UV Sterilisers and Planted Tanks?

[bryce2003]

Just wondering if there is any dramas with having a UV Steriliser on a planted/semi planted tank? More along the point of stripping anything of value from the water that the plants require or use in their growth cycle.
Cheers,
Bryce.

[aaronskwod]

Hey bryce,

I stuffed up and posted my reply for your question in the main forum.
Check it out there.

Aaron

[bryce2003]

Aaron,
Mate thanks for the reply. Also wondering if you'd know if a UV steriliser would negate the use of activated carbon? I got the water running through the carbon in the sump to cancel any smells and to polish the water, not that you can tell at the moment but wondering if a UV sterlisier helps to achieve the same thing? Any info much appreciated.
Cheers,
Bryce.

[aaronskwod]

[quote:50383a2b6d]Also wondering if you'd know if a UV steriliser would negate the use of activated carbon?[/quote:50383a2b6d]

No mate, UV's dont have any effect on water parameters, water quality, mineral content etc.

Carbon and UV are totally different. Carbon is a chemically absorbant material, and all a UV does is kill living things i.e bacteria, viruses, parasites etc.

The permanant use of carbon on a planted tank would also probably have a negative effect on plant growth as it would be temporarily absorbing important trace elements and minerals needed by plants for proper growth, photosynthesis and respiration.

Aaron

[bryce2003]

Aaron,
Mate thanks heaps for the info and the heads up. It's very much appreciated.
Cheers,
Bryce.