UV Sleeve

[Boo Baker]

I Just cleaned a UV Sleeve on my Lifeguard 90W UV. Does the sleeve need to be completely dry before placing the bulb back in?

 

[Bigfishy1]

The inside needs to be dry

 

[Freenow54]

I read on another thread they should be replaced every year

 

[Boo Baker]

Thanks for the responses, 5 hours later, still wet. Anybody have any good ideas on a drying method? Its basically a 28" long test tube. Even tried my wife's hair dryer for 30 min.

 

[Freenow54]

Can people please Chime in regarding a post by Privateye who says Ick can be eliminated by UV ?

 

[slingfox]

I read on another thread they should be replaced every year

Common recommendation is to replace the UV bulb every year. I don’t believe there is a need to replace the sleeve that often.

 

[slingfox]

Thanks for the responses, 5 hours later, still wet. Anybody have any good ideas on a drying method? It’s basically a 28" long test tube. Even tried my wife's hair dryer for 30 min.

Just let it sit out in a location where it gets sunlight. After a few dies it should be done dry. Tank will do just fine without UV during that time.

 

[Freenow54]

Common recommendation is to replace the UV bulb every year. I don’t believe there is a need to replace the sleeve that often.

It is from that and other manufacturers take that for what it is worth

 

[Boo Baker]

Can people please Chime in regarding a post by Privateye who says Ick can be eliminated by UV ?

I have a 95 watt on my 150gal reef, no ick. Can one equate it to the UV, no. My understanding is it will kill the free floaters that make it through the UV, so it helps but does not eliminate completely. BUT I did Flunk science 12 years in a row

 

[Freenow54]

I have a 95 watt on my 150gal reef, no ick. Can one equate it to the UV, no. My understanding is it will kill the free floaters that make it through the UV, so it helps but does not eliminate completely. BUT I did Flunk science 12 years in a row

Well you certainly cant be called a quitter

 

[mbuxton]

Yes you need the UV sleeve to be dry. I have not replaced the UV sleeve but what I would highly recommend is you thoroughly check the body of the UV sterilizer. The UV light deteriorates the plastic and in my case a big hole gave way and I ended up with a major flood Christmas Eve evening 2024. If you can see the UV light through the main body of the sterilizer, you need to replace it asap. Also the connectors for the bulb seem to be cheap and may require replacement if they are loose after you reconnect the bulb.

 

[Boo Baker]

Just let it sit out in a location where it gets sunlight. After a few dies it should be done dry. Tank will do just fine without UV during that time.

It was cloudy and snowy here in Feb. not a lot of sun. it did dry finely after a few days. New bulb and tube ordered for the next time!

 

[Boo Baker]

Yes you need the UV sleeve to be dry. I have not replaced the UV sleeve but what I would highly recommend is you thoroughly check the body of the UV sterilizer. The UV light deteriorates the plastic and in my case a big hole gave way and I ended up with a major flood Christmas Eve evening 2024. If you can see the UV light through the main body of the sterilizer, you need to replace it asap. Also the connectors for the bulb seem to be cheap and may require replacement if they are loose after you reconnect the bulb.

mine has a pvc sleeve inside, that can be changed. Flood would not be good

 

[Waters]

No, you only need to replace the sleeve if it is physically blocking light. Regarding Ick, no, normally UV alone will not eliminate the parasite as it only kills the free swimming theront stage (the parasite will continue to reproduce in the substrate). It can help manage the parasite though.

 

[xiaoxiy]

It is from that and other manufacturers take that for what it is worth

The PVC UV sleeve should be replaced annually, but I think @Boo Baker is talking about the quartz sleeve, which only needs to be replaced if it gets cloudy and can’t be cleaned.

 

[Boo Baker]

yes, I was talking about the sleeve. After 6 months it was a little cloudy but cleaned up pretty good with vinegar. But I am a lazy reefer so buying a sleeve rather than cleaning the old works for me!

 

[Jamie814]

Yes you need the UV sleeve to be dry. I have not replaced the UV sleeve but what I would highly recommend is you thoroughly check the body of the UV sterilizer. The UV light deteriorates the plastic and in my case a big hole gave way and I ended up with a major flood Christmas Eve evening 2024. If you can see the UV light through the main body of the sterilizer, you need to replace it asap. Also the connectors for the bulb seem to be cheap and may require replacement if they are loose after you reconnect the bulb.

I wonder what kind of microplastics are being released into our aquariums from degrading PVC within these UV's? I mean, it has to go somewhere as it deteriorates? @Randy Holmes-Farley any studies on this?

 

[mmorrison55]

Thanks for the responses, 5 hours later, still wet. Anybody have any good ideas on a drying method? It’s basically a 28" long test tube. Even tried my wife's hair dryer for 30 min.

For my uv bulb sleeve, I basically fashion a large Q-tip out of some lint free shop towels (blue paper towels), and a long dowel, and gently swab the inside of the sleeve to dry it.

 

[mmorrison55]

It is a good idea to have one or two replacements on hand as they are easy to break and you don’t want to be without your uv while you wait for shipping.

 

[Boo Baker]

For my uv bulb sleeve, I basically fashion a large Q-tip out of some lint free shop towels (blue paper towels), and a long dowel, and gently swab the inside of the sleeve to dry it.

I had a gun cleaning kit that had not been used yet, so no oils. I used that along with the barrel swaps that come with the kit. It's now hanging in my fish supply closet. now I need a new gun cleaning kit!