is also used as a gaseous sterilizing agent; in this case, it is prepared on-site by depolymerization of solid paraformaldehyde. Many vaccines, such as the original Salk polio vaccine, are sterilized with formaldehyde.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT! It WILL kill bacteria, inverts and start a domino effect. LOOK IT UP. Products that state “Not used for human or ANIMAL consumption”. Read the lables BEFORE giving your pets.
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CYNOBACTERIA
Also known as blue-green algae, blue-green bacteria or Cyanophyta, is a
Stromatolites of fossilized oxygen-producing cyanobacteria have been found from 2.8 billion years ago,[4] possibly as old as 3.5 billion years ago. The ability of cyanobacteria to perform oxygenic photosynthesis is thought to have converted the early reducing atmosphere into an oxidizing one, which dramatically changed the composition of life forms on Earth by stimulating biodiversity and leading to the near-extinction of oxygen-intolerant organisms. According to endosymbiotic theory, chloroplasts in plants and eukaryotic algae have evolved from cyanobacteria via endosymbiosis.
Red algae, some will use chemi-clean it fouled the whole tank. I went by the instructions and used even a little less than what it said. Broke down my intire biological and killed most everything in my tank. The (other) store that told me to use it would not replace anything I lost and blamed it on me. Go figure!
phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis. The name "cyanobacteria" comes from the color of the bacteria (Greek: κυανός (kyanós) = blue). They are a significant component of the marine nitrogen cycle and an important primary producer in many areas of the ocean, but are also found in habitats other than the marine environment; in particular cyanobacteria are known to occur in both freshwater,[2] hypersaline inland lakes [3] and in arid areas where they are a major component of biological soil crusts.
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OTHER ISSUES:
UV DEATH RAYS
UV Sterilization6. Other Important Factors Let's start over at the beginning ... The UV Lamp is the Source of UV-C Light.
UV Design
The physical design of the UV's water exposure chamber. This element is completely overlooked by some manufacturers, but is key to successful operation.
Key Design Criteria:
There are two primary types of UV light, low-pressure lamps and medium/high-pressure lamps. Low-pressure lamps produce virtually all of their UV output at a wavelength of 254 nanometers, which is very close to the peak germicidal wavelength of 264 nanometers.
These lamps generally convert up to 40% of their input watts into usable UV-C watts, much higher than other classes of lamps. For example, a 150-watt low-pressure lamp will produce approximately 58-watts of UV-C power.
Low-pressure lamps typically run on low-input power currents of 200 to 1,500 milliamps and operate at temperatures between 100 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. They have a useful life of 8,000 to 12,000 hours, depending on the operating current of the lamp. Low-pressure lamps are the best lamps for aquatic UV sterilizers.
Medium/high-pressure lamps produce a very wide range of wavelengths, from 100 nanometers to greater than 700 nanometers, well into the visible light spectrum. These lamps are very poor producers of usable germicidal wavelengths; they generally convert a maximum of 7% of their input watts into usable UV-C watts. For example, a 175-watt medium-pressure lamp will have approximately 12-watts of UV-C power.
The remaining 163-watts are converted into heat and visible light. Medium/high-pressure lamps typically run on high-input power currents of 2,000 to 10,000 milliamps and operate at temperatures between 932 and 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit. They have a useful life of only 1,000 to 2,000 hours, depending on the lamp's operating current.
The length of the lamp being used.
Low-pressure UV lamps come in many different styles and lengths. As a general rule, the longer the lamp, the greater amount of UV the water will receive because it will be exposed to the UV source for a longer period of time. UV is an abbreviation for Ultraviolet light, which is a spectrum of light just below the range visible to the human eye. That is to say UV light is below the blue spectrum of visible light. So UV light cannot be seen by the human eye, and for that reason is often called UV energy.
UV light is divided into four groups as measured by wavelength: (1) Vacuum UV with wavelengths from 100 to 200 nanometers, (2) UV-C at 200 to 280 nanometers, (3) UV-B at 280 to 315 nanometers, and (4) UV-A at 315 to 400 nanometers.
The UV-C spectrum (200 to 280 nanometers) is the most lethal wavelength for microorganisms, because it disrupts the bonds in the between the atoms in the chemicals in microorganisms. This range of wavelengths, with 264 nanometers being the peak germicidal wavelength, is known as the Germicidal Spectrum.
When you understand UV light and how it destroys microorganisms, you can properly select the appropriate UV light source and design your UV's water containment vessel around the lamp, or lamps in the case of a multi-lamp unit.
Lamp positioning and multiple lamp system design.
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Lamp Positioning
Make sure the UV lamp is positioned between the water inlet and outlet ports of the unit's water containment vessel. Any portion of the UV lamp that is not located between the water ports is rendered useless. Furthermore, when calculating the UV’s performance data only the ARC length located between the water ports can be applied to the calculation, thus reducing its capabilities. |
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Vessel Diameter
Select a unit with the largest diameter water containment vessel in the wattage you are considering. A unit with a larger diameter will always have a greater contact time. For example, a 25-watt model with a 3" diameter housing will flow more water than a 2" housing model. |
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Quartz Sleeve
Make sure the unit you are considering uses a quartz sleeve. The quartz sleeve is needed to isolate the UV lamp from the water to avoid a short circuit path for the lamp's electrical power and to allow the lamp to operate at its optimum temperature by acting as an insulator. |
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Water Flow Rates
Do manufacturers list water flow rates at the end of a lamp's life or the beginning? Most UV manufacturers give a water flow rate, but do not indicate whether it applies to a new lamp or one that is at the end of its useful life. Try to find a manufacturer that includes the water flow rate in the unit's end of lamp life rating. The end of lamp life rating takes into account the lamp losing UV-C output due to age and therefore is a more realistic projection of how the unit will perform. |
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Transmissibility
Do the manufacturer's water flow rates account for the reduced effectiveness UV light has when treating green water? This information should be listed as some type of percent transmissibility rate or absorption coefficient (decimal value). Units that account for this will have lower water flow rates. |
UV Transmittance Water Flow Rate through the UVUV Exposure is not Cumulative!All UV's are not created equal!
