UV for RO? Worth it or BS-you make the call!

tommyinajar

tommyinajar

Well-Known Member
I've only recently heard of this. I've been getting root rot late in the game and am sure it's probably do to the res temps. I may add a cooler, but at 125 gal and needing a 10 degree drop for optimum range = $$$!

But it was suggested I try UV filter 1st? Any input or recommendation?

There are some on Amazon for $70 which I though would last forever since I can shut it of and only run 5 hours or so a week, but it say not to shut it on/off it will kill the bulb? WHAT?!?!?
 
Nizza

Nizza

Well-Known Member
an RO unit may clean the water and drop PPM to 0 but bacteria can still be in the water, and a UV filter will kill the bacteria. If you have well water it may be a good idea to get UV filter, and if its town water you are purifying it is most likely sterile cause it has chloramine in it

or are you talking about one in your DWC system? I would avoid this or if trying it at least put the bulb somewhere you can clean it. The nutrients will film up the bulb and make it ineffective
 
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tommyinajar

tommyinajar

Well-Known Member
No I'm speaking of right at the RO water- I've got HARD city water. I'm wondering about even the left over water in the filter and lines. I'm running MYCO+ and SouthAG Microbes now may switch to the semi sterile. The only reason I'm even think thgis is some left over RO water kind of stunkafter a few weeks.

Any input on the " The UV light is designed for continuous use, turning it on and off regularly will reduce its ultraviolet radiation and total life and increase power consumption. "
 
.Smoke

.Smoke

Well-Known Member
tommyinajar said:
No I'm speaking of right at the RO water- I've got HARD city water. I'm wondering about even the left over water in the filter and lines. I'm running MYCO+ and SouthAG Microbes now may switch to the semi sterile. The only reason I'm even think thgis is some left over RO water kind of stunkafter a few weeks.

Any input on the " The UV light is designed for continuous use, turning it on and off regularly will reduce its ultraviolet radiation and total life and increase power consumption. "
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It will and does.
And anytime the light is off, bacteria can, and will grow unless your entire system is hermetically sealed.

UV is a expensive treatment system that is usually only utilized when absolutely necessary. (Only water source/lab environment/etc.)

I've been a licensed plumber for 8 years now.
I highly recommend you look into different methods unless you just have money to burn.

Edit...If you're using city water, I highly doubt it's the water that is causing your rot...
 
hotrodharley

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
tommyinajar said:
No I'm speaking of right at the RO water- I've got HARD city water. I'm wondering about even the left over water in the filter and lines. I'm running MYCO+ and SouthAG Microbes now may switch to the semi sterile. The only reason I'm even think thgis is some left over RO water kind of stunkafter a few weeks.

Any input on the " The UV light is designed for continuous use, turning it on and off regularly will reduce its ultraviolet radiation and total life and increase power consumption. "
Click to expand...
Dialysis RO systems we run the water through a UV before it hits the RO system. Not behind it.
 
xtsho

xtsho

Well-Known Member
I will say this. I dug a pond in my mother's backyard years ago. It probably holds 500 gallons. Anyway, she fought algae and scum for years. The water is aerated with a waterfall and another aerator. Nothing seemed to keep the water clean. I bought her a UV light and the water cleared up in a week and stays crystal clear all year long. I was surprised at how effective the UV was. I hadn't used it in any applications before but I was impressed.

And you don't shut it off. You run it 24/7.
 
Nex420

Nex420

Well-Known Member
xtsho said:
I will say this. I dug a pond in my mother's backyard years ago. It probably holds 500 gallons. Anyway, she fought algae and scum for years. The water is aerated with a waterfall and another aerator. Nothing seemed to keep the water clean. I bought her a UV light and the water cleared up in a week and stays crystal clear all year long. I was surprised at how effective the UV was. I hadn't used it in any applications before but I was impressed.

And you don't shut it off. You run it 24/7.
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Agree with xtsho.

I use a small UV for my reef tank and it isn’t very costly at all. Bulb replacement every 9-12 months I believe.

I would say that UV for hydroponics - DWC specifically would probably be very beneficial for the long term. I would also be concerned though about the beneficial microbes and how the UV effects them.
 
rkymtnman

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
xtsho said:
I will say this. I dug a pond in my mother's backyard years ago. It probably holds 500 gallons. Anyway, she fought algae and scum for years. The water is aerated with a waterfall and another aerator. Nothing seemed to keep the water clean. I bought her a UV light and the water cleared up in a week and stays crystal clear all year long. I was surprised at how effective the UV was. I hadn't used it in any applications before but I was impressed.

And you don't shut it off. You run it 24/7.
Click to expand...
any idea what wattage bulb it was?
 
xtsho

xtsho

Well-Known Member
rkymtnman said:
any idea what wattage bulb it was?
Click to expand...
I think it was 30-40 watts or close. The pump flow rate is another factor that comes into play as well. I probably didn't size everything correctly but it all worked. Went from green to clean water almost right away. Probably more UV than I needed but I don't see how that would be a negative while not enough would be. The Koi are happy.
 
tommyinajar

tommyinajar

Well-Known Member
Someone told me to up the southern AG (Hydroguard) I never hear actually the ratio- I always used 1 cap full, He said boost it to three and see if root rot is gone.
Sound right anybody?


I was thinking only about the RO, not the city water, that's probably fine, it just VERY hard.

Maybe I'll flush the lines for a few minutes before adding to the res. Get rid of what evers sitting in the lines
 
icedrgn027

icedrgn027

Well-Known Member
tommyinajar said:
Someone told me to up the southern AG (Hydroguard) I never hear actually the ratio- I always used 1 cap full, He said boost it to three and see if root rot is gone.
Sound right anybody?
Click to expand...
Yes, I have saved plants with Hydroguard that were experiencing Root rot. Normal posted dosages are for healthy plants as a preventative in the danger zones of warm water. It should call for 2.5ml per gallon normally. Don't be afraid to multiply that by 4x min depending on severity. I figure its cheaper than starting over and have done well with it.
 
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