UV question

[rmorris_14]

I'm currently running this in my tank to help with a dino situation I have been battling.

I have to clean out the sponge every day (at most every other day). I am getting ready to be away from my tank for 11 days and its not something I am comfortable asking the person tank sitting to do.

Has anyone ever run this type of UV without the intank sponge (if it goes that long without cleaning I feel like the sponge will become clogged with gunk and become ineffective while I am gone). So in theory, no sponge, no clog.

Concerns with doing that?

 

[randomfishdude]

I think you can just remove it. You would probobly have to take the uv out when you get home and flush it with tap.
I ran one on my aio without the filter before I got a sump.

 

[rmorris_14]

I think you can just remove it. You would probobly have to take the uv out when you get home and flush it with tap.
I ran one on my aio without the filter before I got a sump.

would there be any risk of the light from the bulb harming the fish?

 

[exnisstech]

No experience with this type. Looks like maybe the sponge is to protect the pump? If that's the case it would probably be fine without it as long as a snail or something doesn't crawl in. Maybe place a piece of mesh over the intake. I'd be concerned about the bulb over heating if the sponge becomes clogged.