Ultraviolet sterilization or UV Sterilizers is the modern method of eradicating and controlling bacteria, algae and protozoa in fresh and saltwater aquariums. Water pumped through the sterilizer destroys evasive, disease-causing elements, resulting in healthy and pristine aquatic environment.
Ultraviolet radiation, referred to as UV or UVC radiation for sterilization purposes is a form of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. UVA and UVB that are can reach the Earth’s surface are primarily non-ionizing and do not have enough energy to ionize atoms. However, the longer wave UVA and UVB can cause molecules to vibrate and rotate resulting in heating up.
The shorter wave UVC (used in UV Sterilization) light will ionize many atoms and molecules as compared to the even shorter wave Gamma Rays which will ionize most atoms.
Ultra violet sterilization is one of the most effective means of disease prevention in aquariums and ponds and for general water quality control in aquariums/ponds, as well the use of UVC Sterilization is useful in home, office, hospital air purification (& even UVC/Redox Blood therapy).
For this reason a properly installed/designed
As for the RedoxBalance, this is an often overlooked aspect of both freshwater and saltwater aquarists. The Redox Balance is basically the oxidation and reduction properties of water. This is VERY important for proper breakdown of organic waste (the oxidation side of Redox)! Especially in aquariums where the fish/invertebrates come from waters of low turbidity (African Cichlids) or tend to produce a lot of waste (Goldfish).
Most experts now agree that the Redox should be +300 to -100 mV for marine or +125 to -200 mV for freshwater for healthy fish immunity, which a UV Sterilizer can help maintain,
For more information about the Redox Potential: Here is What a Properly Installed, Well Designed UV Sterilizer Can Do:
• Kill most suspended bacteria and many viruses in the water column
• Clear Green Water in Aquariums or Ponds.
• Improve Redox Balance and thus improve the fish’ ability to fight disease (Does not work)
• Aid in the control of parasites such as Ich or Cryptocaryon (Does not kill Ick cysts)by improving immune function and at very low flows (under 10 gph per watt) can more directly aid in parasite control of parasites in the water column.
When researching which type of UV to purchase, remember the criteria laid out in this article, read the manufacturer's literature, ask questions, and most of all ask yourself, does this information provided make sense to me? If not, consider another UV manufacturer.
In order to effectively implement a multi body UV unit one must operate the lamps in parallel. For example, if I am operating two 40-watt lamps in parallel I effectively have an 80 watt UV. If I am operating two 40-watt lamps in series then I effectively have two 40-watt lamps each providing the same intensity which is not cumulative.
The basic criteria for a sound UV sterilizer design revolves around a careful selection of lamp type, lamp length, lamp position, and body diameter. These factors, together with the intended water flow rate, percent transmittance of the water to be treated, and UV dose rate needed to destroy the targeted microorganism or pathogen, should be the basis of your decision when purchasing a unit for your pond or aquarium.
Multiple UV Lamp Use
When considering the use of multiple UV lamps there are two proper ways to approach the design. Firstly, one can use a single body exposure chamber with multiple lamps evenly spaced to provide a consistent UV field. This design is very effective provided the UV lamps are properly spaced.
Secondly, one can use a double body exposure chamber which effectively reduces the total flow rate through each exposure chamber. The flow is reduced to 50% of the total flow through each chamber.
A Common Mistake is that you can continue to add UV's in series and receive higher kill rates. This is not the case. When adding UV's in a series, you are passing the same flow rate through the same intensity lamp, repeatedly.
Size of pipe/tubing on water flowDiverters/ By-pass Valves;Aquarium or Pond Water Turnover Rate:Please see the section: “Is Too Large a UV Sterilizer a Problem?”for further information about flow rate including very low gph per watt and parasite control.
Temperature/Quartz Sleeves
Generally UV Sterilizer Bulbs used in aquatics employ low pressure mercury lamps (39% efficiency) vs. the medium/ pressure mercury lamps that have a much lower effectiveness (10%).
This is important to note as low pressure lamps are sensitive to water temperature while medium pressure are not (the poor efficiency of medium pressure lamps which produce much of their light in spectrums useless for sterilization makes this only quality negligible). The operating temperature spectrum at which low pressure UVCis effective is between 20 C (68 F) and 40 C (104 F). The keyword is OPERATING temperature as in a reasonably well designed unit the water is usually in the unit long enough to be warmed several degrees which generally means that a water temperature over 20 C (68 F) will work fine. So if your flow or unit design (or both) is not allowing this temperature, your effectiveness will be minimal.
Quartz sleeves help keep up a higher temperature, however in my tests with the same wattage units, (with and without Quartz sleeves) I only found a 5 degree F difference when I turned off the units and then checked temperature differences, so this is another one of those statements about UV Sterilizers that I will challenge.
Quartz glass is also used in some UV Sterilization applications to protect a UVC light that is suspended above the water from spray (assuming the quartz glass is kept clean of mineral buildup). As per the latest data I have; quartz is about 99% efficient as per UVC penetration, so it is the best product for this use, however polycarbonate plastic is about 90% efficient, so this could also be used. I do not recommend acrylic (about 60% efficient) or standard float glass (about 40% efficient).
