Tips on Maintaining your UV Steriliser

Equipment MaintenanceKshitij Gupta
Tips on Maintaining your UV Steriliser
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How do I maintain my UV Light Steriliser ?

This is often the most neglected part of the hobby specially when it comes to UV sets, the UV steriliser should be cleaned minimum once every 3 months. Just like a canister filter UV steriliser needs regular cleaning due to build up of dissolved solids such as calcium, magnesium etc.

dirty aquarium UV light to be cleaned

In the picture (right & below you can clearly see the build up of dissolved solids after 9 months on constant use without cleaning)

dirty aquarium UV light glass to be cleaned 

Steps for In-line models:

  1. Switch off the steriliser and remove the plug.
  2. Remove the cap enclosing the steriliser and pull out the glass.
  3. Clean the glass with Citric Acid based solution or you can also use a blade to remove the deposits , be very careful if using blade.
  4. Before you install the glass on top of the UV bulb, check for any rusting inside which will indicate the life and condition of your UV set.
  5. After the glass is cleaned, install it back over the bulb tightly, and double check this step.
  6. All rubber gaskets should also be cleaned with water, if needs to be replaced should be replaced to prevent any unwanted leakage.
  7. Once installation is complete you can check for any leakages and keep a check for 5-10 mins while switching on the power supply.

Steps may differ as per products models and brands, but the basics for almost all UV steriliser is same.

 aquarium UV Bulb

When should I change the UV Bulb ?
The UV bulb should be changed once every year to maximum in 1.5 years . 

 

How do I check if UV Light is working ?
In every UV steriliser set there is a small glass window or an indication from where you can check weather UV light is working or not. You can also check the adaptor power supply.

 

How to I change UV Bulb in my UV Light Steriliser ?

Before you get into changing the UV Bulb, double check if you have the exact model and correct bulb.

opening aquarium uv light

image of a aquarium UV bulb socket 

Steps for In-line models: 

  1. Switch off the steriliser and remove the plug.
  2. Remove the cap enclosing the steriliser and pull out the glass.
  3. Carefully remove the UV bulb with the help of gloves, do not apply shake or bend pressure rather pull it gently.
  4. Before you install the new UV bulb, check for any rusting inside which will indicate the life and condition of your UV set.
  5. Install new UV bulb tightly inside the socket.
  6. Install the glass back over the bulb tightly, and double check this step.
  7. All rubber gaskets should also be cleaned with water, if needs to be replaced should be replaced to prevent any unwanted leakage.
  8. Once installation is complete you can check for any leakages and keep a check for 5-10 mins while switching on the power supply.

- Kshitij Gupta

Tags: Equipment maintenance

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