Can Algae/diatoms be killed with UV

[Abarth_1200]

So I have an understanding of the uv wavelengths in that UVA and UVB are what we and the earth are exposed to daily. But UVC is blocked by the atmosphere, that's a good thing as it's deadly. So I wonder if there is a way to spot treat unwanted algae/ diatoms with UV, I've seen torches for reef keepers I'm sure. Obviously this would need to be done with a high level of care but let's have a listen of anyone who knows about this.

 

[erwin123]

Fish lovers, beware: Singapore man blinded by pond's UV lamp

Man partially blinded by UV sterilisation lamp in fish pond while cleaning it. -TNP

www.asiaone.com

just be careful...

 

[noodlesuk]

I assume if the intensity was enough. it would work and some time back I looked at small UVC sources to make a pen/spot type device for local treatment of hair algae. I never got any further but noticed a product is available for reef use:-

Reef Delete is a New Way to Sterilize Aiptasia and Other Pests | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

Reef Delete is a creative new approach for the eradication of aquarium pests and parasites which doesn’t use any chemicals or injection techniques to get the job done. Unlike consumable solutions of…

reefbuilders.com

 

[Oldguy]

I looked at small UVC sources

@noodlesuk most interesting. I wonder i f the rb device would kill algae on plant leaves without killing the leaves.

 

[John q]

@noodlesuk most interesting. I wonder i f the rb device would kill algae on plant leaves without killing the leaves.

I believe @X3NiTH got a reef delete, not sure if he ever tried it on his freshwater tank, but he may be able to shed some light on the subject?

 

[_Maq_]

After years of observation, I've come to perceive algae as a visible expression of a trouble, not the root of it. When algae grow well, plants usually don't, and there's something definitely wrong about the tank. What exactly is that 'something' is not very clear (to me), but elevated level of dissolved organic compounds is a prime suspect - and I'd love to get it elucidated as to what (sort of) compounds are decisive and where they come from.
That said, I do not oppose discussion about UV lamps' usefulness. They can kill microbes (incl. algae & cyanobacteria) and speed up degradation of organic pollutants. Yet I believe this is only a symptomatic remedy, not going to the core of the trouble.

 

[X3NiTH]

Never tried the ReefDelete in the freshwater tank, felt there was a problem with the unit which is now part of a recall and replacement. Once sorted I’ll give it a try.