Although useful in some applications, quartz sleeves don’t always allow as good of contact with the water and are difficult to keep clean, so in my opinion the benefits are a wash. Which brings me to key # 3, keeping the bulb or quartz sleeve clean?
First, you want to change the UV Transmittance; Other Factors Affecting UV SterilizationTMC 110 Watt Pro Pond UVis much more effective than the popular HO UVs of 100 watts (each use two bulbs, the TMC uses two 55 watt of 36 inches while the “smart” HO UV uses two 50 watt bulbs of 18 inches), yet these HO UV Clarifiers cost much more which often leaves me scratching my head as to “why?”.UV bulb every 6 months for disease prevention or once every year at the beginning of the growing season for green algae prevention. You want to clean the quartz sleeve at this time too (using acetone), which is one reason for a simple model without a quartz sleeve, use just throw away the dirty bulb, although the temperature aspects of a quartz sleeve are worthy of note.
Be careful of the latest gimmick in UV Sterilizers and that is wipers (great in theory though), for more about these, please read this blog post: "UV Sterilizer Truths".
I would also be aware of many other sources of inaccuracies in UV Sterilization, please read this blogwhich has regular posts dealing with these subjects: UV Sterilizer Blog
Back to temperature; if your water is very cold (such as a pond or even well water treatment system), I would suggest pre-heating your water before it passes through your UV Sterilizer unit, this is more effective than a quartz sleeve.
For further information about UV bulbs (lamps) and how they work, please see this article: UV (UVC) lamps (bubs) used in Aquariums and Ponds and how they work.
SeaChem Stability). Generally 24 hours off is long enough for these products.
UVC Penetration (Microwatts second/cm2):
The emission or light intensity of a UVCgermicidal light bulb is usually expressed in a term called "microwatts per square centimeter" (Mw/cm2). The maximum intensity provided by a single UVC Bulb is at its surface. So, if we calculate the surface area of the UVC lamp and only use that area which effectively emits UVC light rays, the effective area of UVC transmission will be established. Basic mathematics will show that the surface area of a cylindrical tube is ‘pie’ D L.
Next extrapolate this effective area of UVCtransmission as having a screen with squares 1 centimeter in size. Each of these cm2 areas now, for measurement purposes, emits a UVC lamp intensity measured in microwatts, in other words; the term microwatts/cm2. UVC light intensity decreasingly varies as the distance from the UVC light increases.
Put more simply (a non scientific analogy); The amount of wattage will also increase penetration, as a higher watt UVC bulb will generally have more Mw/cm2. In my own experiments I have used 15 watt and 25 watt UVCbulbs in exactly the same unit (both were 18”), if wattage were only considered there would be a 60% increase in effectiveness, however I only observed a about a 25% increase. When I used a 30 Watt UVCbulb in a unit with over twice the exposure as the 15 Watt, the kill rate more than doubled. From my experience, if you increase wattage (and Mw/cm2) you need to also increase the volume of water to maximize the higher watt bulb.
Experiments can also be safely conducted with standard household light bulbs to correlate penetration. For this start with a 7 watt clear bulb (such as a Christmas bulb) and place varying thicknesses of paper/ cardboard in front of the bulb and measure when penetration stops. Continue this with higher and higher wattage bulbs.UVC, Watts, Microwatts, Joules, & light penetration
Penetration Capabilities:
UVC rays do not have great penetration ability on most substances. In the case of air, UVChas a very effective “killing” range. In the case of water (which is what we are dealing with), this can vary considerably with dissolved solids, mineral content, organic content and more. This is why pre-filtering water is important for proper UV Sterilization. Your UV Sterilizer should ALWAYS be connected after the filter, not before. Water that is still laden with minerals, organics or more will need more UVC radiation in terms of Watts and time exposure. Agitation of water being sterilized increases sterilization effectiveness.UV Sterilizer to an aquarium (or even Pond).
Most aquarium /pond keepers are aware of the use of canister filters or sump pumps for aquariums or pressurized filter or similar pond filters for ponds.
Hopefully these ideas will be food for thought for those sitting on the fence as to whether a UV Sterilizer is feasible for their pond or particularly aquarium. Even small aquarium keepers (such as a 20 gallon) miss the benefits that a UV Sterilizer provides due perceived high costs or filters that cannot accommodate a UV Sterilizer (such as a Power HOB filter like an Aqua Clear). Often even a small aquarium keeper can spend more on medications or lost fish than the cost of a UV Sterilizer (& this does not even factor in the heartbreak many feel at the loss of a finned pet). This is not to say that a UV Sterilizer will stop all losses, (however I can say emphatically after 30 years of testing and using UV Sterilization in many different aquariums (including controlled tests) that a properly installed and well designed UV Sterilizer will lower the incidence of disease, & increase longevity and over all health by killing many disease pathogens in the water and by improving the Aquarium/pond Redox Balance.)UVC Bulb in the last six months: "UV Bulbs"quartz sleeve and the UV unit wall.
As a simple generalization, 20-25 gph (gallons per hours) per watt for most sterilization applications and 40-45 gph per watt for pond green water/algae control
*UVC Transmittance: This is the measured value of the difference between a known UVC light source and what is measured by a calibrated detector through a 1 cm thick sample of the water to be irradiated/treated. Water turbidity (dissolved waste particulates, DOC, etc.) in the water column have a profound affect on this.
I will likely write a specific article/post on the controversial subject of pre-filtration which can have a generally positive affect on UVC Transmittance.
*Failure to Change the UV Bulb on a Regular Schedule: This is a common problem that often leads to an ineffective UV Sterilizer. Your UV Bulb should be changed every six months for optimum performance in aquariums and 6-12 months for ponds (6 months in warm climate ponds).
As well the UV Sterilizer bulbs should be checked during regular aquarium maintenance just to make sure they are on in the first place and that the bulb or unit has not failed.
I myself have had UV Sterilizers and/or the bulbs fail prematurely fail and not notice (due to not including this check in weekly maintenance) until more obvious aquarium conditions presented themselves (in the most recent example the aquarium plants looked more thin/dirty, water clarity was less then perfect and the DOC and Detritus increased considerably in the aquarium).
sterilization method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light at sufficiently short wavelength to break down microorganisms.[1] It is used in a variety of applications, such as food, air and water purification. UV has been a known mutagen at the cellular level for more than one-hundred years. The 1903 Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to Niels Finsen for his use of UV against tuberculosis.[2] UV Sterilizerhelps improves a fish’ chances in fighting bacterial diseases or even parasitic diseases such as Ich that UV Sterilization is less effective directly in destroying.
Part of the reason for UV Sterilization (which is often missed) is that the UVC radiation which is contained in the unit will break down oxidizers in the water column that would otherwise lower a fish’ immunity (Redox Balance), this aspect is often missed as many only focus on the germicidal/algaecidal properties of UV Sterilizers. Please read this article for more about this subject: “Fish Immune System and UV Sterilization”.
There is a lot of new evidence as to the benefits of UV sterilization for ALL fish, and many myths have been dispelled such as “UV Sterilizers destroying beneficial nitrifying bacteria”. I will try and present material in as readable a format as possible, rather than get down to too much scientific jargon that is difficult for many to understand as many facts can often be presented without every technical term applied (although at times I may have too). I am also constantly researching this subject, so this article may not be the same article in three months, so please read on.
UV Sterilization is also effective for controlling suspended algae (green water) in ponds (along with proper filtration such as Veggie Filters/pressurize filters, please see this article: “A Clear Pond; pond information”
UVsare also useful in Reef aquaria, especially new ones where the chance of disease introduction is high and the UVs help in keeping a balanced Redox Potential is useful. As the reef aquaria ages the sterilizer can be placed on a timer or turned on and off as needed.THE REDOX POTENTIAL IN AQUARIUMS (& PONDS) AND HOW IT RELATES TO PROPER AQUATIC HEALTH
One argument against UV Sterilizers in ponds is that they are not natural, but for the clarity most persons want out of their pond, this is not possible without either UV sterilizationor a flow thrustream (although many persons withwell planted, well shaded ponds do well withclarity). Many articles I have read state that a UV is not that beneficial to an established aquarium as a healthy aquarium depends on beneficial bacteria typically growing on media in your filter which neutralize ammonia. Unfortunately the problem with this statement is beneficial bacteria belongs in the filter, not in the open water. Also this is great for advanced aquarists who are not adding fish and have a healthy Redox Potential/Balance, but not in the real world of average and above average aquariststhat I have dealt with in the 100s of aquariums I have serviced.
To be even more blunt,I conducted several controlled studies in the 1990’s (for which my ongoing research is to explain some of the results, such as improved immunity). In these studies where I mostly used goldfish (Orandas & Ryukins), the results were clear in that the incidence of disease was lower, longevity was longer, and over all vitality was better. The results were even better yet when improved feeding, improved cleaning, improved mineralization was thrown into the equation.
The dose applied by an UV-C lamp installation is a function of the lamp output, the intensity factor, and time. As an equation; Intensity x Exposure time= microwatt seconds/cm2.
As an example, a 9 watt UVC lamp at one inch from the lamp is found by this formula: 9 x 127 = 1143 mW/cm2.
Since many bacteria such as Vibrio require a UVC exposure of 6500 mW/cm2 or more, this means an exposure time of 5.68 seconds is required to kill this pathogen
Now let me point out that even though I have published this diagram, please use this as a rough guide only, as I have found inaccuracies in it. To be more blunt, I have found the distance, wattage, and flow rate to be the MOST IMPORTANT factors in determining exposure/effectiveness. This diagram is STATIC and does NOT take into consideration the dynamics of UVC radiation penetration for which I have yet to find a good formula to demonstrate this (even in University studies). Most standard low pressure mercury lamps used in UV Sterilizers have a surface mW/cm2 of 36,000 to 42,000 and the VHO (high output) between 50,000 – 72,000 mW/cm2 depending upon flow rate.
The generally accepted mW/cm2 is 30,000 mW/cm2 for Clarification and up to 90,000 mW/cm2 for Sterilization (depending upon the pathogen/parasite in question)
What is often missing in any equations I have seen is the dynamics of water flow geometry, actual water flow, and wattage. The bottom line is to use this table and others you might find elsewhere with “a grain of salt” noting that these are static and even then are flawed when true output via wattage is taken into consideration.
For more on this subject, please see this article:
Aquarium UV Sterilizer Combinations
Unique Aquarium/Pond UV Sterilizer Combinations; sponge Filter, Power Head, Internal Filter
This post/article is intended to provide some unique (or "outside the box")? combinations of different ways to connect a
Another important factor that is often overlooked and sometimes controversial (as per my reading of some forums, especially reef forums) is the water’s UV Transmittance. UV Transmittance which is expressed in percent (0-100%) of UVC Transmittance.
This measured value is the difference between a known UVC light source and what is measured by a calibrated detector through a 1 cm thick sample of the water to be irradiated/treated.
Water turbidity (dissolved waste particulates, DOC, etc.) in the water column, poor circulation (a poor flow pattern that that has the water pickup and return too close where too much water goes unfiltered). If these factors exist and more UVC light is absorbed/blocked you will need a larger UV Sterilizer for an effective pathogen kill or green water control
Particulates in the water column interfere with the effectiveness of a UV Sterilizer by blocking UVC light and absorbing some of this energy.
For this reason, the UV Sterilizer is best placed AFTER a filter so as to remove as much particulates from the water column as possible (the UV Unit is also best placed on the exhaust/return form a filter so as to allow maximum nitrifying bacteria accumulation in a bio filter).
Sometimes this is not always possible or desirable (as per some reef keepers that that feel that pre-filtration increases nitrates), in this case you MUST increase the size of your UV to compensate.
Time; Generally a UV Sterilizer is best run 24/7, as this will provide the best Sterilization, Algae Control and Redoximprovement. In Ponds this is particularly important as it can be difficult for a UV Sterilizer to keep up with algae growthduring peak sunlight hours, while nighttime allows for a UV Sterilizer to “catch up” with algae spores. In Redox balance, a UV run constantly will provide a more stable balance.
There are exceptions though; many in Reef aquariums do not run a UV during certain hours (often using a timer) such as feeding micro planktons.
A UV Sterilizer should be turned off when certain antibiotics are added (see the next section), when seeding tanks with established filter media, or Autotrophic or Heterotrophic Bacteria are added for bio waste composting or cycling (such as cycling products like
It is important to have a flow rate that will turn over the pond or aquarium at least once or 1 ½ times per hour for disease prevention or every 2 to 3 hours for green algae control (I have achieved effective disease sterilization as tested witha bacterial cloud withas little as once per two hours with a good installation in an otherwise well maintained aquarium). Example: 100 gphwill service a 100 gallon pond well. The reason I mentioned such seemingly slow rates is too high a rate will not usually allow for adequate contact time with UVC radiation.
In ponds, again I want to emphasize that many manufacturers will make claims of certain UV Sterilizers/Clarifier per pond size; however the flow rate through the UV and turnover rate is more important. As well many will correctly install a UV Sterilizer for their pond, ignoring the importance of good filtration combined with UV Sterilization. A correctly installed UV Clarifier often will not over come poor filtration and circulation. Please read the article below for much more about this subject (including a link within this article to Veggie Filters and Green Water).
For pond UV applications (or high flow rate aquariums such as sump systems) it is usually best to have a ‘T’ with a ball valve to split the return line to the pond from the filter, this will allow the pond keeper to slow down the flow to the UV to the correct rate as per gph and wattage.:
Another consideration is the size of the PVC pipe or tubing coming from the pump. For instance a pump with a 1 inch outlet port that is rated at 2000 gph (for 0 head pressure) will likely not have an output of 2000 gph if the pipe/tubing used is ¾ inch or less.
This same thought goes for the UV Sterilizer itself, in fact the Custom UV I have built only uses ½ inch hose barbs so as to restrict the flow to under 350 gph which is the maximum effective rate.
It is also noteworthy that the flow rates I have already noted (20-25 gph per watt for sterilization or 40-50 gphper watt for green water control) is not an exact rule, as reflection within the UV Sterilization chamber, the distance between bulb (or sleeve) and the walls of the unit, and the length of the bulb as per wattage of UVC output all affect this general guide (this is explained later in the article in more depth).
The point as to bulb length is noteworthy, as I have found that increasing wattage with the same length bulb does NOTincrease effectiveness proportionally to a given wattage. In fact a popular Pond UV that uses HO (High Output) UVCBulbs (50 watt and 100 watt models) does not double the amount of water flow you can run through the unit even though it is double the wattage of comparable length UVC bulbs of half the wattage.
The
*Too high a flow rate for wattage of UVC:
Effect of UV Sterilization on minerals, chemicals, etc.
Ultraviolet Sterilization is a proven and effective method for controlling and extracting algae spores, bateria and other protozoa that are present in the water column. It is extremely beneficial in destroying desease causing pathogens as water is pumped through your UV sterilizer. It is a great tool for fish only tanks.
For treatment of disease in an aquarium it is recommened to use a 8-9 watt sterilizer for up to a 50 gallon tank. We offer sizes up to 40 watts.Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.
UVGI utilisesthe short wavelength of UV that is harmful to microorganisms. It is effective in destroying the The wavelength of UV that causes this effect is rare on Earth as The application of UVGI to sterilization has been an accepted practice since the mid-20th century. It has been used primarily in
OZONE:
The downside of using ozone is that the gas is very reactive and very hazardous. The NIOSH immediately dangerous to life and health limit for ozone is 5 ppm, much 160 times smaller than the 800 ppm IDLH for ethylene oxide.
Ultraviolet light irradiation (UV, from a germicidal lamp) is useful only for sterilization of surfaces and some transparent objects. Many objects that are transparent to visible light absorb UV. UV irradiation is routinely used to sterilize the interiors of biological safety cabinets between uses, but is ineffective in shaded areas, including areas under dirt (which may become polymerized after prolonged irradiation, so that it is very difficult to remove). It also damages many plastics, such as polystyrene foam.protein solutions in biological research. A filter with pore size 0.2 µm will effectively remove bacteria. If viruses must also be removed, a much smaller pore size around 20 nmis needed. Solutions filter slowly through membranes with smaller pore diameters. Prions are not removed by filtration. The filtration equipment and the filters themselves may be purchased as pre-sterilized disposable units in sealed packaging, or must be sterilized by the user, generally by autoclaving at a temperature that does not damage the fragile filter membranes. To ensure sterility, the filtration system must be tested to ensure that the membranes have not been punctured prior to or during use. HEPA filtration) or in a laminar flow cabinetor "flowbox", a device which produces a laminarstream of HEPA filtered air.chlorination due to the chemical's toxic by-products. A disadvantage of the technique is that water treated by chlorinationis resistant to reinfection, where UVGI water must be transported and delivered in such a way as to avoid contamination. Individual wastestreams to be treated by UVGI must be tested to ensure that the method will be effective due to potential interferences such as suspended solids, dyes or other substances that may block or absorb the UV radiation.
"UV units to treat small batches (1 to several liters) or low flows (1 to several liters per minute) of water at the community level are estimated to have costs of 0.02 US$ per 1000 liters of water, including the cost of electricity and consumables and the annualized capital cost of the unit."Greek: μικρός, mikrós, "small" and organism that is microscopic (too small to be seen by the naked human eye). The study of microorganisms is called microbiology, a subject that began with Anton van Leeuwenhoek's discovery of microorganisms in 1675, using a microscope of his own design.bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protists; microscopic plants (green algae); and animals such as plankton and the planarian. Some microbiologists also include viruses, but others consider these as non-living.[1][2] Most microorganisms are unicellular (single-celled), but this is not universal, since some multicellular organisms are microscopic, while some unicellular protists and bacteria, like Thiomargarita namibiensis, are macroscopic and visible to the naked eye.[3]ὀργανισμός, organismós, "organism"; also spelled micro organism or micro-organism) or microbe is an Sterile filtration
Clear liquids that would be damaged by heat, irradiation or chemical sterilization can be sterilized by mechanical filtration. This method is commonly used for sensitive pharmaceuticals and
To ensure the best results, pharmaceutical sterile filtration is performed in a room with highly filtered air (Water sterilizationUVGI is commonly used for water sterilization in a variety of applications. Its use in wastewater treatment is replacing Aquarium and pond
Ultraviolet sterilizers are often used in aquaria and ponds to help control unwanted microorganisms in the water. Continuous sterilization of the water neutralizes single-cell algae and thereby increases water clarity. UV radiation also ensures that exposed pathogens cannot reproduce, thus decreasing the likelihood of a disease outbreak in an aquarium.
Aquarium and pond sterilizers are typically small, with fittings for tubing that allows the water to flow through the sterilizer on its way to or from a separate external filter. Within the sterilizer, water flows near to the ultraviolet light source, usually through a baffle system that lengthens the time during which the water is exposed to the radiation.
A microorganism (from the Microorganisms are very diverse; they include
Microorganisms live in all parts of the Microbes are also exploited by people in nucleic acids in these organisms so that their DNA is disrupted by the UV radiation. This removes their reproductive capabilities and kills them.its atmosphere blocks it.[3]Using a UVGI device in certain environments like circulating air or water systems creates a deadly effect on micro-organisms such as pathogens, viruses and molds that are in these environments. Coupled with a filtration system, UVGI can remove harmful micro-organisms from these environments.medical sanitation and sterile work facilities. Increasingly it was employed to sterilize drinking and wastewater, as the holding facilities were enclosed and could be circulated to ensure a higher exposure to the UV. In recent years UVGI has found renewed application in air sanitization.Documentation for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH): NIOSH Chemical Listing and Documentation of Revised IDLH Values (as of 3/1/95)and OSHA has set the PEL for ozone at 0.1 ppm calculated as an eight hour time weighted average (29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z-1). The Canadian Center for Occupation Health and Safety provides an excellent summary of the health effects of exposure to ozone.[16]
An important key is "properly installed and well designed UV Sterilizer" as there are some UV Sterilizers that we have tested that have failed either in effectiveness or in reasonable longevity (such as the popular Submariner/Internal UV Sterilizers that a few stores and web sites are unfortunately promoting).
As well even a well made UV Sterilizer will not be effective at flow rates over 25 gph per watt (for Sterilization, higher for green water control) or if the UV Bulbs are not changed every six months (the quartz sleeve should also be cleaned at this time). See this website for a cross reference guide if you already have a UV Sterilizer but have failed to change the
biosphere where there is liquid water, including soil, hot springs, on the ocean floor, high in the atmosphere and deep inside rocks within the Earth's crust. Microorganisms are critical to nutrient recycling in ecosystems as they act as decomposers. As some microorganisms can fix nitrogen, they are a vital part of the nitrogen cycle, and recent studies indicate that airborne microbes may play a role in precipitation and weather.biotechnology, both in traditional food and beverage preparation, and in modern technologies based on genetic engineering. However, pathogenic microbes are harmful, since they invade and grow within other organisms, causing diseases that kill millions of people, other animals, and plants.
The sterilant gas manufacturers include many safety features in their products but prudent practice is to provide continuous monitoring to below the OSHA PEL to provide a rapid warning in the even of a leak and monitors for determining workplace exposure to ozone are commercially available. (UVGI)
This is an area where a lot of information is posted in aquatic forums and similar that has little scientific proof to back up statements.
I myself have noted the affect of UVC radiation on a variety of chemicals added to treat infections and I have noted a variety of end results, HOWEVER I also have not conducted hard scientific studies nor have I found any reputable studies to make conclusive statements (although many persons do without much to back themselves up).
What I have observed is that there is no affect of UVC radiation on minerals, and many chemicals such as Malachite Green (despite comments that UVC breaks down Malachite Green I see no evidence as of writing this).
I however have seen UVC radiation breakdown some light sensitive antibiotics such as Quinine Hydrochloride.
Here is a list of PROVEN light sensitive chemicals: Bromine, Oleic Acid, Ethyl Ether, Potassium Ferricyanide, Ferric Ammonium Citrate, Silver salts, Hydrobromic Acid, Sodium Iodide, Mercuric Salts, Mercurous Nitrate. Although an over simplification, as just with aquarium lighting, more goes into UVC versus flow rate than pure wattage such as the design of the unit should only allow a gap of .3 cm between the UVC light bulb/
The condition of the water to be treated. This also largely overlooked factor is one of the most critical in determining the ability of a UV sterilizer to treat a given volume of water. Regardless of the type of UV light source used, any body of water with impurities will adsorb UV energy.
The impurities of interest are algae, waterborne microorganisms and bacteria, and organic waste. Green water, as water plagued by algae and microorganisms is known, will absorb the UV energy emitted by our UV light source in proportion to its density (or how green the water is).
The greater the amount of impurities in the water, the greater the reduction in percent transmittance. Percent transmittance is the ability of a body of water to be effectively treated by a UV light source. This value indicates the quality of the water to be treated.
The higher the percent transmittance, the easier the UV sterilizer will be able to treat the water at a given flow rate. A reduction in percent transmittance means the UV sterilizer will be less effective in dealing with the algae problem. If the sterilizer's water flow rates have not been calculated with a reduced percent transmittance rate, the unit will have considerable trouble dealing with an algae bloom.
is a safe and natural method to reduce waterborne pathogens and algae the causes “Green Water”. UV is as natural as sunlight. Unlike chemical treatments that can potentially harm the fish, beneficial bacteria, and plants in your aquarium or pond, UV does not leave any residuals in the water and therefore cannot harm fish and plants.
A UV sterilizer works in harmony with other essential filters by eliminating nuisance green water caused by waterborne algae that can easily create problems and ultimately reduce filter efficiency.
Protecting Your Aquarium Fish.
For almost three decades UV sterilization has proven itself as an alternative to harsh copper sulfate chemical treatments to control waterborne pathogens and algae.
The Truth about UV!
Regardless of whether you choose to label UV as a water clarifier or a water sterilizer, the same design, performance, and operating principals apply. Successful UV operation means destroying the targeted microorganisms. Here are five main factors that will help determine the ability of a UV sterilizer (or clarifier) to achieve this desired effect.
1.There are two types of UV-lamps available: low-pressure or medium/high-pressure. As explained below, low-pressure lamps are much better in aquatic sterilizers.
2. The Length of the Lamp ... being used; also known as ARC length.
3. The Physical Design ... of the UV's water exposure chamber. The distance the UV has to travel from the surface of the lamp to the inner wall of the UV's water containment vessel is the primary design criteria that will determine the unit's "UV dose rate" at any given water flow rate.
4. The Condition of the Water ... to be treated. The term used to express the ability of a body of water to be effectively treated by a UV light source is known as percent transmittance. This is a value expressed in percent, which is used to indicate the quality of the water to be treated. The higher the percent transmittance the higher the effectiveness of the UV sterilizer in treating the water.
5. Water Flow Rate ... through the UV's contact chamber. The amount of water that is passed through the UV filter will ultimately determine the unit's actual UV dose rate, which is expressed in microwatts per second per square centimeter or (u-watts-sec/cm2). The Lamp Type
Responce in bold
They sure make it sound convincing and really really confusing.
[1] Will also kill your pods and keep them from reproducing.
[2] I don’t think my fish have T.B. and couldn't tell if they had a virus or not.
[3] No mold in my tank either
[4] Could sterilize your creatures, microorganisiums and NOT recommened for breeding or culturing.
[5] Could also mutate viruses or bacteria.
THE BIGGEST WAISTE OF MONEY I EVER THEW AWAY, TIMES TWO. I WAS TOLD TO HAVE ONE FOR MY TANK AND ONE FOR MY POND. My fish in my pond actually stopped breeding and although it helped with green algae I upped the filter and added carbon and did much, much better.
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QUESTION:
I read “on the net” and *** (they) quoted the difference between tank-raised, captive bred and would like to know what you have experienced? Is this the way it really is?
(Note: I just respond to the questions. I have removed the name.)
STATEMENT:
“When many people say tank-raised, what they really mean is captive-bred. *** CLAIMS they are one of the very few retailers of saltwater aquarium fishes that are currently offering true tank-raised fish, and this article will explain what THEY mean when we say tank-raised. Simply stated, a tank-raised fish is a fish that was collected as a post-larval juvenile (usually considered a development stage of their own, and "juvenile" refers to a post-larval stage that is not fully grown and not sexually mature…) just settled onto the reef. This fish is then raised in captivity before being sold to a retailer and then to a marine aquarium hobbyist (like you). When most saltwater fishes reproduce, many offspring are produced to insure that a few will survive to adulthood. The majority of the larval and post-larval fishes that do not survive to adulthood do not survive as a direct result of predation and various environmental factors. (CENTRAL FILTRATION SYSTEMS) These fishes, the ones with a very low chance of surviving to adulthood, are the ones that collectors of fishes for tank-raising target. As such, tank-raised fishes exert less pressure on a reef than wild-caught adult fishes in most cases. Once collected, these fishes destined for tank-rearing are frequently shipped to grow-out facilities in import countries like the United States. Because these post-larval fishes are so small, they are less expensive to ship and mortality is relatively low, especially when compared to adult fishes which require more water and produce more waste during shipping. Once at the grow-out facility, the small fishes are weaned onto a captive diet and allowed to mature in captivity for a period of four to six months until they reach market size.”
IN RESPONSE:
THIS IS A BUNCH OF HOOEY!
As a diver, collector, hobbyist, and store owner I have found that most creatures are not feed their original food source. They want to feed them foods that are not known to them. NOBODY is feeding these creatures, flakes, pellets or goldfish. NO brine shrimp in the Ocean. NOBODY is target feeding these creatures. There are nutrients that we can not duplicate in our systems the ocean can provide, however by feeding them a more “Natural” food source they can adapt. Most fish that are collected “properly”, DO NOT come in sick, or diseased. At least the many wholesale facilities I have visited DO NOT grow out these fish before they sell them either. They may hold them (at the very least), but they mostly ship out within days of receiving them. The stress due to change in water parameters, diet and C.F.S is the result in killing these creatures. Copper and U.V. Filters they use to so call keep parasites under control and low salinity has not worked for 40 years, but they keep on doing the same old thing. In the last 12 years of retail I’ve not heard of “grow-out facilities“. Don’t understand this one? MOST facilities do not keep anything for 4 - 6 months before they sell it.
“Tank-Raised” or “Captive breed” means fish that has been BORN in captivity, and/or closed or controlled environment. NOT collected from the wild. NOT a pregnant female released its babies in a tank, but pairs of creatures mating, breeding and hatching its babies in captivity! Example: If a Pregnant female is collected in the wild and gives birth in an aquarium some places will call the babies “Tank-Raised”. Not my definition of tank-raised or captive breed, not most peoples conception of the meaning. Clown fish and other species will breed in captivity and the eggs will hatch into baby clown fish. That is the “TRUE” tank-raised results. The parents may have been wild caught but the babies are now truly tank-raised or captive breed. I may be blonde but it comes from a box. Do you home work. Don’t fall for what ever the so-called experts throw at you. Webster has great definitions.Four to six months
NOTE: In bold is the highlights in the statements I have pointed out.
DEFINITIONS:
Dictionary:
post-
prefix
1. after, later
postwar
2. behind
postorbital
lar·va
(plural lar·vae [lrvee] or lar·vas)
n
1. insects immature insect: the wingless immature worm-shaped form of many insects that develops into a pupa or chrysalis before becoming an adult insect.
2. zoology immature amphibian or fish: the immature, early-stage form of frogs and other animals that undergo marked changes during metamorphosis.
ju·ve·nile
adj
4. biology not yet mature: used to describe a plant or animal that has not yet reached maturity.cap·tive
n (plural cap·tives)
1. prisoner: a person or animal that is forcibly confined or restrained, especially somebody held prisoner.
3. forced to use or accept something: forced by circumstances to buy, accept, or pay attention to something, usually because there is no other option or no means of escape.
breed
n (plural breeds)
1. biology distinct animal or plant: a strain of an animal or plant with identifiable characteristics that distinguish it from other members of its species, especially one whose characteristics are preserved by controlled mating or propagating.
v (past bred [bred], past participle bred, present participle breed·ing, 3rd person present singular breeds)
1. vti biology mate and produce young: to mate and give birth to offspring.
2. vt agriculture raise animals or plants: to reproduce and raise animals or plants, especially for commercial purposes or for shows and competitions.
3. vt genetics select animals or plants: to select animals or plants as part of a process of improving or preserving their special characteristics.
4. vti produce or be produced: to produce or create something, or be produced or created.
While we are on the subject, we also would like to define the “TRUE” meaning of terms. Some states will consider Aqua-culturing part of Agriculture. Why is it considered Agriculture? (See definitions Below) So the definition is land based. Whether the “land” meaning ground or covered in water (Ocean). We in the aquarium trade, defines these terms from a different point of view. We do not consider animals and plants in the same category.
Some may say we are SPLITTING HAIRS
AQUA-CULTURED
IN A CLOSED and/ or controlled ENVIRONMENTAQUA-FARMED
PROPAGATING (FRAG) CORALS IN A CLOSED ENVIRONMENTMARI-CULTURED
CULTURED IN THE OCEAN
MARI-FARMED
ROPED / FENCED OFF LAND (OCEAN WATER) TO GROW OUT CORALS, OYSTERS ETC. FOR SALE, OR AQUA-CULTURING
cul·tured
adj
2. biology grown in nutrient substance: grown in a nutrient substance in a laboratory.
3. artificially produced: created artificially rather than by natural or organic processes.
6. growing biological material in special conditions: the growing of biological material, especially plants, microorganisms, or animal tissue, in a nutrient substance in specially controlled conditions for scientific, medical, or commercial purposes.
2. agriculture cultivate: to cultivate plants or crops.
ag·ri·cul·ture
n
farming: the occupation, business, or science of cultivating the land, producing crops, and raising livestock.
farm
n (plural farms)
1. agricultural land and buildings: an area of land where crops are grown or animals are reared for sale, for commercial purposes, together with appropriate buildings.
2. place producing particular animals or crops: an area of land or water where particular animals, birds, fish, or crops are raised for commercial purposes (usually used in combination)
a trout farm .
3. farm buildings: a farmhouse or group of farm buildings.
4. land used by industry: a piece of land on which something is stored, produced or processed, especially on an industrial scale (usually used in combination)
an antenna farm.
v (past farmed, past participle farmed, present participle farm·ing, 3rd person present singular farms)
1. vti use land for agriculture: to use land for growing crops and rearing animals for sale.
2. vt rears something commercially: to rear animals, birds, or fish commercially.
Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DICUSS THIS OR OTHER ISSUES YOU MAY VISIT OUR "ON-LINE THINK TANK AT: http://seasaveaquariumsociety.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=70
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